After hastily downing some curry and rice during an abbreviated lunch period, we all sat down for three more hours of festivities. First came some entertaining teacher vs. student competitions. Some competed for the most consecutive double rope jumps. Others had to identify mystery objects through touch alone (like slimy squid or squishy tofu). I … Continue reading School Festival 2018 (Part Two)
At the end of December, Namak High School puts on its annual school festival. The festival furnished fond memories last year event and I looked forward to this year’s iteration. This year’s lead-up had a differing flavor compared to last year. Back in December of 2017, Korea was still very new to me. The “new … Continue reading School Festival 2018 (Part One)
It's cold once again. My power bill is low, my layers are many, and my classes keep getting canceled. It must be time for the winter festival. I had a wonderful time last year and can hardly wait to enjoy this year's festivities. Festival Week begins with hallways lined with students' artwork. This year, I … Continue reading Super Photo Corner – Winter Festival Art Expo
True love includes a feeling of deep joy that we are alive. -Thich Nhat Hanh, How to Love It’s amazing how often I forget this wonderful blessing. I am alive. My heart beats. My lungs breathe fresh air. And I rarely think about any of it. Cultivating love within ourselves starts with this simple yet … Continue reading Quoterday
One book I really appreciated - a book that combines ancient wisdom with practical application - explores the Japanese concept of kaizen. The author, Robert Maurer, describes kaizen as follows: Kaizen has two definitions: using very small steps to improve a habit, a process, or product using very small moments to inspire new products and … Continue reading Kaizen – Small Changes for Big Effects
Commercials have the advantage of vivid visual symbols through which we may easily learn the lessons being taught. Among those lessons are that short and simple messages are preferable to long and complex ones; that drama is to be preferred over exposition; that being sold solutions is better than being confronted with questions about problems. … Continue reading Quoterday
I concluded my speaking tests at October's end. For one week I asked nearly 450 students the same questions. “What is this number?” “What is a difficulty you have overcome?” “What if you had 1,000,000 won?” Some students provided pure comedy. Ian: I am in your home. What must I do? Student 1: You must … Continue reading The Challenge of Subjective Grading
