I’m just sitting here in the lobby of the Kyobashi English school doing some work at the computer and two students come in for their 5 O’Clock class. They don’t usually come at this time of day so I was a bit surprised and also happy to see them. After chatting with them a bit and getting them some ice water (it still feels like summer here in Osaka so cold refreshments are a must) I go back to my business moving about the office as I do. The two students are arranging their notebooks and chatting between themselves. It’s now that I notice the subject of their conversation. They are actually going over the One Point they received at the end of their previous lesson. They are practically quizzing each other.
This makes me feel great for a few reasons. One: I’m always happy to see students getting into their study and really taking advantage of the time they spend with our conversation coaches here. I can tell that they enjoy what they study by the smiles on their faces as they discuss, quiz, and share anecdotes about what happened in the weeks past.
Two: I’m pleased to see the Smith’s system in place and working to the benefit of these two students and the coach who’s class they are about to enter. These particular students have been coming to Smith’s Kyobashi for two and a half months now. This little review session leads me to believe that they know exactly what’s going to happen when they walk into that classroom. They know because it has happened consistently for the last two and a half months, regardless of what time of day they come or what Smith’s coach they study with.
As I write this the two students (joined now by a third student) have entered the classroom and, predictably, I can hear laughter as things get started. No doubt they are going through the very material that they had been practicing out here in the lobby moments ago, and having a good time of it as well.
I guess that’s my “right on” or, “great job team” moment for the day. 🙂
-Gavin
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