For the month of August, I taught part time at SSE Kyobashi. I was nervous at the beginning but thanks to Kyobashi staff, teachers, and students welcoming me, I felt very comfortable teaching.
At first, I felt concern about my nationality and I was worried about the students’ reactions toward it. However, as soon as I applied Mr. Smith’s introduction technique to the lessons, I forgot my worries. The technique is simple but brilliant! Instead of giving your name or where you are from right away, you can direct students to ask you 3 to 10 questions at the beginning of the lessons. It goes like, “Hello, nice to meet you. Please ask me 5 questions!” The first question students ask is usually, “What is your name?” When I told them my name, many of them said, “Wow, it is like a Japanese name!” Then, they had to give me many follow-up questions to fill them in. This technique was a great ice breaker and also gave students an opportunity to make more questions in English.
During my time in SSE Kyobashi, I learned how to plan suitable lessons efficiently in a short period of time and how to adjust my lesson style to students’ needs on the spot. At SSE Otsu, I usually plan the lessons the night before and also I know every student. Teaching at SSE Kyobashi also reinforced my knowledge of how to use our curriculum effectively.
It was a great experience teaching at a different school. I acquired more confidence in my ability to teach English. I would like to thank SSE Kyobashi for offering me this great opportunity. And also I would like to thank Kyobashi students for sharing such a wonderful time with me. I hope that I can see them all again someday.
Smith’s School of English Otsu: Chiharu
That’s great Chiharu. I taught at SSE Kyobashi when I started with Smith’s part-time, too. It was a great experience.
Derek
FC Tsukaguchi
I have also taught at other school within the system and every time I learn a few new tricks or secrets. Sometimes it’s a curriculum trick or general teaching method, other times it’s about organizing your files or teaching resources, sometimes it’s just a little idea about how to make your classroom more comfortable for students. Going to meetings or teaching at Kyobashi is a great chance to refresh your Smith’s skills and freshen up your school. TEAM also means learning from each other and sharing our secrets and tricks. So next time you see another SSE member or go to another school, share a little knowledge!
Edward, SSE Ohtsu
Chiharu,
You are a real inspiration for Japanese students and really show what can be achieved if they really work hard to perfect their English. Keep up the good work!
Al, SSE Okamoto