Learning in Laos
| published November 23, 2014 |
By Krista Tani
Thursday Review contributor
A student ducks her head as she runs past me, giggling and hurriedly saying, “Sabaidee, Ajan!” Three more students trail behind her, rushing to get to class before I do. I walk a little slower, knowing that they are still getting used to having this strange Westerner start class on time. I peek into the classroom and see utter chaos. One student is sweeping, another is erasing the blackboard, and the rest are picking up trash and wiping the dust off the benches.
Soon, they take their seats. I walk into the classroom and in unison they stand, put their hands together below their chins, nod with respect, and say “Good Morning, Teacher!” And with that, class begins.
After taking attendance, I say, “Pass your papers to the front,” and make the accompanying hand signal. This seems like a basic classroom procedure, but, like so many other things, we take it for granted. Things like passing your papers to the front, facing the blackboard during class, and reading the directions on a test are things we are taught from a young age but can be a struggle here. This was the second day I had taught “Pass your papers to the front,” so I start my customary countdown from ten to prevent last minute copying. They panic. Students are jumping over the desks and each other, lunging at me in an effort to get their papers into my hands. I laugh and have them start over. After the third attempt, I finally have a stack of homework on my desk.
Teaching English at a university here in Laos has taught me more about the culture than I ever thought it would. In the classroom, I better understand Laos’ unique mix of formality and laid-backness. In the classroom, I more clearly see the importance they place on cleanliness, as evidenced by my students’ distressed reactions when I sit in a chair that hasn’t been dusted yet.
But more than anything else, in the classroom I see how adept Lao people are at reading body language and perceiving the needs of others. While attempting to write on the board with a tiny piece of chalk, I pause for half a second and glance at my backpack. Practically before I can blink, a student hands me a brand new piece of chalk.
A desk is arranged so that two students are facing the back of the classroom. I assess the situation and take one step in their direction. Another student perceives my thought process and has everyone rearranging the furniture to my liking before I can cross the room. Over and over again, they take note of various needs and immediately set about trying to fill them.
Now, after two months, I think we’ve finally mastered “Pass your papers to the front.” I’m teaching my students the English language and some American classroom procedures. But they’re unknowingly teaching me about how to better anticipate and meet the needs of the people around me, and I am so grateful for that lesson.
Related Thursday Review articles:
Getting Lost in Spain; Krista Tani; Thursday Review; May 21, 2014.
Moroccan Hospitality; Krista Tani; Thursday Review; February 25, 2014.