The Ideal Student

Friday night we enjoyed burritos and tacos at the Chiles’. Pat and Linda made corn tortillas with a tortilla press. Yum! During our dinner conversation, I some how got to sharing that none of my students were “ideal students.” I can’t think of one that consistently demonstrates characteristics that make them a “pleasure to have in class.” Not that I don’t take pleasure in my students; I was all smiles the first day of the semester having the pleasure of seeing all my students again. I remember my parents reporting to me the flowery things my teachers would say about me, and I wonder if I was a better student than any of mine, or if I have a misunderstanding about how much my teachers adored me. :)
I’ve thought on this lack of an exemplary student this weekend wondering with a guilty conscience if maybe I was just too judgmental. One thing I have realize is that my idea of an ideal student is based on American standards. First, let’s consider promptness. In general, it’s considered rude to be late in the states, but in Chuuk “the event will start when we all get there.” Second, “please, remain seated.” At least one time per class, each student has to go to the door to spit or blow their nose. To the American teacher, it at first appears that they are going to leave class without permission. Also, the constant movement is distracting. By attending Logan, I see that it is perfectly acceptable to get up and move about while a leader is speaking. Third, the concept of “sharing” - Chuukese share everything. This means they share my school supplies right into their own backpacks! And worse, they share answers. Fourth, I have actually had students whistle to get my attention! I don't think they would exactly describe it as polite, but it's not nearly as rude to them as it is to me. Finally, the culture is just much more relaxed and informal, so what seems like chaos and rudeness to me is, perhaps, merely informality. I mean, I’m a Californian, we go to church in our shorts and beach shoes, but here I’ve seen students get up to sing in church or chapel wearing sunglasses and chewing gum. I shake my head and think, “Someone needs to teach them.” But maybe sometimes someone needs to teach me…