My First 20-Minute Lesson

Disaster. I can’t think of a better way to describe it. I wish I could say it went swimmingly and my trainers and peers praised me until the cows came home. But no, I’m afraid disaster does sum it up nicely.

So what exactly went wrong?

• I didn’t give clear instructions. I had to repeat them about 3 times before anyone knew what they were supposed to do.
•  I spoke waaaaay too fast.
• I was sweating terribly. (This isn’t something that’s assessed on the CELTA, but it was horrible and everyone noticed. It was like the Niagara Falls had relocated to my armpits.)
• I didn’t monitor. I was too busy worrying about my sweat patches and trying to look as if everything was under control when really my internal dialogue went something like this: I don’t know what I’m doing. Say some words! Speak! Not too fast! Crap!
• I barely made eye contact with my students and I sure as hell didn’t develop any rapport.
• I didn’t look at the clock but thought it was a good idea to end the lesson anyway, which leads me to my last point.
• I finished 10 minutes early which meant I only taught for 10 minutes. Taught is a bit of an overstatement, though. Stood there like a deer caught in the headlights is more accurate.

EPIC FAIL.

What was your first teaching experience like? Share your story below!