LONDON

Leave a comment

IMG_4991

I have been spending this weekend alone in London. Initially, I was planning to have my hair cut on Friday and go to the British Library on Saturday and Sunday. But in the end, I came here for a hair cut and good Japanese food, and apart from that, I have been working on my research inside the hotel where I am staying.

There is a Japanese restaurant in the same hotel, and the chef and staff are Japanese. That has made my stay exciting and comfortable.

I thought that it is really nice to savour the moments of being alone for a couple of days. Inside the hotel, I started making my fieldwork notes, adding some definitions for my research method and fieldwork plans. I have been able to do more productive reading and writing while having some comfort because of a change in the environment.

IMG_5040

IMG_5041

IMG_5017

IMG_5045

Week 21

Leave a comment

IMG_4957

My Ethics applications are nearing completion. I had a meeting with my primary supervisor to get her feedback on my draft of the applications. I also have my final meeting with an expert on Research Ethics next week.

My work environment has changed a bit. I moved into another shared office, and I got a larger, shared desk, with separations between workstations. My colleagues are in the same room, and we have air conditioners in the room! I am happy with the new office and am definitely going to spend more time working there.

My goals for Week 22:

  • Complete the final version of my Ethics applications (send revised documents by Tuesday morning)
  • Enjoy teaching
  • Structure one chapter
  • Expand the literature review on pragmatics

IMG_4958

IMG_4959

Summer Week 4

Leave a comment

One of my students told me that she has been struggling to keep up with the lessons and that she wanted me to explain every single detail of the target sentences. As a poor excuse, I would say that it has not been easy to pay attention to the understanding of 14 students. But I tried to analyse why she found it so difficult to learn. There might be other students who feel the same way. It might be something I’m lacking.

For the other class, I give much information without using slides and I take time for each activity. I will also try to teach her class more slowly next time. Obviously, I need to prepare a reference of grammar explanation and make some activity materials. Like I felt in the last semester, this has two sides. I would like to help their learning as much as possible but it actually requires a huge commitment.

There are five more weeks until I finish all of the lessons. I will try my best because it would be wonderful if they found it interesting to learn the language!