Learning English is
allowed to be fun
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... born 23.7.68 in Congleton, GB 2005 Recognition of Modern European Studies
degree as equivalent to 1 state examination required for the
teaching profession in Germany (the first of two exams). This
included a written and oral exam at the Ruhr University, Bochum. |
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As a student of German in GB it
is usual to spend a year in Germany as part of the university degree.
I decided upon a year as an assistant teacher at the grammar school
in Donauwörth, Bavaria. This article appeared in the annual
newspaper in the summer of 1987:
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The fact that the average age of our our
staff decreased in a flattering way in the course of this
school year, is especially thanks to Miss Sheridan Webb from
Howden in Yorkshire, who as an assistant teacher from September
until the end of June, brought a change into the grey everday
school life and not only with her way of dressing. The student
of German was only 20 years old when she looked into the whites
of the pupils eyes for the first time with remarkable courage.
For that reason it was no surprise that Sheridan did not see
herself as only a teacher but as a friend, who because of
the very practical similarity in age, immediately established
contact to the pupils. She taught in all classes and placed
a lot of importance on providing contrasting lessons to those
of the other teachers: in the lower school she helped make
an English class newspaper and was involved in a video group.
In her conversation lessons she tried to acquaint the participants
with the notorious English humour and in the more advanced
courses she provoked heated discussions on the theme of equality
for women. Furthermore, she did a lot for the reputation of
English cuisine. Her enormous Christmas dinner for the upper
school got rid of numerous culinary prejudices. Sheridan's
commitment was also shown by the fact that she voluntarily
accompanied a school trip to London, even though her contract
had already finished in June.