Day 2 – Teacher observation August 31, 2007

As students of the Teacher Training Course, we are required to sit in Elem 1 and 2 classes to observe different teaching techniques from more experienced senseis.

The first class we attended as a group is Keli-sensei’s Elem 2 morning class. I have to say that I loved Keli-sensei’s class. Her method might seem ordinary to students. But to teachers, it is not. Her lessons flow seamlessly from one topic to another. She uses a lot of materials (nothing too bongga, like the ones we had during the first 模擬授業) to make lessons more interesting.

Here are a few shots I took of the class.

I also took a pic of my classmates, without them knowing, of course.

Gotcha! Natutulog si Gail, nagte-text si Peewee at inaantok si Sherrie! Susumbong ko kayo kay sensei!!!

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Nihongo Center! June 8, 2007

*&^%$#@!! How come I never saw these pictures before?! All I know is he visited the school the same day we had a Darake gang reunion in December. Edwin-sensei wasn’t able to make it to the reunion because of PM Abe’s visit.

Now I’m soooo jealous of these people in the picture! Alfred-sensei, you’re so lucky, man!! Oh-kay…you’re still taller than the Prime Minister ^_^

OK, so this pic on the right, that’s PM Abe, extreme left is Ambassador Domingo Siazon, then Ambassador San Victores and the lady is the PM’s wife. Powgi naman siya, pero mas gusto ko makita ng personal si PM Koizumi, hehehe.

Now, this picture below…that’s Alfred-sensei, nangingibabaw sa lahat ng ibabaw. Teacher ko yan!! Teacher ko yan sa Elem 1 at Intermediate 2!!

Hay naku talaga…I’m in the best school for Nihongo in the Philippines!! Wipee!!

Now, it would be really good if PM Abe makes good his promises to the school…he actually promised a lot of things…according to a very important source (mwehehe). He even offered a vehicle for the school (it was not on the list that the school gave him). Last December, he personally instructed the Japan Foundation to increase the number of scholarship grants offered to Filipinos…gosh, sir, I’m waiting in line!!

The next time he visits the school, I’ll make sure I’m there (feeling) ^_^

模擬授業 - Trial/practice class March 23, 2007

Mojica-sensei (Edwin-sensei) told us that Kouchou-sensei (Betty-sensei) wants our class to have a 模擬授業 as soon as we finish Chapter 5 of the book. As expected, everyone was surprised with the announcement. We weren’t happy with it…we were scared! Besides, we thought it was too early to be doing practice classes. Those usually come in the second semester. But Kouchou-sensei insisted that we have it. ASAP. We did bargain that the practice be moved to after the Holy Week, so we have the long vacation to think about what to teach and how to teach. Wipee…not.

Why am I scared? I suppose it’s not because I’m scared of teaching…I’m scared of making a fool of myself in front of Kouchou-sensei! Her presence is always so intimidating. If she weren’t there, it wouldn’t be so bad, but the thing is, she wanted to be there and observe everyone. 校長先生がいなければ、大丈夫かもしれません。でも、模擬授業は先生のアイデアです。ですからいるはずです。恐い。。。

But why should I be scared? Shouldn’t I be proud that one of the best Nihongo teachers in the country will be observing me in class? I do not exaggerate when I say ‘one of the best’. Kouchou-sensei has been recognized by the Emperor of Japan for her contributions to Nihongo education in the country. Together with Edwin-sensei and Ogata-sensei, they are the pioneers of teaching Nihongo in the country. I am proud to say that I am studying under the very best people in Nihongo education in the Philippines. Reading this speech by Ambassador Yamazaki during the conferment of Kouchou-sensei’s Order of the Rising Sun made me really happy and proud….Teacher ko yan!

Geez…if only it was so easy to measure up to the three of them…just as it is easy to feel proud that I am their student. ^_~

PS: Pag ako naging teacher na, sure ako na magiging mabait ako sa mga estudyante ko…hindi ako mahirap ayain sa gimik. Pag gusto nila ng karaoke, papayag agad ako. Yun na! ^_~