Language learning is always related to our real world because we use language to achieve certain goals in different contexts, and for various purposes in our course of lives. Therefore, I believe language learning should emerge from social interactions; interactions with materials, with other people or even with oneself, and with the overarching social context.
Applying this belief into teaching, I strive to teach my students by utilizing discussions and tasks. By asking students to think out loud and exchange their opinions, not only do they achieve language learning through interaction, it also helps students cultivate critical thinking, when challenging, critiquing and accepting others’ opinions. This student-centered teaching method also avoids the situation of students feeling too bored.
Related to my teaching methods, I believe that teaching is not merely telling or feeding. Rather, it is imparting knowledge by asking my students to think, to explore. What I need to do is to ask the right questions, and provide with proper guidelines. Designing chains of activities that facilitate students’ thinking, I pave the path for them, which ultimately can lead them to the destination, or even beyond.
Learning not only happens in the real world; it also should serve for the real world. I seek to find the link between students’ needs at present or in the future, and the goals of the curriculum that I teach. I always tell them we are not doing the assignments for the sake of getting an A in this course, instead, we are preparing ourselves for overcoming countless difficulties. When students see the reasons why they should do it, I could anticipate more motivation and participation in my class.
Applying this belief into teaching, I strive to teach my students by utilizing discussions and tasks. By asking students to think out loud and exchange their opinions, not only do they achieve language learning through interaction, it also helps students cultivate critical thinking, when challenging, critiquing and accepting others’ opinions. This student-centered teaching method also avoids the situation of students feeling too bored.
Related to my teaching methods, I believe that teaching is not merely telling or feeding. Rather, it is imparting knowledge by asking my students to think, to explore. What I need to do is to ask the right questions, and provide with proper guidelines. Designing chains of activities that facilitate students’ thinking, I pave the path for them, which ultimately can lead them to the destination, or even beyond.
Learning not only happens in the real world; it also should serve for the real world. I seek to find the link between students’ needs at present or in the future, and the goals of the curriculum that I teach. I always tell them we are not doing the assignments for the sake of getting an A in this course, instead, we are preparing ourselves for overcoming countless difficulties. When students see the reasons why they should do it, I could anticipate more motivation and participation in my class.