A Different Day

Today is Sunday (at least for me, anyway...the rest of you are still snoozing away). So far, it has been slightly different than the usual way of spending my Sundays. I missed going to our second home and spending time with friends, singing, and listening to words spoken from The Word. I was able to find a radio station on the internet that had some of those elements that I was searching for. Not exactly the way I prefer it, but if anything, I’m learning to be more adaptable (I’m just questioning how far I can really stretch and I just hope that I don’t snap?) It makes a person realize how important elements of their personal life truly are and how it is so easy to take things for granted. Continue to think of me as I learn to be adaptable, stretchable and teachable. (Paris may be getting back a whole new woman!)

I am also participating in the common ritual of hanging my clothes out to dry. At least it is not dirty laundry that I am airing out! Despite the humidity, the clothes dry fairly rapidly. There are no pictures on the washing machine, so I have no idea if the buttons that I am pushing is going to create the desired result. At this point, as long as they are clean and the clothes haven’t shrunk, then I’m doing well. In this case, reading the signs is of no help at all—it’s all in Chinese.

I had my first “dance” with social negotiations today; I’m just not certain who is doing the leading. I am sharing with a group of teachers about some of the methods that we incorporate within the classroom in North America. I often will use pair work in class or group activities; rarely are my learners sitting in the desk the whole time while I talk. There was a question from this group of teachers whether the experienced teachers would be placed with the new teachers. In my opinion, this is necessary for a mixture of talent, experience and knowledge among a variety of people. It promotes a higher degree of discussion. There seems to be some resistance to this format. I am asking myself is this a matter of saving face for the older teachers? They may fear embarrassment or failure in front of the new teachers who are probably younger. Or, is this a matter of control, where the older teachers seem to want (or possibly need) control of the learning situation? After all, it can be frightening having a foreigner come and share new ideas with them. How much do I exert my control over the situation?

Saving face is a big factor when dealing with this culture. I want to honour and respect that; however, the premise of me coming to share ideas with them is also that they may learn new things to apply to their profession. At what point do I “lead” in this dance and at what point do I let them “lead”? Well, the song is going, so I will let you know how the song ends. As well, on a lighter note, my clothes came out just fine and are drying quite nicely on the balcony.