That is what the language requirement students complain of in my classes: I refuse to teach.
It is true that if not given a “smart” classroom I no longer attempt to compensate for this, even with a CD player, and it is true that I do not make handouts to substitute for the textbook, or put Power Points in Moodle to substitute for attending class.
It is true that I have found that here, with willing students, it is best to have a flexible rather than a rigid agenda for each class period, so one can best meet them where they are.
It is even true that I spend less time in general on these classes than I would had I not been exhorted so early, so severely, and so often about the importance of saving time on language classes.
It is also true that if I speak Spanish in class, students consider this time I am “wasting” when I could be “teaching.” I don’t speak Spanish, they say, that is why I am here; it is your duty to explain Spanish to me so I can pass tests on it. Thank you for your cooperation.
“Teaching” would consist of lecturing on test answers, I have discovered at last.
Axé.
GRRRRR!
I have found out it is true, by reading someone else’s evaluations. They said: “She speaks Spanish about 80% of the time, so there is only 20% left for teaching.”