This is Cambodia
I’ve found myself thinking a lot lately about how difficult it is to get anything done at site. I could:
A)propose painting a mural of the world on the school, thereby teaching students the different names of countries, have them ask questions and learn that they too can contribute to the school atmosphere.
B) introduce new techniques into curriculum, thereby breaking the system of disinformation and lack of effective learning that has been taking place for years.
C) I could take part in putting together the greenhouse with the students, teaching them the various english names of tools, plants, and techniques…
D) or I could watch reruns of The Office and grow frustrated with how all of those things above were attempted and just blame it on the “structure of Cambodia.”
In my past month of observation in grades 8-12, I’ve learned some basic mechanics of the Cambodian education system.
1) Things have been done this way for a while and if there’s one thing people here don’t like, it’s change. Last time major change was brought to this country, the results didn’t turn out so well.
2) Why change when things seem to be working fine enough, change just brings work.
3) Why show up on time and pay for books when you most likely will never use more than “Hello teacha” in your day to day lives after high school.
4) Just because you’re American and speak perfect English does not mean Cambodian students will understand your version of English.
5) Never assume that simply because you’ve spoken the language your entire life that you know more about grammar than your counterpart.
With each realization, I’m attempting to formulate some game plan, some way to convince my counterparts that our crazy teaching methods are worth a shot and that they may actually find themselves wanting to adapt. Most of the time, I simply am met with a reply in the form of a blank stare, laugh, then “but this is not how we do it,” followed by silence then back to the previous subject. My attempts to involve students in the learning process has been even less successful and the school genuinely seems very uninterested in taking part in making the program better. Times like this I really wish I had more training in motivation, teaching, anything.
My goal for this week: Teach a class and prove that one lesson can be taught within an hour, and that students can show up on time.
Eventually, it’d be nice to have regular attendance, participation, and willingness in the classroom from both the teacher and students to learn. Oh well, one step at a time.
However, I will be painting the entire freaking world on the side of the school, with or without the help of Botam Sakor High School. Gonna straight up grafiti that bitch if I have to.
Be easy,
-Matt