Learning
Teachers play a major role in children and teen's education. They cultivate young brains and hope to help them grow to a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. My teaching philosophy, in regard to second language teaching, has been influenced by my teacher training program and my teaching practice, but also by my own learning experience.
* To successfully study a topic, you need to understand its meaning and its usefulness.
The reason I like English that much is because it's a powerful language all around the world. I feel like it is just as useful as your passeport if you want to travel in other countries. English gives its speakers chances to get information from multiple sources. Young ones are far from being aware of the usefulness of knowing a second language. They most likely live in an environment where they only need to communicate with their first language. I believe it is the ESL teachers' job to inform students about WHY they have to learn a second language In the case of ESL, technologies give many opportunities to see the world in videos and pictures, to name only those. The class can travel to different countries by simply looking at the interactive white board. Special guests and authentic material can also do the job while increasing students' motivation towards ESL.
* To learn a language you need to speak it.
I cannot imagine teaching a class where the students only passively listen to me and take notes, which they will study by heart before the next test. Although the new ministry program is not oriented this way, I have had to teach in such contexts during my four practicums. Although much simpler for students, this way of learning is not really motivating. Plus, it is really hard to develop the three competencies in such situations. My own philosophy for teaching goes opposite. I like when students share responsibility, with the teacher, for their learning. They should drive their own boat, with me as a resourceful guide to help them if needs arise. They have to be active. They have to speak, among them and with me. To me, that is the only way to achieve good results and enjoy learning.
*The attitude to learning and the ambiance in the classroom are key elements.
The student's involvement in his or her own learning cannot be achieved without a proper classroom ambiance. The class has to be a respectful environment that enhance risk-taking. The classroom should foster curiosity and easily give access to the ressources students need to build their projects and their competencies. Students should feel stress-free and be able to have fun through the various activities.
* To successfully study a topic, you need to understand its meaning and its usefulness.
The reason I like English that much is because it's a powerful language all around the world. I feel like it is just as useful as your passeport if you want to travel in other countries. English gives its speakers chances to get information from multiple sources. Young ones are far from being aware of the usefulness of knowing a second language. They most likely live in an environment where they only need to communicate with their first language. I believe it is the ESL teachers' job to inform students about WHY they have to learn a second language In the case of ESL, technologies give many opportunities to see the world in videos and pictures, to name only those. The class can travel to different countries by simply looking at the interactive white board. Special guests and authentic material can also do the job while increasing students' motivation towards ESL.
* To learn a language you need to speak it.
I cannot imagine teaching a class where the students only passively listen to me and take notes, which they will study by heart before the next test. Although the new ministry program is not oriented this way, I have had to teach in such contexts during my four practicums. Although much simpler for students, this way of learning is not really motivating. Plus, it is really hard to develop the three competencies in such situations. My own philosophy for teaching goes opposite. I like when students share responsibility, with the teacher, for their learning. They should drive their own boat, with me as a resourceful guide to help them if needs arise. They have to be active. They have to speak, among them and with me. To me, that is the only way to achieve good results and enjoy learning.
*The attitude to learning and the ambiance in the classroom are key elements.
The student's involvement in his or her own learning cannot be achieved without a proper classroom ambiance. The class has to be a respectful environment that enhance risk-taking. The classroom should foster curiosity and easily give access to the ressources students need to build their projects and their competencies. Students should feel stress-free and be able to have fun through the various activities.