4/11 - First day of class

 I was told that whatever I prepared for teaching may have to change. That was right.

Today's class is for Cross Cultural Communication, a senior level class. Even though most students have had taken two or more classes in English, more than half of them seemed to be completely not understanding me. I tried to speak as slow and as accurately possible, but still I could sense less than half understood.

So, how can I teach these students? 

My students major in International Study. The department of International Study has three foreign faculty: one from Canada, one from Australia, and one from UK, all speaking English as a native tongue. They also speak Japanese quite well. 

I was sitting in Susan's class (one from Australia, recently retired but teaching as an adjunct). Her class is for freshman. She spoke both English and Japanese! I might need to prepare for Japanese translation. Doh!

Interestingly, about half students want to learn about Korean culture. Well, that will work for me. I will think about teaching Hangul and introduce some K-pop music and K-drama.