Teach English in Wadǐ Zhen [Fandǐ Zhen] - Yuncheng Shi

The fact that English language is the actual universal language creates a desire in many non- speakers as well as in speakers to learn it / perfect it and preferably with the help of a good English teacher. This essay discusses the correlation between English language learning outcomes and the personal qualities of the English teachers. According to an online definition, personal qualities are like personal characteristics which make up the personality of an individual. Some teachers are lucky enough to have great innate personal qualities, however one can also cultivate them. To be an English teacher there are certain roles to be fulfilled. These roles ideally require certain integral personal qualities for a desired result. A recent personal voluntary conversational English teaching experience in Morocco gave me a deeper insight to what personal qualities it takes to be a good teacher. The following points address the qualities English teachers should possess/pursue: 1. Kindness / compassion 2. Liveliness / entertaining 3. Integrity 4. Discipline 5. Autonomy 6. Fairness/ wisdom / knowledgeable 7. Humility 8. Calmness / tranquility. These qualities are very complex in nature and imply that the teacher can provide a supportive atmosphere where the student can learn efficiently, feel well and express himself/herself freely. These qualities have a motivating effect on the student and are great foundations for role modelling. A kind teacher would be envisaged as someone who is warm, compassionate, patient, generous, sensitive, non-judgmental, encouraging and with an altruistic nature. Praising and encouraging students to ask questions is a large part of the job in order to gain the student’s trust, and for the student to develop self-confidence. Allowing students to make mistakes is important so they can learn from it. A good teacher is able to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences, in particular being able to correct students without offending them or effecting their motivation. Lively / Entertaining quality plays an important role in motivating students. The humour, cheerfulness and appreciation creates a certain lightness and hope on the path of learning the language. The use of funny games has the double advantage of facilitating learning and helping in rapport building. Integrity is characterised by being reliable, responsible, honest, loyal and dignified in a consistent manner. It also implies that the teacher’s focus is based on the student’s goals and not on their own personal interests. This often results in establishing a good reputation of the teacher and the establishment the teacher works for. Discipline and focus. Grit, perseverance, passion and self control are all noble and important qualities a teacher should have. They are invaluable assets in order to plan lessons, assessments, revisions, rapport building... etc. The teacher’s own motivation and being well prepared are crucial in regards to learning outcomes of the student. There is nothing more motivating than one’s own little victories, therefore focusing on easier than more difficult tasks are important for students. Keeping the student’s minds active with varied activities increases their language learning. Autonomy reflects on the teacher’s sense of responsibility and self-reliance, it allows the teacher to develop their own teaching methods. Teacher autonomy is important throughout the class planning phase. The teacher may plan to attend to students who have difficulties either before or after classes in order to avoid interruption to the class dynamic and to avoid student embarrassment. Fair / Wise or intelligent are other qualities of great importance. It is hard to be a good teacher without this trait. The classes are made purposeful with a teacher who has insight, knowledge of the language points, understanding the strength and weaknesses of students and of oneself. This will allow the teacher to involve all students with the right activities assigned to them. It is equally important to explain the lesson and the teaching method along with showing examples for maximum comprehension of the students. Humility displays itself, when the teacher shows some egolessness, simplicity, and deference or adaptability, and respect. Good English teachers do not put themselves above students in order to reduce psychological barriers for the students. Calmness / tranquility is an essential quality when teaching students of all levels but particularly with beginners. Showing peace, gentleness and acceptance from the teacher’s behalf is greatly valued by students. It gives permission to students to open up and interact more. To a great extent the teacher’s personal qualities help pursue one’s values. For instance a teacher may value or desire having knowledgeable, high-achieving students in his or her class. The more of the above personality traits present in the teacher the greater the chance is that he/ she would achieve his/ her goal. According to an online dictionary, personal values are defined to be reflections of our needs and desires and what we care about most in life. Knowing one’s own values helps the individual stay true to oneself and have a meaningful life. Given that teachers rarely possess all of the above qualities it is useful for them to pursue ongoing personal development. As a conclusion, both literature and personal experiences show evidence that the personal qualities of English teachers are linked to the learning outcome of students. The teacher qualities required for a positive learning outcome are: Kindness, compassion, liveliness, entertaining, integrity, discipline, focus, autonomy, fairness, wisdom, intelligence, humility, calmness and tranquillity. Teacher’s personal development is an ongoing requirement to develop/pursue the above qualities. Teachers having achieved these qualities will be successful as well as their students. Together they will contribute to a more functional, united and happy world through our universal English language. References: 1. TESOL Course material 2. Rezzan Hussey. (25.February 2017).In perspectives, Self knowledge, 12 of the most powerful personal qualities (and how to develop them). Retrieved from: http://www.artofwellbeing.com