These are some things that I've noticed in the past month or so. They are what I've taken from my experience so far and may not be widely agreed upon, but it's just what I've noticed!
1. French students are expected to reach a certain level of perfection and individuality doesn't seem to be encouraged. If the student doesn't copy exactly what the teacher wrote on the board, she rips the page out and makes them write it again. Also, they have to underline a lot of things and when they do this, they must use a ruler. Period. One day I was siting in classroom where the teacher read a "knock knock, who's there" story. Afterward, the students were to act it out, knocking on the door and reading their parts. Some of the students knocked 3 times-not two, and the teacher yelled, "NO!!! It's ONE knock, NOT three! Ughhh." So completely exasperated and put out. Because it's really important to make sure the students act out this story perfectly. Right?
Yikes.
2. From my point of view, because students have this pressure put on them they want to prove that they really are perfect. They tend to raise their hand when they have no idea what the answer is, just to look like they know. It's often that after calling on a student that is half sitting half standing, raising their arm into the air as high as they can calling "Maîtresse! Maîtress!" {teacher} they sit there looking bashful at you. Because they don't know the answer. But they wanted to look like they did? Yeah, I don't get it either.
3. Food and eating habits are important to the French. At each of my schools I've been asked if I'm eating enough and having good meals. I now expect MC to comment on what or how I eat at least once a day. Whether it be that I'm not eating enough vegetables, or I'm eating at an odd hour {so what if I eat breakfast at 11:00 sometimes. I like to sleep in!}. Sometimes it really bothers me, but I have to remember that it is just their culture. Food plays an important role in the everyday French life.
4. The French don't clean up after their dogs. Okay, I know I've talked about this before, but seriously? It's so gross.
5. I need to stop zoning out all of the time. Sometimes I'm so sick of constantly translating the French I hear so I just tune it out. Bad idea. I've done this in class multiple times when the teacher has obviously been talking to me but I'm in my own little world. I don't notice what is going on until I realize the teacher and all of the students are turned, looking at me, waiting for a response. I'm sure it's quite reassuring of my mental capacity when the answer I give is "Uhhhhh... What?"
6. Teachers think that SCREAMING {literally} at their students is a proper way to get their attention and help them learn a concept. I don't know about you but when I'm yelled at, generally I start to cry, which has happened a few times with the students.
It's interesting to sit in these classrooms and see the stark contrasts between American and French schools. I know the teachers want the best for their students and that they love them, but I'm just grateful I went to school in America. I'm learning a lot about teaching methods. Some of them I'll use, some I'll choose to leave in France.
I hope this post hasn't seemed like I'm bashing the entire French education system. I truly love the teachers I work with {most of them} and I adore my students. France is a wonderful place to be and I'm already sad thinking about leaving in 8 months. They just do things a little differently here, and I can appreciate that. It is definitely a learning experience and I'm grateful for it!
-M
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