I'm back in China and these are my students! Only joking. Last week I visited a community-based English class provided by the WEA (Workers' Education Association) to complete an observation task for my Diploma. The eight women in the class are from Hong Kong and Macau, with one lady from mainland China. It was wonderful to revisit the language and culture - jam jars of kai shui (hot water) on the table, hands over mouths when giggling, talking about me like I wasn't there! The teacher, Melanie, delivered a wonderful lesson, giving me great data for my research. It's great to be meeting new people and I'm happy to have some colleagues with whom to share ideas and chat about teaching.
I also work for the WEA twice a week, teaching eight Polish workers at Harry Gow Bakery. It's very different to teaching formal students, in a school or College environment. Although motivated and happy to participate in whatever activities I give them, they are often tired and lack confidence in their study skills. They are either at the end of a long shift, or between two shifts. Either way, they arrive in class with their overalls, hair nets and hats on, either sweating or yawning. Despite that, however, they refuse to stop for a tea or coffee break in the middle. "We need to study!" said Ania.