Set exercises relating to this and that – distributed postcards of Oxford..what did they notice about it?..'ery 'ery beautiful.. what they knew about England? 'they knew it had got a lot of fog'. Different phrases you could use to make suggestions.. written suggestions to me as a visitor…
Their ability to apply themselves to complicated written vocab exercises is phenomenal but their English pronunciation is very faltering. This unevenness of skills presents a challenge to the lesson organization. Must plan differently. Nobody wants to talk out individuall in front of the class. If they do it is so incomprehensible, and faint no-one else listens. A 2 ½ hour lesson is a long time. We compare and contrast English and Vietnamese education. I tell them that in England education is free but many children don't want to go or mess about when they are there. I don't think they believe me. They are astonished that if you have a mororbike accident an ambulance takes you to hospital and you are treated for free.
Later I hear that state education excludes any child with a disability. Primary school is free. Secondary school involves a small payment, but enough to exclude poor families. It is highly competitive and requires a lot of form filling. Strict attendance is obligatory.
There are a number of private schools which are 'ragbag schools' for disabled or drifting, poor students, generally charitably funded.There are also private schools for wealthy children who have not made the mark in state (gold standard) schools. There are a some of these students in the Foundation Unit where I am teaching but the lecturers are less than complimentary about them – it is children from state schools who are seen as the serious talented students. Indeed, there is a passion for education here and I am impressed to realize that the majority of students at the university are from poor, rural families which makes it feel such a privilege to teach here. Getting into university is an honour for the family and the whole village who will help support the student. England and home town Oxford –you lag behind.
Peter returns from his first lecture. How did it go, how did it go? He is tired but feels pleased. He had over a 100 students and used a microphone.