By Mayra
Yaranga
The school year has already
begun. To what extent are you a different professional in comparison to the one
you were last year?
Have you thought of how to
improve your language competence and methodological approaches? Here there are
some questions that might help you do just that.
What do your
answers mean?
1.
With regard to foreign language competence:
a. It has
improved and I have qualifications (language-related certificates, diplomas or
degrees) to prove it
b. I’ve been
preparing to take exams
c. I think it
has improved but I can’t prove it
2. Think about these activities: Watching foreign
language films, reading in the foreign language, using the foreign language
when socialising.
a. I do them a
lot more often than last year
b. I do them
more or less as often as last year
c. I do them
less often than last year
3.
Have your colleagues helped you identify areas for possible
improvement in your lessons?
a. Yes, they’ve
observed me several times
b. No, but I’ve
arranged for it this year
c. No, I haven’t
thought about it
4.
In the last year, how many academic events related
to foreign language teaching have you attended voluntarily?
a. Several
b. One or two
c. None really
5.
Compared to this time last year, how aware of the Peruvian
educational policies are you?
a. Significantly
more aware
b. Slightly more
aware
c. Equally aware
6.
In the last year, your opinion on the Peruvian
educational system has become…
a. better
informed by facts and statistics that I remember well
b. somewhat better
informed
c. no difference
UPSHOT
Mostly A:
You seem to be very highly
committed to your profession. Hopefully all the improvements you’ve made will
have a very positive impact on your teaching.
Mostly B:
You’re on the way but
remember that actions speak louder than words. Working on your language
competence, methodology and educational issues will certainly take you further.
Mostly C:
It’s never too late to
start. There might be many obstacles to devote time and energy to develop these
areas but all the changes in the teaching profession start with you!
Biodata
Mayra Yaranga (1985) has
completed Doctorate studies in Education at UNIFÉ; Master’s Degree in Media,
Culture and Identity from Roehampton University (London) revalidated by PUCP, a
Bachelor’s Degree in Education - UPCH and the Professional Title of Licenciada
- IPNM. Currently she is Cambridge Oral Examiner and Member of the Research
Area for Universidad del Pacifico Language Centre. She is also ESP coordinator
and Pre-University Centre Director at UNIFÉ.
