This week we started teaching problem-solving applications to our students beginning with general test-taking strategies. I introduced the process of elimination and gave them COSC questions to answer using that strategy. I could tell that it would take more than one day for them to begin using process of elimination when test-taking. Most of them simply guess on questions that they do not know the answer. They do not see the benefit of eliminating answers they know to be wrong in order to narrow down their choices. During class, I tried to stress the advantages of different test-taking strategies, and hopefully with more practice in the coming lessons they will start getting into the habit as well.
On Tuesday our students received their June exam scores back, and the results were all over for each student. Most of them did well in Sesotho, agriculture, and accounting, but their weakest subjects were by far math and science, which was expected. Despite some of the lower scores, the students did not seem to feel discouraged or beat down. Many of the teachers’ comments stated, “Try harder!”, and knowing that they take their education seriously, I hope to see improvement as we help them in these subjects during class and after school tutorials.
During my volunteering at Eloihim Health Clinic, Rebecca, the registered nurse who owns it, explained to me the HIV/AIDS situation in Lesotho. She gave very honest answers as to what she thought was the underlying problem—that youth and adults do not know the pathophysiology of AIDS and have a very superficial understanding of the illness – and provided insight about possible solutions. After our conversation, I realized that our students have never been exposed to the biological reasons HIV/AIDS spreads and that it was imperative to use more of our lessons to talk about this topic and positively influence them to make smart decisions about their health.
Today our students displayed their ingenuity in our Egg Drop Competition! Each group of 6-7 students created a contraption using straws, tape, and tissue to protect their egg from a 10 foot drop. At first some of them gave confused looks because they have never completed such a task, but within minutes, they all got to work building their creations. As one student from each group dropped their egg, they all held their breath as they listened for a cracking sound. We tested each of them and only one group’s egg broke; the other three were perfectly intact! The students were jumping up and down with enthusiasm and overfilled with joy at their accomplishment. Both Beverly and I were extremely impressed by how well they used their materials to build four unique designs.