Personally I have gained so much from this course in spite of wanting to give up so many times! It has given me a basis and a framework from which to start teaching. Up until now I have been ‘assisting only' in our in our
english classes, mainly sitting along side the students and working with them as they participate in each activity. I have learned about different aspects of grammar, parts of speech, functions and tenses (I remember only learning about nouns, verbs and adverbs in Primary school, and that's despite doing
english ‘O' and ‘A' level!). I don't think I had even heard the word ‘gerund' before! Before beginning this course I felt lost as to where to start with teaching
english. The knowledge of different levels and types of students; how to actually manage a class, to plan a lesson/s, to teach the different skills; and to use a myriad variety of activities and resources, has been invaluable. I will be so much more aware of building in use of all or most of the skills in each lesson, of pacing, grading, eliciting and so much more. Another thing I've gained is a sense of how teaching
english can have a real sense of partnership working with your students, and a fun one at that! It has also given me a new respect for those who come to
english classes to learn
english. I have struggled with all the nuances of my own language as I studied on this course, and I'm aware that these studies are the ‘tip of the iceberg', so how much harder it must be for my students.
Since I have very recently taken early retirement(‘early, early' I tell my friends!) following 30 years in the Health Service, the course has certainly given me plenty of mental stimulation, and has motivated me to continue studying this subject further.
I'm planning to put into action all that I have learned on this course by participating more fully as a volunteer
teacher in the
english group in which I have already been involved weekly. This will entail planning and teaching lessons and liaising with colleagues (we team teach) and students regarding evaluating students' progress or lack of same. But it will also entail getting to know the students personally and finding out what their needs and aspirations are regarding learning
english, and coming alongside them helping them to live life in this new culture.
As for the future who knows where I might be led in the field of
tefl. For now I look forward to continue learning as I get more involved in actually teaching classes.