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NEVER, EVER TELL YOUR AGE
Most
students base their respect to the age of the teacher. Especially for
Filipinos, we are naturally young
looking and the late implementation of K-12 to us. That’s why for us, a twenty
one year old student has already achieved a bachelor’s degree is normal, for
them, it’s shocking. It’s a good way that we can enjoy our youth, in a bad way, some people doubt
our capabilities to do it. Some phrases I use to avoid answering the question
are :
Ex: I am old enough to teach you.
For girls we can say this answer: Asking a
woman’s age is rude. (With a smile so
that they won’t feel bad from the word “rude” )
OR
do some stalling.
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Be PATIENT AND SMILE
Especially
for speaking classes, I encourage you to speak in your normal voice and speed.
This is to challenge the students to keep up with you. When they ask you to repeat it, try to speak
slowly. If the student still can’t understand you, type what you’re trying to
say. But don’t rely on typing. It’s a speaking
class. The bottom line is, be patient.
This
is pertaining to your expressions. Of course, we don’t use bad words. When there
are expressions that we use during the classes, then the student ask you what
it is , explain it. The point here is, don’t dig your own grave. Don’t use
words or expressions that you can’t explain. You can stall but not all the
time.
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Do the SANDWICH METHOD
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DON’T DOMINATE THE TIME
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Students applied for our services for
them to practice most especially their speaking skills. So give them the time. Try
to follow the 70/30 percent. 70 percent
for the student, 30 percent for the teacher. Even though the teacher doesn’t
speak that much, while listening to the student, try to take note some of
his/her mistakes. In this way before the lesson ends, you can say something to
the student. This is a way to still show
to the student that you are the teacher. He/she needs to listen to what you’re
saying. On their side, they appreciate and respect teachers who give them feedback.
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It’s a CLASS, not a DEBATE
This
happens during classes. When you have a different
view from the student’s opinion, try to listen to him/her first. Listen and
understand. The purpose of the class is for the student to express himself/herself,
not to listen to your opinion. If he asks your opinion, then you can say it but in a subtle way.
Example: I do understand what you’re trying to say.
Now let’s try to look on the other side, how about if….
I got your point however, ….
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BE PROFESSIONAL
Most
of the students are professionals. You can have a student whose occupation is an
English teacher, engineer, surgeon and others. Given this situation, you should
always remember that even though they are professionals, they need something. That
is ENGLISH, which we are far better than them. Carry this pride and don’t be
underestimated by them. You should show
them that you are giving value to your class.
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