September 6, 2014 - Teaching and Work

Noel and I have been teaching for a few weeks now.  So much work and preparation to be ready for the classes.  To say the first week went well would be a gross exaggeration.  The class timetable did not come out until the night before the classes were to begin.  No one knew where or when they would teach.  This was equally, or more difficult for the students.  For us we had no idea where the classes would be held, how many students or what would be available in the classrooms.  A rough and humbling week.

 We just finished our third week and things have settled into a rhythm.  So different to have to find and take your projector, your chalk, writing paper, masking tape, and absolutely everything you will need for the class with you to every building.  We are getting better but I forget at least one item every time.  The students are respectful and serious.  Engagement and trust takes time and we must be patient. Resources are so different and sparse.  We still struggle with power outages all day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.  This makes for an entirely different type of preparation for class.  Some buildings have a generator which helps greatly.  Interestingly the classroom may have a generator but the hospital does not.  Rationale is that it is a different pool of government money (department of health vs. department of education).