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Eighteen months ago, Henan University of Science and Technology students wanted to use their English skills in a way that would help others rather than reviewing memorized dialogues. They brain stormed and came up with a number of proposals and then took a vote. The top choice was to teach English to younger students who didn’t have a lot of opportunities. Volunteering Program for Students Helping Students One of the university students suggested Feng Li #2 Middle School, where she had attended. It was relatively nearby and situated in a farming village. The student volunteered to contact the school and successfully set up the first visit. Unfortunately, duties for another class kept her from participating. Usually 75 to 100 middle school students participate. A simple organizational system was created and except for minor adjustments, it is the basis for each monthly visit. The young students are divided into six groups. Each group has one or two university student group leaders. The group leaders stay with their groups, shepherding them from venue to venue. Teaching Volunteers Provide Volunteering Solutions Usually six different subjects or activities are selected, each with two student teachers. The following lessons have been the most popular in teaching English: Charades – simplified rules with type of word/phrase provided by the teacher so that students do not have to guess as much. I Spy – a guessing game where the first letter is given of a tangible object clearly visible in the teaching area and students try to guess what it is. Each guess is written on the blackboard and students practice spelling it. Number Sequences – Students form a circle and take turns saying the next number “counting.” After beginning with 1, 2, 3, the group progresses to counting by 2s, then 3s. At the end of each circuit, once around the entire circle, everyone who has made a mistake must do what the group tells them as penalty. The most common payment is to sing a song. Build a Word – The class starts with some random letters and race to see who can make the most words out of them. Then the entire class creates a master list, discussing spelling and definitions. Number Computation – Although more difficult than most of the other venues, this station is quite popular. Several verbal instructions for math calculations are given – pencil and paper are not allowed – and students are expected to follow in their heads, coming up with the correct answer. For example, 2 times 2; plus 1; squared; minus 1; divide by 12; plus 7; divide by 3. Answer: 3 Hangman – This old favorite has many new followers even though the name and scoring method are gruesome. Ball relays – Students need more physical activity than simply walking from class to class, so one group pairs common sports ideas with letter, number or word games. Topic Specific Words – Colors, verbs, and shapes have all been used as themes to teach new words to the students. The university student teachers discuss and prepare their lessons in advance. Group leaders are encouraged to find creative ways of handling disruptive or unhappy students. Both groups – the students and the student teachers – have had a positive response to the project. Most visits end with a flurry of autograph signing and picture taking. For the university students, it is a heady experience to be seen as a role model and “star”. Although everyone is encouraged to use English as much as possible, not all of the middle school students have the ability to engage totally in a foreign language. Both student group leaders and teachers are coached in positive ways of responding to the young students’ reluctance to use their oral English. With only a little supervision by one foreign teacher, the middle school teaching project was organized and led by students. It effects more than 100 students each month! What Does it Take to Teach in China? and What Else Does it Take to Teach in China? also talk about the expat experience.
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