My second observation was very different from my first. Today's program was for middle/high school students. Students came in at different times, and they went straight to work on their homework, working on it for the entire first hour. The remaining half hour at the end was spent eating a hot meal and socializing. The coordinator wasn't there today because of personal/family reasons. One of the staff members said there is supposed to be a motivational speaker the last 10-15 minutes, but I assume because the coordinator wasn't there, there was no speaker today.
What probably surprised me the most was how much the students socialized. It seemed that the majority of them were not working on their homework. I'm interested to see if they will act more productive when the coordinator is there, if she keeps them on task more, etc. In casual conversation with one of the staff members, she mentioned to me that she thinks a lot of these students come just for the food and to socialize with friends; most don't seem to be interested in actually learning.
Specifically about the ESL students: there were five there today, and I explained the study to them and the consent forms. I'm hoping with all my heart that they will bring back signed consent forms and be willing to be interviewed as well! Several of them immediately said that they don't think their moms will be willing to be interviewed, but I requested that they still return forms because I need parents' consent for me to interview them as well. I'm hoping for the best! The ESL students sat together and only socialized among themselves the entire time. I'm interested to see if that's the case every time as well.
Two staff members agreed to be interviewed next week and signed the consent forms, so I look forward to having a few of those done! I already interviewed the coordinator during my first observation. I hope to have a lot more by the end of next week.
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