Classroom Atmosphere

November 10, 2013

This week was the first week of national testing for the Form IV students and the school’s attention has turned, appropriately, to this fact. If they do not pass this test, they cannot go on to advanced level secondary school, and then to university.

The Form II students have already ended their year after their national exam last month and the Form IV students will join them after this week, so the Form I and Form III students are the only ones still in the classroom.

With the school’s population diminishing, the atmosphere at the school is becoming increasingly relaxed. This shift has made it more difficult to move forward in the curriculum, but it has made it easier to get through to the students on a more personal level. I am still figuring out how to create a friendly, yet focused learning environment. The Form III students, with better English than the Form I’s, have been able to understand my jokes and respond well to some prodding. But just this week, either because of my improving Swahili or the impending end of the year, the brick wall of staring Form I faces has started to acquire some smiles, some laughs, and some much needed interaction. Interaction that I am trying (somewhat successfully) to direct towards learning. Interaction that I feel is creating a safe and friendly environment. Currently my theory is that if I am viewed as a respected, strict but friendly teacher, I can both gain interest from the students and maintain high expectations. Because who wants to let down a friend, right? We will see how that goes. This week seemed to go well, but the real test will be the final exams the week after next.

Here’s a picture of one of my Form I classes.