So is this glass half empty or half full? Angle of perception can be everything... Image credits: tonyhall
Here's a quick quiz for you. For each item, choose A or B to complete the sentence. Keep track of the number of As and Bs you select.
1. I don't have a lot of training or experience as a teacher, so...
A. it isn't my fault if my classes don't go so well.
B. the only way is up and every success is a precious one.
2. I have too many students in my classes, therefore...
A. it won't be possible to teach much very effectively.
B. there are great opportunities for group work and independent learning.
3. Many of my students don't really want to learn English, which means...
A. I have to be realistic and not expect much from them.
B. they perhaps haven't experienced approaches that work for them.
4. I didn't choose the coursebook and it's really crappy for my students, hence...
A. the class is really unmotivated and that's not my fault.
B. it (the coursebook) needs some serious tampering with!
5. I'm not paid very much for what I do, so based on that...
A. it's only fair I do a bare minimum as a teacher.
B. I need to find ways to make this work count and lead to other opportunities.
6. I have too many classes to teach each day, so...
A. quantity automatically means less quality.
B. this is a great chance to do more "freestyle" teaching with little planning and more spontaneous activities.
7. I'm not very good at using or understanding technology, therefore...
A. it has no place in my teaching approach.
B. I've got some exciting things to learn and experiment with.
8. The program at my school is really poorly organised and not clearly laid out, so...
A. any failures with my classes can be attributed to that.
B. this is going to be so cool - I'm FREE!
9. The only thing my students care about is their test scores, which means...
A. that's all I really should be teaching: test prep.
B. I have to find a balance which meets both their perceived and actual language learning needs.
10. I don't have access to professional development or training at my school, so...
A. it's pretty unfair of people to expect me to develop or learn much - how can I?
B. I better start my own program, and it''s going to be great. Actually, I'm kind of glad I get to lead and choose this sort of thing all on my own...
Okay, so add up all your As and Bs.
Starting with a score of 0...
Minus 5 points for each A
Add 5 points for each B
What was your total score, then?
I'll let you figure out what your own score could mean, and whether you're a teacher sipping from a glass that is half empty or half full...
:-)
