Changes

One of the challenging things about volunteering is that it seems learners move up to the next level just as I’ve gotten to know them. Obviously this is a great problem to have and gives me a sense of accomplishment as a volunteer when a learner in my class moves to the next level, but nevertheless there are some learners I miss interacting with each week. Both Mandisa and Aziza moved up to level three!

It’s interesting how the class makeup shifts over time. All classes are multiethnic, but this winter the class I worked in was predominantly composed of Spanish speaking learners, mostly in the 20-35 age range. Today we had 14 students in class and none were Spanish speaking. The majority were African students, many from Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as Middle Eastern students, mainly from Iraq and Palestine. The average age was much older as well – 40-50 years old, and some much older.

Working with such an experienced teacher has been helpful to observe how she deftly adapts class lessons for the learners she serves. She’s quick to curtail or tweak a lesson if she senses it is too easy or difficult for the learners, and takes into account what counties learners hail from when giving examples.