two meetings and one radio interview

On Dec. 11 (Sat)I organized an informal meeting for the next ETS. The main purpose of this meeting was to draft the proposal of the 2nd ETS to the Bureau of Education. Rainbow and I invited Isadora and Ching-ching to our office. The meeting started at 1:30. Together, we discussed important issues--the budget, the themes, the forms of presentation, the timeline--with Vincent's help. Vincent, the Dean of Academics of CSGHS, has been very supportive and always gives us very constructive suggestions. In three hours, we made many important decisions. I like the feeling when everyone puts their heads together and works collaboratively.

Dec. 20 (Mon), Rainbow and I went to Taipei First Girls' High School to attend the meeting of IWILL action group. We were one hour late because we got the time mixed up. But since they started late too, we didn't really miss too much. As usual, people shared how they use and promote IWILL. To be honest, when I am in IWILL meeting, I always feel a bit disoriented. There are too many functions in IWILL website, so many that I feel confused when people mention things I am not familiar enough. There are reasons for this, of course. For one thing, IWILL has a very confusing interface, not very user-friendly. For another, I, though want to include IWILL to my teaching, am still exploring the website. I haven't got the whole picture of it yet. How I wish I could have a mannual to read through. Anyway, next time, Barbara told me that I could share something with the group. I'd better speed up, then. Oh, by the way, good news is that Barbara's principal wants them to continue their work in IWILL, which means that I am spared this year. What a relief.

On Dec. 21 (Tuesday), I went to a radio station with three other teachers (one Chinese, another History, and the other Geography) in our school for a group interview. The hosts asked us questions about how students could prepare themselves for the big exams in the winter vacation. Interestingly, when we discussed the questions, everyone mentioned one thing in common: the attitudes students should have towards learning. It's agreed that nowadays, students are guided to learn "how to learn" instead of just waiting for the teachers to cram them with some dead knowledge. Learning is about cultivating their potential and ability rather than just getting high scores in tests. It's great to know those teachers through this chance. Even though we teach different subjects, we have similar teaching approaches and ideals. And we stick to those ideals firmly. I feel good to have company!