Teaching English: Kodaghalli Edition

Today marks the end of the second week of English and computer classes that I’ve been teaching in the village. I mainly focus on increasing the students’ comfort level with speaking English and using a computer. For the college students and women, I’ve also been teaching them how to write proper emails, which will be helpful when contacting employers and other business contacts.

 So far, everyone has picked up English quickly and what is perhaps most exciting is that it seems to be spreading organically through the village. I’ll have people I’ve never met before come up to me and introduce themselves using the phrases and grammar patterns I’ve taught my students. While my students are at different point in their lives (childhood, high school, college, adulthood), they are all very enthusiastic about attending class. The children especially will try to sneak in to the high school and college level classes. The enthusiasm I’ve encountered makes me more excited for classes; in particular, the college students’ class tends to be the highlight of my day. I like having an informal setting when teaching, as it feels like less of a lesson and more of a chat between friends.

I’m also very excited for tomorrow, as a few other interns will be coming to Kodaghalli and it will be fun to see my students to introduce themselves and speak with the interns. A pop quiz, if you will.