TP #1 - Eri, Tugba

I met, for the first time, with Eri and Tugba. Tugba is from Turkey and Eri from Japan. This was actually an interesting mix of cultures. We started out getting to know each other. I discovered Eri was doing religious studies, specializing in Buddism. This started a conversation about religions which usually is not the best topic for a first meeting. However, this conversation was handles with such respect between all of us. I was amazed because this is really how it should be always. Tugba is Muslim. We talked about the similarities and differences between Buddism, Christianity and Islam. We even joked about some of the silly rituals that these religions require of it's participants. I realized as much as Eri said she wasn't good with English speaking , she did quite well once she became comfortable and talked about something she was interested. Actually she talks quite a lot whereas Tugba tended to shy away unless asked questions. I find it a bit difficult to tutor two people at once , especially when just getting to know eachother,b/c one always tends to take over. Although, I am sure this will happen in a class setting where one or two students will take lead of the class. I think the best way to handle this, without hurting the other student,is give positive feedback but explain how we want to have time to hear from other students. Maybe nudging the quiet students by asking things they particularly are interested.