When I started teaching, I got nuts with all the names and faces and it took a long time to remember them all and associate names to faces. One day I had the idea of taking photos of my students and do my homework by playing memory. It worked.
It also helps when you have to examine students who aren't yours. In a speaking exam for example it's usually two or three teachers and a number of students if it's a group project. You keep your notes, but when the students leave the room, you have to compare your notes with your colleagues and assign marks. A photo comes in handy.
A few years ago, I had to invigilate a 2 or 3 hour exam and got bored after a while. So I took a photo of me and my colleague who was also bored. We took a few more and started giggling, which attracted the attention of some students sitting nearby. They smiled and looked as if they were relieved, as if the tension was gone for a moment. So I stood up and took random photos of the room with the students sweating over the exam paper.
This has become a habit and I have done it in several exams in various schools, universities, etc. and countries. The students like it and want to see the photos, so I either post them or share them with them.
When I took some photos during the mid-term reading/writing exam at SISU this July, some students complained because they were either not in the photos, or not visible. So I took some closer ones during the final exams and posted them in our WeChat groups. They were happy this time.
If you would like to read more by me, find the following two on Amazon by typing in the name Theodore Goumas
It also helps when you have to examine students who aren't yours. In a speaking exam for example it's usually two or three teachers and a number of students if it's a group project. You keep your notes, but when the students leave the room, you have to compare your notes with your colleagues and assign marks. A photo comes in handy.
A few years ago, I had to invigilate a 2 or 3 hour exam and got bored after a while. So I took a photo of me and my colleague who was also bored. We took a few more and started giggling, which attracted the attention of some students sitting nearby. They smiled and looked as if they were relieved, as if the tension was gone for a moment. So I stood up and took random photos of the room with the students sweating over the exam paper.
This has become a habit and I have done it in several exams in various schools, universities, etc. and countries. The students like it and want to see the photos, so I either post them or share them with them.
When I took some photos during the mid-term reading/writing exam at SISU this July, some students complained because they were either not in the photos, or not visible. So I took some closer ones during the final exams and posted them in our WeChat groups. They were happy this time.
Mid-term reading/writing exam
My colleague Leslaw taking photos of me.
My colleague and boss for the summer, Howard, marking papers.
Mid-term speaking exam
Final reading/writing exam
He's enjoying it.
No, please, I don't want to be photographed!
With Doris
With Leon. He looks like a Hip-Hopper
Duan, I'm coming to you. I bet you've been waiting for it.
With Duan, whom I used to tease all summer.
With James who lives on a different planet. He's in his own world, far away from ours. Quite a character. I'll miss you mate!
Someone is smirking...
With Keven, one of our best students. He was helping all others sitting around him.
With Josephine, who learnt to copy my laughter and movements.
Somebody is shy.
Final speaking exam
If you would like to read more by me, find the following two on Amazon by typing in the name Theodore Goumas
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