Today I tried for the first time to blog with my international students. They seem rather reluctant and uneasy concerning the content. I understand that it is not an easy task.
I wanted them to reflect upon they first month of staying here in Denmark. What expectations did they have? What was the most surprising thing they have encountered during they stay? How do they feel about having to self-assess using a blog? Also getting use to the style of blogging. It doesn't necessarily have to thought through. It is more about getting your thoughts and feeling down on paper (on the screen?).
So what about my own experiences? Well, first off I can say that it is weird to have a whole new class of international students. I was getting to know the old ones quite well and I wonder what I learned from last year that can be used this year.
One of the things I have noticed is that the new class seem more accustomed to the informal way of teaching here in Denmark. I wonder what they have heard from the previous students?
Another difference is that the class contains only students from Turkey. Last year we started off having students from the Czech Republic, Spain and even Singapore! Creating a multicultural classroom therefore demands much more of an effort.
My initial feelings despite this are positive though. I feel confident that the next semester will prove to both rich on learning and fun for me and the students.
on a side note one of my colleagues showed me this fun video related to one of the topics we have been discussing during the first month: classroom management.
