TEFL Jaboatao Dos Guarapes

There are an inexplicable amount of options for teachers. Not only must a teacher discover and select from among their teaching styles and options, but also, that of their students. And, furthermore, these options are dependent upon variables as wide-reaching as the very cultures which they reside and/or teach in. However, the fact is, that needs and desires preclude such options and choices made thereof. It is therefore pragmatically palpable to be aware and familiar with such aims so that one may more aptly distinguish between pertinent options. Simply put, a teacher must understand as well as choose from among their options. That is, if a teacher understands their own needs/desires, and that which they wish to accomplish, they can more readily choose from an increasingly daunting amount of demographic options. The globalizing world, it seems, has ever-increasing needs and options for teaching. Firstly, in order to determine their options, a teacher must settle upon a definition for what a teacher is. These definitions often reside within a spectrum all the way from a parental role to so far as a rehabilitory role. Now, the roles for which a teacher is hired for may or may not be clearly defined, but either way, the individual who fills that role must define what teaching and the subsequent roles mean as directly related to their own needs, desires, and goals. That is, they must define their role as a teacher beyond what has been defined for them within an external system in order to effectively function within that system. Let’s examine an example involving ‘Johnny.’ Johnny is an American who is teaching english at an elementary school in South Korea. At the most basic levels Johnny’s culture and language are much different from that of his students. Furthermore, Johnny’s language is irrevocably tied to his culture, as in all languages, and Johnny is not quite sure whether his students will understand how to employ the english he teaches them effectively unless he teaches his students along with a considerable amount of cultural backing, exposure, and interaction. Such a dilemma can be representative of whether it is important for Johnny to focus on teaching english with a focal point on functionality or upon understanding and adaptability. Furthermore, Johnny should examine his own needs and desires, such as, what will give him job satisfaction, in order to determine what he can most effectively (and passionately) teach. As Johnny begins to understand what he wishes to accomplish, and further realizes his goals as a teacher, he can begin to narrow down his options as a teacher and ascertain what demographic options may be appropriate for his aims as a teacher. Furthermore, he can more easily set upon a teaching style options and afford more time for better understanding his students learning style options. In conclusion, it is important to explore your options as a teacher not only as defined within a role/occupation or demographically, but introspectively as well. Furthermore, once you understand and set your personal aims, you may better determine a route in a job field which has become increasingly varied, and which offers numerous options within a globalizing world. References 1. Website. http://www.teflonline.net/tefl-articles/options-for-teachers-108/ June, 2012. 2. Website. www.teachaway.com. December, 2006