I've been a teacher for 11 years. There are basically two theories here. One is that those who don't know anything end up teaching. The other theory is that a great teacher never stops learning. Well in my case, I find the more I teach, the more I don't know. Finally when it came to the point that I saw a potential lesson to teach in everything we did, I realized that I needed a break.
Since I always love children but sadly don't have any of
my own, I decided to collect another graduate degree and study early
childhood education. I know I know, you would remind me that teaching university is very different from
teaching kindergarten. But how many people have the opportunity to see the
world again through the innocent eyes of children?
Of course it’s probably just an excuse for me not only to
play with kids but also play like a kid. I honestly don’t remember much of
playing when I was a child. All I remember is reciting ancient Chinese poems and
practicing the piano. So yes, you can say that in a way I’m simply trying to reclaim my
lost childhood.
However, going back to school at my age requires courage,
not to mention money. Fortunately I have somehow sourced both and now I am officially a student again!
Last week was the orientation. At first I thought I would
be the oldest student in the class, but was pleasantly surprised to find it to
be quite the opposite. Most of my classmates are working mothers with extensive
knowledge on early childhood education and many years of teaching experience in
pre-schools, primary schools, or universities. At least one already has a PhD
and many have more than one master's degree. We were told that thousands of
people applied for this program and after all the paperwork and interviews, there we were, 97 women and 3 men smiling at each other uncertainly in a big classroom.
No wonder all our course instructors started their first lectures
by congratulating us on getting accepted to this program, which is dominated by super mums – a phenomenon applies to both lecturers and students. Unfortunately that makes me feel like a total fake since I've never changed a nappy in my life.
About the gender difference though, I suppose in general men don’t feel manly enough to be seen playing with kids. But I will have to leave that to ponder another time. Now I have too many textbooks and hundreds of boring research papers to read before I can start writing another one myself.
About the gender difference though, I suppose in general men don’t feel manly enough to be seen playing with kids. But I will have to leave that to ponder another time. Now I have too many textbooks and hundreds of boring research papers to read before I can start writing another one myself.
The reading lists of the six courses I'm taking this
semester are longer than the weekly shopping list for a family of twelve, including
required readings, recommended readings,
you-might-as-well-read-since-you-are-teachers'-pet readings, and
only-when-you-have-absoultly-nohting-else-to-do readings.
Although the sunshine and warm sea breezes are
beckoning, I am determined to stay home and study – after some ice cream at the
beach perhaps…
