Concerning the idea of
hospitality
While I'm aware that the
notion of hospitality is in the bible for a long time, it is only through this
module that I realise hospitality is so central to the Christian faith. Through
the discussions on hospitality, I have learned that it is way more than the
common concept of the term which we use in present day. Through examining the
context of the New Testament, I've learned that hospitality is a vital
expression of love at that time. Furthermore, hospitality involves more than just
the expression of providing food, shelter and meeting the needs of a person,
but is rooted in active love and respect for him. Understanding the motivation
behind biblical hospitality enables me to see how it can be applied in the
contemporary context - rather than providing a place to stay in and beyond
giving a treat to a meal, I can practise hospitality through expressing
acceptance in relationship, and watching out for the needs of a person and
meeting them to the extent which I am able to. The idea of hospitality
certainly enlarges my perspective on what it means to love another in practical
ways, and gives me new motivation to be proactive in building relationships
with strangers.
Concerning hospitality in my role as a teacher
As a teacher, I have
known that I play a major role in determining the learning environment of my
class. The idea of hospitality further challenges me that I am responsible to
be a host to my students in the learning process, and I have the opportunity to
empower them in their learning. By examining how I teach through the lens of
hospitality, I realise that I have done right in certain certain, but need to
improve in others.
For the right things, I
have sought to build relationships with my students in the classroom, so that it
establishes a conducive environment for them to ask questions. While initially
this was awkward, I find that I am getting better at this as I continue to make
effort in this area. The idea of hospitality encourages me to continue to work
in this area as one aspect to improve learning for my students. Another area
which I think I have done right is to regularly ask questions to probe my
students to think deeper, and to respond to questions with questions instead of
giving them answers straight away. This enables them to arrive at the solutions
on their own instead of me telling them the correct answers. After learning
about creating learning space, I see the possibility of trying new ideas to
enable the students to arrive at the solutions on their own instead of being
spoon fed by me.
For the wrong things, I
realised that sometimes when students kept asking questions, I grow impatient
and just give them the answers directly. On the same idea of learning space, I
should stop them from expecting the answers from me, and instead try to work
out the solution on their own or discuss with each other to check their
reasoning and answers. Another thing I realise is that I tend to marginalise
those who misbehave in class in the way I reprimand them. While discipline in
class is necessary, I should have been more balanced in both reprimand and
encouragement, so that I help to redirect their energy towards learning.
Concerning my inclination
towards hospitality
As I reflect on the
discussions on hospitality, I realise that I am not really a hospitable person.
This is partly due to my family environment - my mother tends to be quite
private and do not welcome guests often. Moreover, it is customary among
relatives that we gather at the elder uncle or aunt's place, so relative
visitation to my home is rare. My house is also quite small (3-room flat), and
is not very conducive to host visitors. Furthermore, I find it a hassle to
invite friends to my house, when I need to clean up and prepare the place for
them - I would rather meet them outside at a restaurant with a nice ambience,
and enjoy our time there!
Perhaps when I get a
place of my own, I can made deliberate effort to invite friends over, or to
have an available room to host oversea visitors - both my friends and missionaries.
