Media Classroom Computer and Controls
Originally uploaded by clarkalastair

So here I am invigilating the final exam for my elective course. Trying to keep the noise of the keyboard at a minimum. While keeping an eye out for cheating. I find myself happy that all but 2 of my students have turned up for the final week, so I only really need to fail 2 students. I’m not looking forward to all the marking I have to do next week.

As part of the course I’ve had 3 exams, and if any of the students missed any of them, I instructed them to download the mp3 and questions from my blog. One of the students seems to have had trouble doing this and another doesn’t seem to have even tried. In fact it shows a patent lack of ingenuity to go off and search for the answers. Being as accommodating as possible, I told them to try again and email me if there was an issue. Of course they should have done that anyway, but ho hum, such is life.

Just had a walk around, they’ve found the reading, as intended, much easier. I had hoped to give them some easy marks before the listening. Noticed that one of my regulars is not here. Shame that he’s missed this exam but at least I won’t have to fail him. Speaking of the devil, he’s just turned up. Being the kind guy that I am, I’m letting him complete the reading and meaning elements of the exam and telling him to email me the answers of the listening from home.

The lecture theatre I’m in doesn’t serve well as an examination hall. One has to make do and can’t place western ideals and norms into a situation like this. Many students have raced ahead and are going to be bored while the others catch up. Some guys are being really very slow. I doubt they can do well. Beginning to wish I had made it harder for the top students. I’ve just played the listening part of the exam early so that those who have finished the other parts can go early. I now know this was a mistake because all but one left, and as Chinese people need to save face, the slow students couldn’t stay behind to finish. Such is life.

Today’s lessons were very draining. Spent a long time talking in front of class. I also had a good chat about life and working here with a married Chinese woman with a canadian background.