I was exceptionally nervous days before the class even started.
Up to the final day, I still haven't confirmed the list of facilitators/tutors that will be joining the program. A lot of people had shown interest on the program but apparently not many among the lots could find time for it. I could have made it a compulsory participation for all the KMS English Tour members which will not be deemed inappropriate at all being the fact that the English in Music program is a side project to the KMS English Tour program. But I wouldn't want to force anyone to do something that they don't believe worth doing for let alone sacrifice something for it.
That's why I am truly glad and appreciate those who had willing to join this program. I really hope that you enjoy helping those kids.
That's why I am truly glad and appreciate those who had willing to join this program. I really hope that you enjoy helping those kids.
The first day of class wasn't really that bad at all. It wasn't awkward too as I don't really have to spend too much time on the introduction and on the getting-to-know-you-all session since the class was immediately set up a day after the KMS English Tour program ended in that school - the Vocational Ampangan school. The participants also were those of the participants of KMS English Tour program so they would have known me and some of the facilitators by then.
The class started by dividing them into 7 groups in which 2 facilitators were responsible to a group of approximately 8 students. Questionnaires were then distributed to all the students. I wanted to know more about the students and how music influence their lives. Some of the questions inquire on the students' confidence level in speaking English and how people around them particularly family and friends are supporting them to develop their English speaking skills.
The questionnaires were written in English which I observed the students had found a difficulty to fully understand some of the questions. Though most had consulted their tutors for any clarification but some of them were too shy to ask. The tutors had to translate some of the questions to Malay which proved to be a difficult task. I also observed that the students have a limit range of vocabulary for a 16 year-old.
Then, the students and their tutors were allowed to discuss for 10 minutes to brainstorm on the name of their newly-founded group. The rule was that the name of each group must be a name of an American/British singer or a band such as Taylor Swifts or Linkin Park. Then, they were to engage into another discussion on why they agreed to use that particular artist or band as the name of their group. The purpose of this activity is to let the students be comfortable with their new group and their tutors in sharing ideas, working out together and in helping to develop the bond between the tutor and the students. The productivity of the discussion for each group varied. I could see some of the tutors had to try real hard to get the students to speak out their mind which I personally believe that it is normal for a first day lesson. The students probably need more time to adjust and to getting to know their tutors better.
I really hope that the facilitators including me would try harder in gaining the students' trust. I believe that once the students have given us their trust... we could inspire and motivate them to be better in English. Insya Allah!
-Hazim, the Conductor
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