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Hated English class until . . .

I recently got a message from a former student in my IGCSE English class, a random message because she just happened to think of me. That in itself touched me but what got my attention was this sentence: I heard someone talking about hating their school’s English classes and I did too- in my IGCSE years. I only enjoyed my English classes when you were my teacher haha! My interest piqued, I asked her if she could pinpoint what made my English class enjoyable. Her answer blew me away and unknown to her, revealed several key principles for making any class interesting.

She mentioned the books I introduced for Literature (reading and discussion). I had requested that a classic but boring literature book be replaced with a book I believed was relevant and challenging, addressing ideas young people need to face and talk about. The book? Tuesday With Morrie by Mitch Albom. "That's not literature material!" you may exclaimed but it made reading interesting and the lessons in that book has remained in the minds and hearts of many of my students. Many mentioned an eerie resemblance when they returned to Kuching to visit me while I was recovering from cancer, commenting, "This is like something we read in Tuesday With Morrie."

Though it was sort of difficult- only because I’m reeeeally shy, you always pointed the mistakes in front of everyone. I never thought an often used exercise in response to mistakes made in my students' would actually help them learn. Believing that a mistake made by a student is an opportunity for the whole class to learn, I would highlight mistakes on the board, get the class to identify the wrong and suggest corrections and/or I would explain what was wrong and what they needed to do right. Looks like it made 'failure' an opportunity to learn.

She then said, "You were also very funny and inspiring!" I am so glad she said this because I really do not subscribe to the idea that a teacher needs to be sour, angry, strict or mean. Being funny and being able to laugh at oneself as well as with your students is a powerful atmosphere changer, producing a relaxed, safe and happy environment, perfect for learning to take place. Inspiring? I believe in being open and transparent, sharing my life stories (good and bad) when communicating with my students, either to illustrate a point or to model a desired attitude or action. Apparently my story on how I taught myself English inspired her: How you taught yourself English is something I constantly think and motivate myself. 

Lastly, she highlighted the following: talking to you always seem like a breeze and enjoyable too. That was so nice to read. Why must talking to your teacher be a fearful or difficult thing? I believe every student is special, made in the image of God who is to be respected and be treated with love. Listening with interest and responding in love is a wonderful gift every teacher has, IF he/she chooses to use it. I use it often and am glad it has helped at least this student.

To all teachers reading this, my hope is you will intentionally make your class enjoyable for your students and reap the boundless benefits that come with it. I pray you too will receive random messages from past students who say things such as this: I just think you’re wonderful and inspiration, especially with what you went through. Your family’s amazing and you’re amazing and I just adore you. 🙂 thank you for making English fun again hehe

Let's make learning enjoyable again.


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