Wow..just realized I haven't posted on this blog for A LONG TIME! I guess I had a lot of things to do since the last post.
Anyways, I did a little personal job history check today, and...I have been teaching for a long time now! I never expected to be in this field for 10+ years, now. Many people who get into the English teaching field usually get out in a couple of years. Those who travel abroad to teach English only do it for a short time and then return to their home country and do another career. Surprisingly, when I returned from teaching in Japan, I actually stuck with it. I also improved my ability to teach my craft. I have begun to realize that I need to continue learning about my craft and study more about the career choice I chose.
Because of this, I realized that I need to go back to school and join organizations that help people like me improve on their skills to give the best, effective lessons and knowledge to students. I guess you can call it my new years resolution. Will I succeed? You betcha!! I have a strong support system (my wife and family), and I also have a strong will. Just like Rob Schneider said in the movie "Waterboy"...."You can do it!!!"
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, August 21, 2009
The evolution of a teacher
I have been teaching English as a Second Language for a while now, and I've noticed that throughout this time, I have changed a lot of my teaching styles.
When I first started teaching, I thought that I would teach things, then the students would repeat. Repeating many times would drive them to remember things. That turned out to be a disaster because they would remember them, but didn't know how to use them.
Then, I would try games and crap like that to make things enjoyable for the students. After a while, I (and the students) would even forget what the heck the game or activity was about (Was it about a verb tense? A grammatical point? Vocabulary?).
Oh, and then their is pair-work. My goodness, when I was in Japan, the JTE always loved pair work! But...problems can happen with pair work (students maybe hate each other, maybe you have two students who are overly quiet, so they wouldn' say anything. Or they were too noisy, so they would never focus on the topic, etc.)
Then, I was a grammar nut! Always focusing on grammar and immediately stopping the student in mid-sentence when they made a mistake. That could be detrimental to the student because if I always stop them in mid sentence, they would lose confidence and feel depressed, etc.
Oh, and how can I forget this...in Japan, it felt like the talk time was 80/20! (80% of the time, I was talking. 20% of the time, the student was talking) All I gotta say is...OUCH!!
I've learned so much from my experiences as a teacher. Nowadays, I never focus on any one topic or style I mentioned above. I don't do constant repetition, because that would be boring, but I would quiz them about important points, using different situations so they could use those points in more than one situation. I make sure the games have a purpose. I still do the pair work stuff, but instead of letting the students go and converse freely, I walk around the room, listening to conversations, correcting if needed (especially being careful that some of their mistakes don't 'fossilize' and become part of their permanent thought process). I teach grammar in all possible ways (writing, showing the grammar rules, having them analyze the rules like a mathematical formula, etc.) AND...try really hard to make sure that the talk time is 20/80 (20% me, 80% them) - sometimes that is a hard one to do!! Usually it is 45/55...
Everyday I learn my craft, and I also am constantly evolving as a teacher. I think that is what makes us better teachers. It is this that makes me feel very happy that I chose this profession.
When I first started teaching, I thought that I would teach things, then the students would repeat. Repeating many times would drive them to remember things. That turned out to be a disaster because they would remember them, but didn't know how to use them.
Then, I would try games and crap like that to make things enjoyable for the students. After a while, I (and the students) would even forget what the heck the game or activity was about (Was it about a verb tense? A grammatical point? Vocabulary?).
Oh, and then their is pair-work. My goodness, when I was in Japan, the JTE always loved pair work! But...problems can happen with pair work (students maybe hate each other, maybe you have two students who are overly quiet, so they wouldn' say anything. Or they were too noisy, so they would never focus on the topic, etc.)
Then, I was a grammar nut! Always focusing on grammar and immediately stopping the student in mid-sentence when they made a mistake. That could be detrimental to the student because if I always stop them in mid sentence, they would lose confidence and feel depressed, etc.
Oh, and how can I forget this...in Japan, it felt like the talk time was 80/20! (80% of the time, I was talking. 20% of the time, the student was talking) All I gotta say is...OUCH!!
I've learned so much from my experiences as a teacher. Nowadays, I never focus on any one topic or style I mentioned above. I don't do constant repetition, because that would be boring, but I would quiz them about important points, using different situations so they could use those points in more than one situation. I make sure the games have a purpose. I still do the pair work stuff, but instead of letting the students go and converse freely, I walk around the room, listening to conversations, correcting if needed (especially being careful that some of their mistakes don't 'fossilize' and become part of their permanent thought process). I teach grammar in all possible ways (writing, showing the grammar rules, having them analyze the rules like a mathematical formula, etc.) AND...try really hard to make sure that the talk time is 20/80 (20% me, 80% them) - sometimes that is a hard one to do!! Usually it is 45/55...
Everyday I learn my craft, and I also am constantly evolving as a teacher. I think that is what makes us better teachers. It is this that makes me feel very happy that I chose this profession.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Busy work situations...
Wow...I haven't blogged in a while! I guess it was because I never had time ('worked' 11 hours a day, and if you include commute, that number becomes 12 hours a day!), and I was always so stressed that weekends were my only time to relax (and not think about anything else).
