A little self-reflection??

I was reading the TDi blog the other day, this time the topic is "the whole" teacher". I always enjoy reading the TDi blogs, this time I decided to write something about it as I lived the subject.
I was particularly  interested in the questionnaire Kate Cory-Wright, although I did left a comment telling how useful I think the particular post was, it did not get approved.
I decided to go through answering the questionnaire though, because I know that it would do me good and help me evaluate myself somehow.
So here it goes:

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1. Do you forgive yourself if a class goes badly?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. It depends on the day and on the incident. When something goes wrong, I really think hard about it, I wonder what I should have done, what the reactions might have been. In the end, I try to find ways to correct things. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

2. Do the majority of your lessons bring you a sense of joy?

Yes, my lessons usually make sense to me and to my students, and yes, they make me happy.

3. Are you adaptable? If an activity goes well and you can see a way to continue with it, are you happy to run with the ball (even though it wasn’t on the lesson plan)? 

Equally, if an activity doesn’t go well, can you adapt it spontaneously/in real time?

I do that all the time, I never stick to the lesson plan, especially if my students produce language. That's why I don't stick to exam books so much. I always have extra activities - games with me in case something goes wrong...

 

4. Do you ever experiment with new ideas?

I always experiment with new ideas, I try new things all the time.  

5. Are you able to let go of total control during your classes?

I am master of that too! LOL! I don't like "military discipline" in my classroom / with my private students as well. I prefer "creative noise. As I mentioned I never stick to the plan, but all of this combined to each other makes perfect sense.

6. Do you “connect” with most of your students? Do you genuinely care for them?

I do connect with my students. Most of them talk to me about their problems and joys. I keep in touch with most of my former students, as well. Some of them come to visit or call me to see how I am doing and this brings a lot of joy. I do care about them, I see them as an extension of my family.

7. Do you ever put yourself in your students’ shoes and reflect on how they feel?

All the time. I can feel the pressure and their fears, that's why I try to talk to them and be close to them 

8. Does an element of the “real you” come across in your lessons?

I think my lesson is all "me", I am not good with other people's rules, I don't do what I am told and this brings conflicts sometimes.  Some trust my decisions and some don't. 

9. Do you feel a passion for teaching and for your subject? Does it show?

I do and I think it does show most of the times

10. Do you take enough care of your health and happiness outside of class?

I exercise regularly and I try to watch what I eat (generally but not lately). If you don't feel good with yourself, how can you expect to make other people confident about themselves??

Well I think this was a real boost to myself!!!

More to come!