"Challenges of education in the new century: Communicative Skills as a European Teacher."
Yesterday, during the first session of the course, our teacher (Niomi Kelly from Belgium) asked if we had been happy at primary school and secondary school. She also asked us if we remember any "good teacher" we ever had.
But what is what I understand as "being good teacher"?
Well, when I think back on my own experiences of being taught, it is the teaching techniques that I remember least. I certainly remember teachers who made subject matter come alive, through their great knowledge and enthusiasm.
The teacher I recall with more admiration and respect, is Ms. Pinteño, my teacher of English at Primary School. I was eleven years old and it was my first time ever learning a foreign language. She was a teacher who listened to me, who encouraged me, who respected my own views and decisions. That teacher who helped me the most was the one who, I think, did less “traditional-teaching” of the subject matter and was “technique-free”, being herself in class. My memories of her lessons are what I did, rather than what she did, of my learning rather than her teaching.
Sometimes this "way of teaching" involved her in less traditional techniques, becoming more a “guide” or a “counsellor” than an "I-and-only-I-know-English-teacher". I also remember how she encouraged us to use English as soon as we entered her class everyday. My classmates and I were highly motivated and could not wait the English-hour to arrive. It was like leaving Spain for a while and, although challenging, arriving in an English speaking country to attend her lessons.
I would describe this experience as a very successful learning one. So successful that although I was only eleven years old, it had such an impact on me that I decided I would also become a teacher, a teacher of foreign languages. And I also decided that I would follow that model of teaching she presented to me. That teacher was not conscious of the present she gave me. I will thank her forever.
(^o^)
well...yes I totally agree with you. The good teacher is not only a teacher who knows the subject well but also the way he/she presents to students and the type of communication he/she will establish together with the students.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you both and this is well said from both of you. I think that the teacher should be a model for his/her students, in such a way that he/she always should try to give the best to the students, and one day when they will grow up, they will tell stories about the their teachers. For instance telling the others things that they have learned from them.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful that Pinto still can remember the name of his English teacher and the methods that he used for teaching?
I think that a good teacher will always think that after some years his/her students can be at his/her place. And this is the reason why the good teacher should have always respect for his/herself and for his/her students. If one of your ex students after some years sees you on the road and crosses the road to greet you, it is no doubt that you have been a great teacher, and such example is of a great value for you and for them.
You are very interesting person.
ReplyDeleteI would like to add that we as a teachers must to follow the revolution in the technology and information field,also to choose the best methods,techniques and strategies for the teaching and learning and research and study inside the class all the time.
ReplyDelete