My how the time flies...

I can't believe how little time I have left here! Only 12 more days of school left until I leave!

I'm not sure how much of an impact I have had on my students here...I certainly don't feel the same connection that I did with my students in the states (probably because I had a lot more responsibility for instruction in the states than I have had here...). BUT, I did take the time to teach them a little bit about Michigan when I first came and I taught one of my classes, one of the ninth grade classes, how to line dance which they really enjoyed :)

I think my greatest challenge in my teaching experience here has been the difference in timing and expectations. At OHHS I was under a lot of pressure to get certain subjects done by certain times; here it is so much more laid back - almost too much so. At OHHS I was frustrated with how fast things were going, here I have found myself getting frustrated for how slow we are going. I think that overall I have learned that timing in teaching is a fine art - if you go to fast the students won't enjoy or learn anything; but if you go too slow the students, and sometimes you, will get bored with the material and it won't be fun or interesting any more. I've tried at times to keep Floria moving along on things...and part of my frustration is that I'm not really sure if it's just her or if that's just how teaching is in general here...but usually these attempts are in vain. I think the real reason it bugs me so much is because I know I won't have time to do the activities I wanted to do with my students in my last week here.

Se la vie. (no idea if I spelled that right...)

So...my biggest lesson from Costa Rica: the importance of relationships and timing!

The Great Floria

I'm going to focus this entry on what I have been learning from my CT here in Costa Rica. Interestingly enough, I think that the most important thing I've learned from Floria that will help me grow professionally, is how to not be so professional. It sounds strange, but I will try to explain.

Floria's relationship with her students really brings to life the motto "students won't care what you know until they know you care." Having a fun and open relationship with your students makes a huge difference in how they respond to you and your teaching. Watching Floria has taught me that you're never going to be a truly successful teacher if you are focused on being "professional" all the time. Obviously, you can't cross the "friend" line; but walking close to it is a fine art that reaps great benefits.

Floria has also helped illustrate just how important it is to forge good relationships with your co-workers, and to not leave anyone behind in that philosophy (janitors, librarians, etc.) Everyone seems to know Floria here, and it's a good thing. Everyone always smiles when they see her, and it seems like she has an inside joke with everyone here. It's a model of having healthy professional relationships I intend to follow :)

Culture Interviews

I asked my CT, Floria, and the teacher that shares our room, Glenn, how they think Costa Rican culture affects education:

Glenn:

1. Alcohol has a much larger role in the culture here than what is socially acceptable in North America. It amazes me when I see students in the Middle and High Schools come to school hung over. Its role is really apparent in graduation parties where there will be multiple types of liquor bottles on every table. (an 8th grader estimated that about 30% of her grade/friends have at least one drink a week)

2. Teachers are extremely highly qualified in Costa Rica - they somehow get a lot of bang for their buck when it comes to teacher education here. Teachers know how to work with what they have; and that shows in their products. Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates south of the United States.

Floria:

1. Costa Rican culture is very laid back, sometimes too laid back. People don't like to work very hard for what they want. Especially when you are working with upper-class students - you can tell when they bring in things that their parents or maids did for them.

2. post secondary education isn't as much of a focus here because you still have such a large job market that does not require a college degree.

3. costa ricans benefit from the country's booming tourism - we're exposed to many other cultures

4. beings a "natural" country takes education on a course toward ecological minded studies (pan-american is very recycling friendly!)

5. public schools are much more costa rica centered; you wouldn't find an extensive world history program in a public school - maybe one year