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This course gave me a clearer incentive on several factors. One of which was the much-needed review of the english language, from the parts of speech to the grammar structures when using past/present/future tenses. I haven't referred back to learning about english grammar since high school and this was a huge help. The course reassured me when it emphasized on how it was more important to use more simple words and explanation methods when teaching students about the english language instead of technical terms and jargon that even I can barely understand. It's important that the students and teacher understand what's being taught in class! Learning how the english language worked from a teacher's perspective in this course was much different compared to learning about it as a student. Both teacher and student learn the language, but EFL students are taught how to understand, produce, and actively use a language that is different from their native tongue. As for teachers, they need to know and develop a much in-depth understanding of the language as a native speaker of english. Along with that, they need the patience, problem solving skills, and flexibility when it comes to creating lesson plans and deciding on what's best to teach the students. The components involved with teaching appeared overwhelming at first, especially for a new teacher, but it really depends on the devotion the teacher has for the students to learn and use the english language. What I gained from the course overall was that teaching the english language to EFL students is more than just teaching a language in class. It allows students and the teacher to learn more about themselves and each other through pair/group activities, presentations, and study tasks. Teaching the english language helps students to not only improve their language skills, but it also develops, if not strengthens their confidence when speaking; learning allows the students' curiosity about the language to grow by them wanting to learn more. This "want," this motivation must be encouraged continuously by their teacher. The teacher, meanwhile, gains the self-fulfillment of accomplishing the main goal of having their students wanting to learn and actively use the english language. What the students learn reflects what the teacher knows and taught them to the best of his or her ability, as well as their determination to reach out to their students through language and hard work. To put what I've learned in action is to first, do more research about the english language through suggested texts, overseas teacher blogs, and written articles. Reviewing my past units' readings and branching out my research from those from outside sources would help clarify some confusion I've had while taking the course. I've also need to put my knowledge to the test by either volunteering or assisting part-time at a local language school to have a more hands-on experience in a real language class. I may need to discuss my plans and why I want to teach overseas to friends and family as much as possible because I'm the first person among my siblings to go overseas for work purposes. This is a major step in my life because this is the first life-changing decision I've made for myself. Once I've gained enough confidence and experience to take the next step, I would then contact language schools overseas (preferably in northern China) and apply for a teaching job there. As much as I'd like to wish that I'd be a perfect language teacher, the reality is that I must work hard and go through several processes of "trial and error" of teaching methods before find some (or combining some) to work in the students' and my favor. I want my future students to feel comfortable not only from learning the language in class, but to come to me for help when they're confused with sentence structures, or don't know the meaning of some vocabulary. But I also want them to work hard and do their best. Having students being challenged in various language uses and having fun in the process will be my initial goal when I become a teacher.
