Day 2 of Seminar

Koosh balls do not seem understandable by our new colleagues.  They do not understand how to catch the ball when it is thrown at them.  However, they also do not flinch nor move out of the way.  Today I used an analogy of trying to hit the target when I’m blind.  I had Peter move to an area of the classroom while I kept my eyes closed.  I then threw the ball to where I thought he might be.  The squishy ball hit a young lady in the face.  She did not even try to catch the ball or duck out of the way.  I felt horrible and thankful that is was a squishy ball instead of a baseball.  Alexa was just astonished and William was flabbergasted.  “Why teachers do you not catch the ball?” he asked of them.  I think we will play catch tomorrow during lunch rather than Frisbee.   The analogy worked well though for teaching the teachers about the importance of rubrics.  Today’s topic was assessing student work and using a formative assessment called Fist to Five.  Our colleagues loved this technique. Our co-facilitators selected the techniques being modeled this week.  They have hit the target with what our seminar participants need each time.  Steph did a wonderful job with devotions this morning.  She gives the spiritual side and I tie it to what we as teachers need.  We used a reading from the Gospel of John regarding the gift of the Holy Spirit and becoming a living sanctuary for God.    The day goes by so fast while we are in seminar.  Also last night was the first night that I had LaLa Salama since coming to Tanzania.  I think I was finally able to relax with day 1 of seminar under our belt. A huge thank - you to the Science department members that have responded to our calls for help.  You are truly wonderful to respond quickly when we ask for your help.  Bre – your power point on voltaic cells helped five chemistry teachers learn today.  All wanted copies prior to leaving.   Tomorrow an inspector from the TZ Government will be back to watch us in seminar.  William says that I shouldn’t worry about impressing him! EEK~ William and I also had a discussion today regarding ELCT teachers doing these seminars on their own.  It was an interesting perspective to hear.  TZ teachers believe if Americans come and present during seminar than it must be very good because it is from America.  Ideas from America are always very, very good is their belief.  They will buy American products before anything from China as American is the best.  I wonder how many Americans still believe this?  We realized yesterday that we will be home in one week.  It will be wonderful to be back with our loved ones but we also know that we leave a part of our heart behind each time we say goodbye.  Steph is already planning her return trip.  She has fallen in love with Tanzania just like I did five years ago.  Perhaps this is what my journey has always been about – passing the torch on to the next generation. It would truly be wonderful if in her lifetime, Tanzania was free from malaria and the innocent ones had the same opportunities for growth and development that she has had.