My first teaching experience in Korando – by Tsewang from Nepal

I had planned to give the students of class 7 a short computer lesson by focusing on the basics. The class I walked into was insulated by a tin roof, its crackling reminding me of the searing heat outside. I introduced myself and watched the curious eyes of the students following my words. “Habari” (Hello in Kiswahili) I said loudly. The sweat snaked its way along my forehead making me feel uneasy. The students were positioned there perfectly, seated on their wooden chairs, looking at me with gleaming eyes. They were silent and watchful and it made me more nervous. As I struggled with engaging them, I realized that we share so many things in common and our love for sports and the inquisitiveness to learn began to shift the awkward atmosphere into an amiable one. We immediately began discussing which side each of us were on for the World Cup and even sang the famous, Waka waka song together.

I started asking the class about their knowledge of computer. However, a completes silence answered my question. I repeated myself, “Class 7, can anyone in the class tell me something about the computer?” I caught the glimpse of one student, saying, a machine, in a very shy manner. A sheer happiness engulfed me as I wanted the class to be a two-way interactive process. I learned that I had to be very repetitive with myself if I want to continue making the class interactive. I showed the class, a short video on the basic introduction to the computer. As the student gazed at my laptop, I witnessed the looks of astonishment. As I sat there reminiscing about my childhood days of learning computer, I wondered about every possible way I can make myself helpful for these students.

The bell rang, indicating the time for the next class and I waved them goodbye. At that point, I was perplexed, at the idea of teaching a group of student who has no ethos of engaging in a collaborative educational system. I quickly learned to make the class interesting by showing them videos, and playing games relevant with the content. Immersing myself in a completely new culture and interacting with a student with whom I share a common bond of learning, I was excited about undertaking the new challenge of teaching, and learning myself by teaching others.

Curious About Volunteering?

June 29, 2018

Related Post

Rafiki – My Friend – by Janne from Belgium

Rafiki – My Friend – by Janne from Belgium

This summer I spent a month in Kisumu and I had the best time of my life. Before going, I thought I was just going to teach the little ones everyday from morning to evening, but one week into the program I noticed that there was so much more to explore!