By Flor de María Vila
Nowadays, there is a great deal of talk
about the required qualities English teachers should have in order to facilitate
their students to achieve their main goal: learn English. However, this ideal
profile with a number of competencies is thought to match with any reality
whether this is the one observed in a developed country or the one found in a
developing country. If we had to narrow down the perspective, we may also have
to think of the context, that is society, the educational model, or even the
school where we teach. In this sense, we are also expected to adopt different
roles which are definitely necessary while conducting a lesson.
I remember the first training sessions I
attended and find myself a little overwhelmed by all those functions described
in famous books. It was very challenging, though.
Let´s take a look at
the following roles (1). Make a mental check and think carefully before giving
an answer. Don´t rush!
We actually do a lot, don´t we?
Apparently, we should be satisfied with what we have done so far. However, I
feel there comes a point when one feels that even though one masters the roles
mentioned above, something is still missing.
Is that all we can do? Isn´t there anything else that
should be done?
We are not just a sort of eternal
operators in the teaching process in which we follow the book or the
innovations proposed by experts, are we? Once we start gaining some experience,
we should try to turn into leaders. I do not necessarily mean extrovert
leaders. We could also develop into introverted leaders if we prefer not to be in the
spotlight. I got inspired by Susan Cain (2) who claims that in many cases
introverted people are better leaders.
Isn´t
becoming a leader an interesting role? It may sound so common and at the same
time threatening. Probably, we feel contented enough and we just do not want to
leave our comfort zone. Obviously, we may feel afraid of many things. Probably,
the most common fear is TO FAIL. It´s natural, we are humans. Nobody wants to
feel embarrassed. However, I would like to challenge you and assume the
following role: a leader in a very
specific area.
STEP 1: Choose one these options of roles, but
keep it as a secret. Choose the one the fits your talent and/or your interest
the most:
Role A
Specialist in curriculum, lesson plan, objectives
and so on. All teachers have to implement content standards, write lesson plans
or fill in any other document which would in a way inform the authorities of
the institution if we are keeping the standard and appraise them of the
progress we are making. If we must do this, why not becoming a specialist and
help others.
Role B
Learner: Become that teacher who is always willing to look for new strategies to teach listening for instance. (3) Grow into an insatiable tracker and exchange information with your colleagues to find the best approach for your students.
I´m sure that once you begin, your eagerness will become contagious.
Role C
Resource provider: There is always a teacher who knows
which web sites, instructional materials, readings, or other resources that can
be used to help students with any difficulties can be encountered. Another one
I have found is that who knows the latest online games, or other technological
tools to enhance our teaching. For instance, Kahoot or electronic roulettes to choose the first speaker in
a class presentation. What about you? Choose only one and believe me, you will
feel fantastic sharing what you know with your colleagues and your lessons will
become the best!
Role D
Promoter of change: Are you the teacher
who does not always feel content with the results? Why don´t you try posing
questions to generate an analysis of student learning? You can start by asking
yourself and trying to find answers with any searcher on the web or read a book
about it. If you are committed to continuous improvement, this is your role.
Just go one step ahead: share this concern with your colleagues and propose
alternatives to solve any issue. It may be a good idea to propose changes and
together with your colleagues or on your own talk to your coordinator or any
member of the staff that could hear you and be open to make changes. Substantial
changes need support and authorities will definitely welcome them because that
will improve the standards.
STEP 2: Take any opportunity to offer your help
to colleagues. Some aid is always welcome and nobody is judging, so you won´t
fail. Keep track of the results and you may have the chance to assist again.
STEP 3: Get together with other colleagues that
have the same interests and you could become a team: one specialized in
anything that you choose. Sometimes it is easier and much more fun to work with
other people.
STEP 4: Explore other options such as becoming
an innovator or a researcher. For that, you may need to read the following
articles:
As I mentioned before, adopting the role of a leader is
not that difficult. If your main concern is the possibility of failing, keep it
secret first. Little by little start sharing what you know with people who need
to know what you know. Help them and you won´t fail.
Are there any other roles I haven´t mentioned? Have you tried them?
Share your experience with us!
References
(1) The TKT course
(2011) Spratt, M., Pulverness,A., & Williams,M. Cambridge University Press
(3) How to teach
listening. https://languageteachingblogger.blogspot.com/2018/07/listening-skill-difficult-to-teach.html
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
M.A. in Cognition, Learning and Development from PUCP, B.A. in Education with a major in English Teaching. Ms. Vila is currently Teacher trainer, Pedagogic Consultant and Member of the Research Team at Centro de Idiomas de la Universidad del Pacífico. She is Academic Director of International Contacts (test training & foreign applications advisory) and relationship manager for American universities´ MBA admissions officers with International Contacts. She is official Examiner for several University of Cambridge tests, freelance consultant with Universidad ESAN, experienced speaker on diverse English teaching issues for prestigious institutions, and senior international examinations trainer (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS)
