MY PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES AS A TEACHER

-Observe trainees in the class or workshop for signs that they are failing to keep up, are bored or not understanding. -Show flexibility in responding to trainees needs. -Encourage trainees to take an active role in working through difficulties and take time to work through concepts in dealing with who have challenges. -Communicate effectively with students as well as staff members. -Creative and have an open attitude to change. -Show empathy, fairness, caring and approachable by students.

MY ROLES AND DUTIES AS A TEACHER

MY ROLES AND DUTIES AS A TEACHER As a teacher for vocational training center, I teach both theory and practical lessons. Each year, we (the VTC) admits students with different ethnic, tribal and educational backgrounds and I make sure that at least each student despite of his/her background understand and put in practice the knowledge and skills taught in the vocational training center in both theory and practice. These roles and duties include;  Prepare scheme of work and lesson plan for my periods  Teach students using different and possible teaching techniques such as lecture, demonstration, discussions and assessment.  Monitor and evaluate students’ performance  Create good learning environment for the students  Prepare and mark both assessment tests and examinations  Keep up to date records of the activities of the department.  Submit end of month reports to my senior/supervisor on the activities of the department.  Face any sort of situation that arise in my classroom and resolve it with confidence and forward those that require the attention of my supervisor.

“CRACKING OF BUILDINGS AS A CHALLENGE”

Most societies in South Sudan are facing challenge in the field of bricklaying and concrete practice (BCP). Cracks have become an indigenous, undesirable feature in both the old and newly constructed buildings. Building’s walls, foundations and floors are developing cracks in many parts of the country more especially in Malakal town. After completion of a building, unexpectedly cracks begin to develop on the walls, foundations and floors which weaken the strength and eventually the stability of the building as well as its durability. Although the craftsmen in their own capacities take actions to minimize the extent and severity of the cracking during the building process, it is rarely possible to avoid them entirely. According to my own observation, these cracks are gradually increasing in height and width which may be the first sign of serious defect affecting the serviceability of the house. This therefore calls for special attention from the craftsmen, government and individuals. It is most probably that, cracks that are not properly identified and paid attention to may lead to collapse of the structure. Assume that, a family building collapses, they are more likely to be exposed to more dangers like; coldness at night, rains, mosquito bites and spending more money to construct a new one or may be for renovation. The purpose of this technical note is to seek for help and advice on the increasing level of challenges caused by cracking of buildings in South Sudan, Malakal. The research is carried out to establish a common ground and possible ways on how I can improve my practice as well as my learning. And also act as an eye opener to other craftsmen in the field of bricklaying and concrete practice and may in other crafts to also identify and understand common challenges in their professional practices. During this study, I passed through two significant shifts; from “I can’t” to “I can” and from I can to “I care”. Not until possibilities are found to reduce or avoid this phenomenon, clients and craftsmen will keep on facing economic lose. This therefore makes most of the clients have less trust in the craftsmen. If this cracking of foundations, walls and floors are not minimized or reduced the guarantee of such buildings may also be uncertain. What could have caused these cracks? How can these cracks be reduced or avoided? Contributions of ideas and skills on; understanding, minimizing/reducing and avoiding cracks are welcome from craftsmen and well-wishers.