Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Am a Teacher

On Monday a new schoolyear starts. The main change for me will be that I will be teaching Econs to Sec4 students in English for the first time.

It is quite challenging, and I feel excited about it. But at the same time it is triggering some fears inside me. I don't fear the chance that some day I cannot find some word, and I stay dumb, looking like a fool in front of the class. What makes me afraid is how I may react.

Will I just take it as one of the mistakes all humans, even teachers, make now and then, or think I am not capable of teaching in English and I should have never taken the responsibility? I am afraid the latter may happen.

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

novembermoon · 51-55

As you always tell me, "Don't be too perfect". Now I can say it back to you 😝😝😝. It's a great thing that you're trying out something new in the new term. Even if you falter, you know that mistakes happen and the greater lesson is that we should always pick ourselves up and move on. The doubts will always be there. But I'd rather you try than to let the doubts hinder you from taking the first step. It's a wonderful new endeavour,really. And I have no doubts that you'd do well, even though there may be adjustment issues initially. 加油💪💪

Cierzo · M

@novembermoon I tell you not to be too perfect, but you know I have a tendency to perfectionism too, and it makes me overthink things.

samanthasmokes · 36-40, F

On the first day of class, let your students know:

1) English is a second language
2) You absolutely love the subject you are teaching
3) You will do everything you can to make the subject something useful for them in their lives
4) In your passion for the subject you at times will have a spot of trouble finding the right words to clearly convey a concept ... and that you gladly welcome their help. Give them examples, funny anecdotes, of times where things backfired for you while you were learning English.

And stay relaxed. Smile. Learn their names.

A professor who is intelligent yet humble, and warm and sincere and passionate about helping students learn ... will have the students rooting for him.

Go for it!

Cierzo · M

@samanthasmokes That is good advice.
I will tell them that it is my first time teaching in Econs, but it is their first time learning Econs too. Therefore neither students not me must be very hard with small hindrances that may arise.

JustNik · 51-55, F

This is wonderful! I took on a new job last year and now I’m a huge proponent of shaking things up at our age. LOL I do so understand the nerves though. Your English here is fantastic Cierzo and I’ve no doubts you can do this. I think you should share the experience with them because it’s an awesome opportunity for them to learn about the perseverance and effort and positive attitude necessary to conquer new challenges in life! I hope you end up having fun with it and wish you the best year yet. 😄🤗

Cierzo · M

@JustNik I am more confident about my written English than my spoken one. When writing I can correct mistakes I make, or take a quick glance at an online dictionary if I don't remember some word. That chance does not exist when I talk.

JustNik · 51-55, F

@Cierzo Maybe work out your lessons as much as you can beforehand so you can look up the words you want to use and keep an online dictionary up in the classroom during for those that you can’t prepare for beforehand. That would work here anyway. Obviously I have no clue how Spanish classrooms are run, but I hope you settle into a method that works for you very quickly and have a great experience. 🙂

SW-User

I think one of the hardest things in the world would be getting up in front of a group of kids and try teaching them...hats off to all teachers

novembermoon · 51-55

I'm reading this again and the thought that comes to mind is that I consider it a blessing for people who are able to teach in their mother tongue AND/ OR another language.

As I've told you before, no one will appreciate having a Chinese person teach English anywhere in the world (other than in the place where I am now). I often feel like an anomaly. I do not think I can teach any subject in Chinese at all with my qualifications in English. And at times like this, I feel like a failure when I think about it.

View 2 more replies »

Cierzo · M

@novembermoon In the HK case, I think speaking Cantonese is a way to tell, first to English colonial masters and now to Mandarin-speaking mainland,that they are different. You don't have that situation there.

novembermoon · 51-55

LKY clamped down on dialects here when he was alive. English became the first language and Chinese became the second language. The disconnect between grandparents and grandchildren is real because it was not possible to communicate any more. Only after the man died did TV begin shows in dialect again. In the meantime, no one questions what we lost in the process. @Cierzo

Cierzo · M

@novembermoon He did it for practical reasons, but it is obvious that you lost something too. I hope grandchildren show interest in learning the dialects of their family roots.

Mugin16 · 46-50, M

If you arealdy now think about it, then try to come up with a strategy to deal with that situation. How about telling a joke or simply use the Spanish word for the English word that you cannot find?

Cierzo · M

@Mugin16 I will try to use Spanish as seldom as possible, but if some time I must resort to using the Spanish word, I will do it.

Nanori · F

well that indeed might happen,cause you might not be able to see everything that you need to work on more to be prepared so if that happenes see it as learning a new experience which made you stronger, so learn from it .
it's not making new mistakes that should worry you but repeating the old ones.

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

Cierzo · M

@kingkyri My brain says I can do it and there should not be any problem. But my nature is reluctant to changes and new situations, at least in the beginning.

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

Add a comment...