The Realization of an English Teacher

What is the barometer of the success of an English teacher? Is it the fluency of the students in using the language? Is it be the number of vocabulary words they remember from your class? Is it how articulate your students are in using English in expressing their thoughts?

I used to start my English class with a word of the day. And usually the very first meeting of every school year, I used the word “afflatus” as my first word of the day. Before my students know it, the word “afflatus” is just another term for their most used words like crush or inspiration. I always tell my students to find “afflatus” or “inspiration” to really strive hard and exert effort for their studies.

And the rest of the parts of an English teacher’s routine go like that. Every day, a word of the day is shared to the students. Regular grammar lessons, speech topics and literary selections will be the common concepts an ideal English teacher must target to teach. But then again, I ask myself, “Is this the realization of being an English teacher?”

I was once asked by my student regarding the correct pronunciation of a particular word. Then I told the class that actually there is no correct pronunciation of a word. What really matters is the consistency in the way you pronounced a specific term. If you used to pronounce it like this, then be it. If it is the other way around, be it also. Then a sudden affirmation gesture came from them.

It is indeed a great challenge for an English teacher to expect students express themselves freely using the language. The stigma of being corrected grammatically conquers their confidence to speak freely and voice their thoughts. When it comes to correcting students’ grammatical mistakes, I correct them outright. I see to it that they realize outright what came wrong with their sentences or statements so as the next time they will speak they will be conscious on their grammar. But that is a bit harsh on their part. They became hesitant in expressing their thoughts realizing that they will be corrected on the lapses of grammar they might commit. But I always tell them, even bad grammar happens to good people. It is just a matter of mindset and sense of purpose in speaking. Grammar lapses do not delimit your ability to speak. The main purpose of speaking is to express (the very function) and not to impress (accessory of language).

An expert in the language was once a beginner. If we want to master and be fluent in English, just read and read and read. This is what I always advise to my students in English class. Do not let English make your mouth shut. Instead, try to love, practice and embrace it. Without you knowing it, through your perseverance and patience in practicing and having reading as a habit, you will master it! Don’t mind the grammar! SPEAK and EXPRESS YOURSELF!