Wow!! I didn't expect to elicit any responses and didn't plan to get drawn into any sort of online discussion. But, a few things I read really resonated with me.

The post I'm responding to now seemed to hit the nail on the head in terms of how I feel. And a lot of the recommendations I think I've already implemented.

The basic observation that brought about my original post was this. As a student, in classes taught by good teachers with lots resources to teach, I'm often bored and find it useless. No surprises.

But, when I talk to other foreign teachers (good teachers, people I sincerely like) teaching with fewer resources, to more students, every day's wunderbar.

Finally, I think I do an okay job, better every day. I care about my job, my students and so on, and SOMETIMES like what I do.

...

Note: I'm prone to exaggeration. Off days turn into hell on earth. Good days start me singing 'Time in a Bottle'. It's only to keep things interesting.

Michael M.
sinomooney.bravehost.com