Going back to school is not just a challenge for students, but also for teachers.
According to one local professor who teaches French at MiraCosta College, Mrs.Rachele DeMeo--a French native--starting the semester right is crucial for students and teachers alike. She uses creative methods to introduce her native language and culture, French, and makes the language come alive.
But this all brings its own challenges (or “défis” as the French would say).
Mme. DeMeo shares her own “défis”:
“As a college professor, I face many back-to-school challenges. Here’re a few of them:
a) Having too many students sign up for the course, knowing that some will have to be turned away because the class is already full. This is always hard because some of them might be the most eager to learn, but just signed up too late.
b) Getting to know the students—being personable while remaining professional. Giving them individual attention—in spite the confines of a large class. (Not easy to juggle.)
c) Gauging and channeling the diverse levels of the students (the motivated ones want to advance further while those that seem more challenged tend to give up fast). It’s helpful to sense the students’ motivation levels from the get-go so I know how to better help them along.
d) Tedious, time-consuming paperwork and planning that accompanies the new semester. (Actually, the planning takes place all summer. Still…)”
Other teacher frustrations?
“I’m very organized and planned as a teacher. But, the disadvantage of that is that I have a difficult time being flexible when things don't go "as planned". I'm learning to rely on the Lord when things are out of my control (such as dysfunctional technology). Knowing God is ultimately in control is uplifting. I can come to Him when I'm stressed.”
So how does Mme. DeMeo—also a wife and young mother—cope with the back-to-school pressures?
“The key for me is prayer. I pray for my lessons, my teaching and my students.”
Check out Rachele DeMeo’s French and English cooking classes on YouTube. (Learn to cook “à la française” while learning the language.)
Janey DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © August 2011
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