So I realize that it has been about a month and a half in Germany without any blog posts, but I figure it was about time that I started one. Germany so far has been a really good experience. I am teaching several classes and have found the students extremely intelligent. A lot more emphasis in the schools is put on teaching students other languages. In fact, in my 11th grade english class the students are reading Shakespeare in English. When you compare this to even the highest level spanish classes in high school it really puts us to shame. The classes in the high school are set up a lot like a college. For example, the students meet for five 45 minute sessions in one week. but this will be 90 minutes one day, 45 minutes another, and 90 minutes again. This is both a good and a bad thing when teaching. Somedays I only teach one 45 minute course. However, sometimes I teach three 90 minute courses back to back. The classes are run a lot more student centered. Because it is a higher level course, less emphasis is put on daily assignments and more focus is put into creating longer lasting assessments. This sometimes is good and sometimes is bad when dealing with students who are having trouble being motivated.

In the experience aspect it has been a difficult adjustment. It is tough being in a country where you cannot communicate appropriately with everyone. I have learned how to order and do the basics, but it becomes difficult when there is anything that I have not encountered before that is spoken. this week was Carnival and it was pretty crazy. There are about 5 days where people dress in costume and celebrate in the streets. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. But that is enough for now. I will post more in the future. Time to get some stuff done for my classes this week. Hope all is well with everyone out there. Take care.

Kyle J