I learned something interesting at work. I have noticed that staff members definitely have to do more work because of the decreased number of staff members (I'm not counting teachers...we have enough for the time being). If you work as part of the staff expect more than the typical 8 hour work day. I noticed that the Center Director (and myself, sometimes) work over the regular 8 hour work day, or are working on weekends (done that so many times already). I don't know if this is just the case with my company or other IEPs in general. Oh well, if anyone else is working in an IEP, is this the same in your situation???
I learned something interesting at work. I have noticed that staff members definitely have to do more work because of the decreased number of staff members (I'm not counting teachers...we have enough for the time being). If you work as part of the staff expect more than the typical 8 hour work day. I noticed that the Center Director (and myself, sometimes) work over the regular 8 hour work day, or are working on weekends (done that so many times already). I don't know if this is just the case with my company or other IEPs in general. Oh well, if anyone else is working in an IEP, is this the same in your situation???
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Really want to teach?
Hmm...I have dedicated today's topic to those who really want to teach. From my own experience, and the experiences of many others, those who say, "Well...I am an native speaker, so teaching my native language is easy" I have some news for you. IT ISN'T EASY! Especially if you teach college aged students, you better know your stuff or else they will see right through you! Try to read up on all the related 'teaching ESL' books you can find. Also, maybe buy a grammar book to make sure you actually understand the reasons why English grammar is, as the students say, so complicated. If you have the chance, sit in an actual class to see how difficult (or easy?) teaching ESL really is. I think even if you teach younger aged students, you still need to catch up on all the teaching formats, etc. If you have more experienced teachers in your school, use them as a resource! They've been there, and done that. They might have a lot of quick lesson ideas for you.
After reading this...now...do you really want to teach?
After reading this...now...do you really want to teach?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Fun stuff about IEP teachers!
Haven't written in a while! I basically have no time because I work 12-13 hour days because of 2 jobs. Anyways, that's the life of an IEP teacher! Anyways, thought all of you guys might get a laugh out of this...
You can tell if you are (or were) an IEP teacher if...
- You are able to make a lesson about a grammatical point in 5 minutes or less.
- you only need to glance a chapter in a book and you can make a 1 hour lesson about that topic.
- Already have a list of games or activities to use when your lesson just totally doesn't catch the student's attention.
- Can easily make a fun activity that is related to the topic.
- Can teach an entire book in 1 month.
- You laugh when a student says to you, "Hi teacher! How are you?" And then, immediately you say, "I am fine. And you?"
- You already have a set lesson plan for a book. When the Academic Manager gives you a student level, all you need to do is replace the dates on your lesson plan and voila!! Finished lesson plan!!
- You always catch yourself saying this sentence: "Okay everyone! Please pair up with the person next to you and do exercise...."
- You know that you make less than a 'regular' public school teacher.
- You get compliments from 'real' ESL professors (those that work in a college or university) for having such an active, lively, and enjoyable class.
- You get ridiculed by those same ESL professors because you have no idea about the theoretical research some guy or gal with a PhD developed (even though you actively use this 'PhD's' research idea anyways).
- You get paid $17.00 or less an hour while a 'regular' professor gets paid more than $20.00 per hour and they get full benefits and retirement pay!
And...the number one way you can tell if you are an IEP teacher is......
(I'll leave it to any teacher to give me the number one reason! You guys probably already know what I will say from looking at the first part of this blog (about my work schedule!!)) ^u^
You can tell if you are (or were) an IEP teacher if...
- You are able to make a lesson about a grammatical point in 5 minutes or less.
- you only need to glance a chapter in a book and you can make a 1 hour lesson about that topic.
- Already have a list of games or activities to use when your lesson just totally doesn't catch the student's attention.
- Can easily make a fun activity that is related to the topic.
- Can teach an entire book in 1 month.
- You laugh when a student says to you, "Hi teacher! How are you?" And then, immediately you say, "I am fine. And you?"
- You already have a set lesson plan for a book. When the Academic Manager gives you a student level, all you need to do is replace the dates on your lesson plan and voila!! Finished lesson plan!!
- You always catch yourself saying this sentence: "Okay everyone! Please pair up with the person next to you and do exercise...."
- You know that you make less than a 'regular' public school teacher.
- You get compliments from 'real' ESL professors (those that work in a college or university) for having such an active, lively, and enjoyable class.
- You get ridiculed by those same ESL professors because you have no idea about the theoretical research some guy or gal with a PhD developed (even though you actively use this 'PhD's' research idea anyways).
- You get paid $17.00 or less an hour while a 'regular' professor gets paid more than $20.00 per hour and they get full benefits and retirement pay!
And...the number one way you can tell if you are an IEP teacher is......
(I'll leave it to any teacher to give me the number one reason! You guys probably already know what I will say from looking at the first part of this blog (about my work schedule!!)) ^u^
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Haven't been on the blog in a while, but...
Realized that I haven't blogged in a while! Doing this mainly because I'm trying to get another job, and trying not to post anything "too" crazy!
