In the classroom of a great teacher … at the Lincoln Center

“I’m in the presence of a great teacher” was the first thought that came to my mind as Nikolina began interacting with the students in her classroom. She doesn’t just teach the subject of the English language. She teaches students! She makes students! She motivates students!

Let me tell you about the class.

Students laughed! They thought seriously about deep subjects! When a student mentioned facebook, she spoke more knowledgably any other teacher I’ve observed yet!

The first student to speak talked about going out for coffee with her friends. Can you get any more normal? Nikolina showed intense interest. The girl smiled, laughed and looked her in the eye. All of the students wanted to talk with her.

When another student mentioned “money,” Nikolina used it as a starting point to review expressions related to money. This was in the form of a flower with the word “money” in the middle and various words/idioms used with money on the petals.

Multiple disruptions that would have caused other teachers to react in frustration, sarcasm or anger did not ruffle the feathers of this teacher! She constantly responded with encouragement, delight, and interest in their well-being.

To be sure, Nikolina is no push-over. She challenges students not only to respond in a way that is grammatically correct but also to vary their responses.

Finally, her examples and conversations have substance. “Last week, we talked about how money can’t always give you success.” When one student made a mistake with the past participle of the verb “forgive,” she wrote the verb tenses on the board. Then, she started into a brief discussion about forgiveness, and one girl really grappled with this issue.

I hope you have the chance to be in the presence of this great teacher.

Publikuar fillimisht me: 01.18.2010