| While waiting for my nursing board exam results, I | | | | say that they didn't understand a word you've said. |
| applied for a job as an ESL (English as Second | | | | - Prepare games and icebreakers. They get stressed |
| Language) tutor for Korean students. They came here | | | | when they find the lesson too hard or boring. Games |
| to the Philippines while they were in their winter | | | | and icebreakers can lighten up the mood a little bit. It's |
| vacation from the university to study English. I am new | | | | a good way to show them that learning English can be |
| to teaching, of course, especially to Koreans, but I have | | | | fun too! |
| found out very important tips and information about | | | | - Maintain good hygiene. You are teaching your student |
| teaching them in my short stint as an English teacher. | | | | face to face, of course. So it's a good idea to take a |
| - Be very, very patient. Of course, they don't know a | | | | bath everyday and brush your teeth before class. |
| lot of things. That is why you are teaching them. Don't | | | | - Praise and encourage him. Learning English can be |
| lose our temper. Be patient. If they don't understand a | | | | very hard for him. A lot of students do give up. Be |
| lesson, just repeat it to them or try a different | | | | generous with your words of praise and |
| approach. They will understand it soon enough. | | | | encouragement. It will help him to keep going on. |
| - Be prepared. Don't just come into the classroom | | | | - Have fun! I treat my students as my friends too. We |
| empty handed. Remember to review the lessons for | | | | joke around and talk about different things. Being |
| the day so your teaching will be more effective. | | | | friendly with them creates a comfortable atmosphere |
| - Give examples. One technique I have learned that | | | | between me and my students. They tell me that they |
| helps both the student and the teacher is by giving a | | | | look forward to attending my class everyday. |
| lot of examples of the lesson you are teaching. | | | | Now, my students are on their way back to Korea |
| - Apply in conversations. Your student will learn more if | | | | and my stint as an English teacher is over for now. I |
| he practices what you have taught him in everyday | | | | never thought that I would love teaching. But I do. Many |
| conversations. | | | | teachers find the rewards of teaching go beyond the |
| - Ask questions. Don't rush into the next lesson after | | | | classroom, including me. It is a gift to have the |
| the other. Ask your student if he understands the | | | | opportunity to teach. It's an experience I'll never forget. |
| lesson first. Sometimes, they are just being polite to | | | | |