But...I am quite surprised! The swine flu epidemic (or whatever they call it nowadays) will affect my industry! In fact it already has!! Just noticed one student from Mexico who was supposed to start next month couldn't get an F-1 visa because the U.S. Embassy is closed from the Swine Flu epidemic! And...another student from Japan cancelled their studies in the U.S. because their company doesn't want their employees to travel anywhere close to the area of the outbreak ("even though" Nevada is FAR from Mexico City, the epicenter of the epidemic). I'm concerned because this is just the beginning. This epidemic has just started, and like most 'viruses,' eventually it will mutate and we will see an even more lethal form of the virus (yes, I saw the movie "Outbreak").
At my work, we will begin putting alcohol wipes and antibacterial cleansing liquids in all the classrooms. I guess I better buy some disposable masks too??
Anyways, this epidemic, just like SARS back in the early 2000s, and 9/11, will affect IEPs more, for sure!
Which comes to what I have noticed in the industry. If an IEP is 'just' and IEP, something like this could kill the company. In order for an IEP to survive, it must 'diversify.' I see that in my current job, and I also noticed this in other related companies. Teach English, but also do other things. For example, an IEP's "company" I know of also does language teaching in other languages besides English. Other companies may have schools all over the world to diversify. Other companies also provide homestay programs to supplement their income. More companies also teach another subject such as computer science or programming. I personally think that is great idea! Because you are not restricted to teaching English only in your immediate location(s). I will remember what I have learned from this experience!!!
But...I am quite surprised! The swine flu epidemic (or whatever they call it nowadays) will affect my industry! In fact it already has!! Just noticed one student from Mexico who was supposed to start next month couldn't get an F-1 visa because the U.S. Embassy is closed from the Swine Flu epidemic! And...another student from Japan cancelled their studies in the U.S. because their company doesn't want their employees to travel anywhere close to the area of the outbreak ("even though" Nevada is FAR from Mexico City, the epicenter of the epidemic). I'm concerned because this is just the beginning. This epidemic has just started, and like most 'viruses,' eventually it will mutate and we will see an even more lethal form of the virus (yes, I saw the movie "Outbreak").
At my work, we will begin putting alcohol wipes and antibacterial cleansing liquids in all the classrooms. I guess I better buy some disposable masks too??
Anyways, this epidemic, just like SARS back in the early 2000s, and 9/11, will affect IEPs more, for sure!
Which comes to what I have noticed in the industry. If an IEP is 'just' and IEP, something like this could kill the company. In order for an IEP to survive, it must 'diversify.' I see that in my current job, and I also noticed this in other related companies. Teach English, but also do other things. For example, an IEP's "company" I know of also does language teaching in other languages besides English. Other companies may have schools all over the world to diversify. Other companies also provide homestay programs to supplement their income. More companies also teach another subject such as computer science or programming. I personally think that is great idea! Because you are not restricted to teaching English only in your immediate location(s). I will remember what I have learned from this experience!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Are IEP and ESL teachers affected by the recession?
Wow...I haven't written for a while. This is because life at work (managing at an IEP) has gotten a bit more tiresome. Now...I have to do manage the homestay stuff, assist in the management of the school, teach a brand new class (an advanced class and a low level listening and speaking class), and other stuff. So, can I say that IEPs have been affected by the recession? I would say...heck ya!!! When the managers (The Center Director AND myself) have to teach classes, that is a sign that upper management is trying to find a way to reduce the number of teachers and staff to stay profitable. In a way, I understand this, so I don't complain too much about it. Interestingly, my school is doing okay...better than other schools. But it takes a drain on all of us working at the school!
One thing that I could say I have benefited from doing all these things at the same time is this....I have become a better multi-tasker!! I am beginning to realize that this is the kind of lives we are living in this millenia. We have to multi-task. I do that while I am teaching (juggling all the different levels and not mixing it up). I do that while I am managing. I do that while I am sleeping. Ugh....
Another thing I have learned while working at an IEP is...you have to be 'very' flexible. I don't know if I would have survived this long at my job if I weren't flexible with the demands of the industry. If you work in an IEP, don't expect to be as rich as a lawyer or doctor or engineer. Actually, IEP teachers are like blue collar workers, at least in the U.S., I think. When I was in Japan, I felt more like a white collar worker, with a lot of prestige. Now, I feel like just a worker on an assembly line...the assembly line of teaching English. Double ugh....
One thing that I could say I have benefited from doing all these things at the same time is this....I have become a better multi-tasker!! I am beginning to realize that this is the kind of lives we are living in this millenia. We have to multi-task. I do that while I am teaching (juggling all the different levels and not mixing it up). I do that while I am managing. I do that while I am sleeping. Ugh....
Another thing I have learned while working at an IEP is...you have to be 'very' flexible. I don't know if I would have survived this long at my job if I weren't flexible with the demands of the industry. If you work in an IEP, don't expect to be as rich as a lawyer or doctor or engineer. Actually, IEP teachers are like blue collar workers, at least in the U.S., I think. When I was in Japan, I felt more like a white collar worker, with a lot of prestige. Now, I feel like just a worker on an assembly line...the assembly line of teaching English. Double ugh....
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