Lights off 10 o'clock!

It started with a far too early o'clock rise this morning and we never stopped all day! An hour's assisted lesson planning, 10 min break, 1hr 45 mins of 1-1 tutorials, 45 mins of lunch break haha when we got everything in place for observing 3x40 min lessons in the afternoon. The trainees were nervous as it was their first lesson teaching the 'new' level, elementary in my class. Instructions need to be so short and simple, direct and checked or the poor students can't do the task set.....because of the instructions, not the task! It was a bit of a hit and miss! Some were clear and checked, but not heard. Some were too long and too complicated. Some weren't really given at all and the students did 'something', despite the teacher, rather than because of! And sometimes, like magic, they were just right and the students knew what they were doing and off they went, on task, feeling supported! And, of course, in-between all the instructions the trainees tried to focus on meaning, form and pronunciation! Ah the joys of week 3! We then had 20 mins 'break' to finish writing up our feedback on the lessons, then straight into group verbal feedback for 45 mins. And then a little light lesson planning to finish off the day. Not quite over yet though - the first written assignment were given back tonight to sighs of relief from those who had passed on 1st submission and the worried looks from those who have to resubmit something. And then of course all the questions about what to do, despite clear guidance and written feedback! My lovely co-trainer collapsed into bed at 9pm, without even a 'goodnight', poor thing! This is her first course after being trained up and approved as an Assistant Course Tutor last year, and she's doing a great job! The trainees are all doing fine too, to be honest, and all said in the tutorials that they were very happy with the course so far. Bless them, and we're working them so hard!