66] A Story of Success

THE DECISION

A SHORT STORY ENTITLED

THE DECISION

(Based on a reallife classroom situation)

 By

AHMED FOUAD ABDULRAHIM

This story happened in the winter of 2013, in my school. The English Department, headed by me at that time, used to introduce shared lessons where two teachers of the same classes can introduce a lesson together in order to share experience, knowledge and ideas with all the other colleagues.

I was in the process of introducing a shared lesson for the third year intermediate students with another colleague, a clever young teacher who was also willing to introduce the lesson with me. However, that time I decided to include another member, a third member with us in introducing the lesson. That third member, the young teacher, was a student called Ali.

Ali was a clever student who was active and good at English. He used to participate effectively in our activities and classroom tasks. He was transferred to School from a private school, which was subsequently taken as an advantage to our school in the competitions and school English activities in general. I talked to Ali to have (teach) a part in the lesson, with me and my other colleague. Ali excitedly agreed once I told him. But, at the end of the school day he came to my office and told me, “Excuse me, Sir, I want to say something,” He said. “Yes, Ali,” I replied. “Er…(reluctantly) I won’t be able to participate in the lesson,” He said with a tone of shyness. “Why Ali?” I asked. “Nothing, Sir. But I cannot do that,” He said. “It’s OK, Ali. No issue at all. But, you can think well when you go home, especially you know your classmates respect you and you are going to be a good model for them,” “Just think and don’t worry if you refuse,” I said. Ali left my office shy and reluctant and did not know what to do.

Ali went home, thinking of how to introduce a part of a lesson with two teachers, in the presence of a lot of teachers, the school Administration and even his classmates. Ali, as he told me later, asked his father who told him to be courageous and go on. But, he was shy and reluctant. He was even afraid to take the decision. That day he remained in bed without sleep, thinking of my words to him and how he would be praised by all if he did well in that part of the lesson with me and my colleague, especially he could do that easily after training and practice, and how he would feel if he failed! Serious concerns started to come to his mind! And of course, I started to think of other participants.

The following day, after I had finished my lesson in Ali’s classroom, Ali followed me outside and told me, “Teacher, Excuse me, Sir,” He said. “Yes, Ali,” I replied. “Er…I want to say something,” He said. “Yes, Ali,” I replied. “Go on”. “I will introduce the part of the lesson and I am courageous enough to do that,” He said. “Good news, Ali, well-done!” I replied. “But, are you sure?” I asked him with a smile. “Yes, Sir,” He replied. “It’s OK Ali. Let’s start preparing the parts together with the other teacher, my colleague”

I was very happy Ali agreed to participate with us in introducing the lesson and actually we started our preparation which took so many days of training, reading, monitoring the class and so many other things which Ali should be skilled in before introducing the lesson. In the end, Ali got ready!

Some days passed and it was time to introduce the lesson. The classroom was well-organised and neatly-arranged by all the students and me. The groups were ready with their roles assigned to them. The cameraman was ready to video stunning teaching moments. The school Principal, teachers of the English Department and teachers from other subjects came in and I closed the door, in preparation for the kickoff!

I started by introducing the participants with me, and I introduced my part. Then, I called on Ali to continue after me with his part he was trained well on. He started and fortunately it was raining outside thundering and the lightning was striking heavily as if the nature wanted to render him some of her magic powers and strength. Of course, Ali was powerful, fluent and could easily manage the class as well as his students. He did well and was neither shy nor reluctant. The School Principal took some photos of him while he was performing his really magnificent part. Ali was marvellous.

Stunned and amazed by his performance and self-confidence, I asked all the class to applaud to Ali and decided to honour him in the morning queuing that week. We, I and my colleague, did well as well!  

All the guests, colleagues and classmates congratulated Ali and us of course on this success. They were proud of their colleague, the young teacher, Ali, who told me after the lesson, “Next time my first and final decision for introducing lessons or something like this will be OF COURSE, YES.”