TESOL 1 : Second language acquisition assignment

90th WK 박진주(Christine)

After learning about 3 types of teachers, I reminded my school teachers and school life. I think almost every teacher was typical and has the same style. They are close to Explainer. For example, when I was a middle school student, I had to take a Japanese class. It was my first time to learn another language except for English. At first, I expected about new language and showed curiosity about Japanese. But as times passed, my concentration began to drop noticeably. And almost students slept in that class. The Japanese teacher was a woman who knows her field well and smart. However her lecture was so boring. Now I come to think of it, she had limited knowledge of teaching methodology. She always tried to give information as much as she can during the class. So the class was only her talking time not student's time. And she focused on lecture, text book. She didn't use variety of teaching materials also. She only read text book and wrote down a lecture on the board. It was a very traditional classroom. As a result, lots of students lost their interests in Japanese including me.

On the contrary to this, there is a another teacher I like. When I was in university, I majored in Business Administration. But most of classes were being taught in English. At first time, I was nervous and worried about I couldn't follow professors' directions or lessons. But as time went by, because of him I felt that I was a part of that class. He was a great professor as well as a good mentor. He was able and experienced. He knew not only the way of teaching, but also the way of involving us with interests. Although every class he explained the lesson with English, it was not hard to understand. Because I could listen many pieces of his works which is related to our lecture. While he talking, he tried to elicit students' participation. Moreover, he gave us many opportunities to work together such as team project. So we prepared many presentations and researched various information through books, internet and so on. During the class he always used many types of teaching materials to motivate us such as ppt, dvd, articles and youtube. It was a modern classroom style. So I could concentrate on lecture more easily. Also because of his teaching method, as I prepared presentation, I found about how to cooperate with others and how to deliver information more effective. By end of the class, I could speak and understand English with confidence. Now I think he was kind of an Enabler. I'm very thank to him for accepting individual characters and never lost his belief in his teaching. I couldn't forget his class.

Since I worked at the elementary school, I have had lots of students. I always try to be a good teacher but it is very difficult for me. After learning about 3 types of teacher, characteristics of adult learners and modern classroom, I changed my mind. I believed that the best teacher is who gives much information to their students in the past. But now, I believe that teachers should have belief of their methodology and be patient also. Even if there is no good result, I will never give up to teach students and I will try to understand them individually. And I want to help students to get in to class with interests, passion and expectation and try to encourage them too.

Now I have 22 English classes a week, and this classes include from grade 4 to grade 6. It is hard to make students to enjoy class, but I try to praise my class participation and active, questioning mind. And then I'll make them goal oriented. So I think it requires more individualized attention to my students. As I finished this course, I hope that I become a better teacher.