What's up in Europe? | Page 54

A Day in the Life of... GREECE The Chemistry Teacher, Mrs Raftopoulou by Olga Q. How many years have you been teaching chemistry.? “I have been teaching chemistry for 23 years now.” Q When you were a student did you dream of becoming a chemist? “Exactly.Chemistry enchanted me since the age of 15. It was …. Love first sight!” Q Do you help your help your students conduct chemical experiments in the school lab during your lessons? “Absolutely. It is the best way to learn and remember the lesson. Experiments make the lesson experiential and the didactic goals set by me as a teacher are achieved.” Q Are you satisfied with your students’ contribution to the lesson? “ Well, a great number of students attend the lesson with interest. This is very rewarding. But on the other hand, there is, fortunately, a small number who are not interested at all. I have to admit this is a bit disappointing because chemistry is applied to a lot of situations in everyday life. However, challenging at the same time to develop my teaching skills and make the lesson more attractive. Q. Finally, Mrs Raftopoulou, lets finish with the last question. Do you have any free time? Do you have any hobbies? It is a pity I don’t have much free time due to family engagements. I have three children who need me as a mother and as a teacher. When there is spare time I like drinking coffee with my friends and colleagues talking about everyday matters.