Page 13 - CC Life 13 2015 Spring

English Major –
TESOL Practicum
Irene Shih
Class of 2014
Like many other universities, Christ’s College
prepares students to teach English to students of other
languages. In this, it is not unique. However, I believe
that at Christ’s College I had opportunities for growth I the practicum, I learned how to design my own
would not have had elsewhere.
The TESOL program at Christ’s College is not just
about learning how to teach vocabulary or the difference
between a voiced and voiceless fricative. There are
many deeper lessons that are not listed in any syllabus.
I learned how to be a patient and understanding teacher.
I learned how to help my students grow, not just achieve
high test scores. I learned how to experiment without
being afraid of failure. Most importantly, because my
teachers spent time to show and share their passion
for teaching with me, I discovered my own passion
for teaching. I was shown the power and scope of
children’s storybooks by a teacher who took time to
share her love of storybooks. I learned to appreciate the
depth of language by a teacher whose eyes lit up every
time we showed a spark of interest. I discovered the
importance of being curious from teachers who were
curious and constantly learning.
Throughout this journey, I was held to the highest
standards, and this shaped my character. For example,
during my senior year, I took part in the TESOL
Practicum, a year of student teaching. I taught third
and fourth graders at an elementary school twice a
week. We were expected to be 10 minutes early, have
our materials prepared, to be dressed properly, and
to be respectful of our environment. There were no
與小學實習一年的班級合影
excuses or exceptions. Attitude, responsibility,
and respect -- these habits are ingrained in me
now and are key in the workplace. Through
activities, how to craft a detailed lesson plan,
and how to throw it all out of the window if
it wasn’t working! One of my most important
lessons was not to be afraid to experiment with
new things and to adapt my plans according
to the students’ response. All the while, I was
supported by teachers who were there to help
and give me constructive criticism.
As my teachers were teaching me, I was
watching them. I saw teachers who cared for my
development, not only as a student or a teacher
but also as a person. They were passionate about
what they were teaching and it was contagious.
Since graduating from Christ’s College in
June of 2014 I have been blessed to work at a
wonderful school that encourages creativity. I
have my own classes, plan my own lessons and
manage my own time. I can meet the challenge
of adapting to varied classroom situations.
Though I still have areas in which I need to
develop, I am following the example of my
teachers on a never-ending journey of growth
and learning. Through the Christ’s College’s
TESOL program and its teachers, I learned more
than just mechanics and theories -- I learned
what it really means to teach!