Both schools have me now teaching ICT (Information, Communication and Technology). Well more teaching the theories behind ICT as most rural schools aren’t equipped with any form of technology… let alone books that the students can learn from. So on my biweekly visits to the two schools I try to explain what a computer is, the various pars of a computer, how to type… where fingers should be placed if they wish to type correctly… and how to operate a mouse. The theories behind the internet, and the cyber world (extremely challenging as these kids don’t have any imagination, and telling them to imagine another so called ‘world’ well?). As well as all the various types of storage devices for computers, what printers do, and the difference between RAM and ROM (things that I never took interest in learning until now.)
the students desks
But I’m struggling with how to motivate students… yes ICT is required for students to pass to go onto the next grade, but school isn’t taken seriously. All my fellow teachers keep telling me that if they don’t cane (whip) the students then they wouldn’t learn anything and they keep insisting that I should cane the students if they act up or don’t do the homework that I assign to them… first off I’m not allowed as a Peace Corps Volunteer to cane students, and second I don’t believe in caning students as a form of punishment I more believe in praising the students when they have done something good and ignoring the bad, rewarding them, and give them an incentive to learn and want to be in school… or at least in my class.
the teacher's desk
Although I still find it a struggle because the only things that tells the students if they can go onto the next grade is if they pass their final exams. And I know that that if there is no motivation behind learning then why not just cram for the exam to go onto the next grade?
Sounds like you are doing an amazing job in a difficult situation. I commend you on wading against the cultural standard. Physical punishment only teaches dominance, and both inspiration and dominance are contagious.
ReplyDeleteI don't know any of these kids, but I'd be surprised if they had no imagination. Perhaps an extremely literal communication style or some disbelief about the accuracy of the translation (yours or theirs) are contributing to that perception. Or they have no imagination.
In terms of motivation, random rewards are better than consistent rewards, and praising intelligence isn't as good as praising hard work (no matter the trait). Beyond that, you have a challenge on your hands because they won't be used to anything you do. Good luck. :)