Back to School.

I've now had the opportunity to sit in two separate university classes here with some local friends that I've made (an English Lit class and the other an Art History class--how fitting is that?).  Of course, I tuned in and out of both classes since I couldn't understand everything to a "T."  But it gave me time to put on my observer hat and make some mental notes about education in the motherland.  Namely, I began to think of who I am as a teacher and my expectations of the whole teaching and learning endeavor.

I was abhorred in the first class that I observed that students continued to talk throughout the hour and a half lecture.  My local friend described it as a 'market' (i.e., a lingering buzz of noise that at times overshadowed the instructor's own voice).  My interpretation = RUDE.  At several points the instructor informed them to quiet down, but no one seemed to comply.

Maybe Ch. teachers have thick skin, but for me as a teacher if I even have a hint of rebellion I lose all confidence.  Props to the instructor for continuing with her lecture--sporting a smile nonetheless.

Second class I observed I passed by the back row of students smoking on my way in.  It reminded me of the 'back of the bus' phenomenon in the city where the bad people tend to congregate.  There was also a lingering chatter, but this time the teacher stopped it by banging on his desk.  Twice.  He then reprimanded them in a lecture which I didn't quite catch.  But even after the lecture my local friend (whom I accompanied) answered her cell phone in class!  Yeesh.

So after these observations I figure that I'm some sort of educational snob.  Regardless of culture, I demand from students their full participation.  Or is it too much to ask for people to pay attention?  Granted, this comes from someone who never even cut class in her life, so maybe I'm demanding too much...or am I?