My ESOL teacher was far from being just an ordinary teacher. She was a real talent who not only taught, but explained all the nuts and bolts of the language. She gave me an exceptionally strong background of grammar and lexicology and later taught me how to ‘feel’ the language in regards to intonation, emphasis and subtext. As a result of her methodology of teaching, I have turned out to be an excellent speaker of the English language. Moreover, she taught me essence of ‘diving’ into the language to be able to succeed in the learning. I am strongly convinced that, being part of a teaching staff in a renowned organization is the next logical step I can take in my path of life. Therefore, it will be an honor for me to be granted the opportunity to be part of TESOL teachers in Korea.
From my point of view, it is essential that a teacher should motivate students and give them a boost in their learning process. Though each and every student is singularly different, the methodology should be based on equality – students should have a sense of ability to learn and achieve tangible results. Not only should they be given opportunities to explore their abilities to surpass and compete, but also apply their language learning experiences in other areas of their studies. Every student deserves at least a chance to reveal his inner potential to reach success in the classroom and outside classroom. Success can be achieved depending on how one sets and measures the goals. To top it off, I will explain and teach my students that, with determination and patience they can attain their goals in life. Moreover, I do want my students to understand and feel the value that they can contribute to the society.
To my mind, there are several tasks, which every teacher should set in order to achieve results. Firstly, they should give students practical knowledge, which can be useful in daily life. Secondly, a teacher should assess the students’ capabilities using aptitude tests. Apparently, it is the teacher’s responsibility to understand the students’ needs and focus on how to satisfy these needs. Not only should a real professional maximize learning and minimize gaps of understanding by applying various strategies in the classroom, but also give student-centered instruction to engage them and activate their learning process. Communicative methodology should be used to push students to interaction, discussion and conversation, at the same time enhancing speaking and communicative skills. It is essential to involve the students during the teaching process. This can be achieved through the use of heuristic methods of teaching hand in hand with the expository methods of teaching. This can be achieved through allowing students to correct errors themselves with the help of open- or closed-ended questions students. The students should then be able to develop their own understanding of various concepts while working individually or in groups.
Moreover, teachers should make English learning fun and engrossing, implementing games, songs, video lessons and other interactive activities. Also, due to different learning background and perception, teacher should use various teaching methods, techniques and materials in the classroom to enhance learning.
Currently, I am a volunteer ESL teacher at one of the English language centers in the metropolitan areas of the United States. Despite the fact that my work is informal, and I am teaching only in small groups, I have already helped my students practice and improve their language skills. I mostly specialize in adult students of different proficiency levels, where many students have six years, or even lees, of education in their native language. Moreover, I am volunteering as a math teacher in the after-school program in one of the low-income communities. Students in this community are remarkably different: many of them lack fundamental concepts of both mathematics and English to enable them learn at the current grade level; others do not have any opportunity to go back and strengthen their already existing skills. However, even though such a work is a real challenge, I realize that I can provide them with an opportunity to enhance their skills to the needed level so that they could progress in the classroom. I should admit that there is nothing more satisfying than to inspire students and help them build their self-confidence. I would like to take teaching as a profession, a decision that will make be involved in touching the lives of my community members. Regardless of the fact that I lack classroom teaching practice, I believe that my experience as both ESOL teacher and a language student and past business career in various fields can make a positive contribution to my students.
Based on my experience as a TESOL teacher, I think there is no single teaching method that works singly for the students. A single method cannot teach all students, and I believe that learning needs to be dynamic. Fortunately, I know that I possess all the necessary skills to help students reach success in their class work. I am open to try diverse roles with students and tune into their interests and needs, as well as give them positive influence in learning.
With regard to job opportunities in Korea, I have pondered much of such a step. Korean culture and traditions have always attracted me, and I am aware that such a brilliant chance will not only give me an opportunity to teach and be helpful, but it will also enable me to learn. I understand that the teacher does not only teach, but also learns (teacher as a student). As an ESOL student in the United States, I have come to understand the needs and challenges every ESOL student is experiencing. That is why I do have an ability to grasp the needs and reach students. I have a desire to enhance students’ English learning experience and provide them with a direction so that they could prepare for future.
Knowledge of other languages opens new opportunities and gives students perspectives that they might, otherwise, never have encountered. I do hope that once my students would be able to study abroad and work internationally, as well as participate on the international stage. I do want to share my American cultural experience with students in Korea and contribute my experience to improve results of students’ achievements. I want to help them build strong background in English in the same my teachers in the United States built mine. Finally, I must admit that my only desire is to give back what to the community.
