INITIAL REFLECTION

As it usually happens to me when I sit down trying to write something, I find it quite difficult to get a proper way of approaching things. This time, I have decided to start by expressing that I am extremely motivated about taking both courses (Didáctica II y Observación y Práctica II) mainly because, at the time being, I am teaching English to children at a local school in Córdoba city. This job offers me the possibility of putting theory into practice every day and this will help me elaborate my own tools and test them with my students, especially because working with children implies hard work when you do not know how to do it. Furthermore, I am quite interested in learning about ESP and how to approach its teaching and learning since it is an unknown area in my experience as an English learner.

Now, it is time to move on into my weaknesses as an English teacher. I must admit that organization represents a difficult task for me in all the aspects. I find it difficult to decide what to teach, how to do it, in which order and to do all these in advance. It takes me a lot of time to do the plannings and develop them properly. I tend to frustrate quite usual when the class do not develop as expected, especially because of children misbehavior. Sometimes I find many problems managing the groups and this becomes the main factor when failing to cope with the class plan and develop the activities properly. Another thing I think is a weakness in my teaching experience is that I find it difficult to simplify explanations when students do not have prior knowledge of the language or their level of English is too low. Sometimes, I cannot avoid talking about structures, rules and patterns and this may only complicate beginners or young learners who are unable to reflect on a rule or even think about a pattern or a grammar structure unless you provide an example of what that is, what that implies or means. Finally, the last weakness I can think of now is that I am not always clear enough when giving instructions to do an activity or explaining a new topic because I cannot decide where to start with sometimes, as I said before. 

As regards my strengths as a teacher, I can say that I am quite critical of myself and my work. I try to reflect all the time on what I am doing right or wrong in order to repeat it or improving it. I never get completely satisfied with my job, and I am almost always struggling towards a better development or result, for the students’ benefits and for personal satisfaction. Another strength may be that I like explaining, though sometimes I could not find the proper way to do it but this makes me keeping on trying and trying one time and again.

As a final comment, I just want to add that I like working with children and I think it is one of the most rewarding experiences. By this statement I am not referring to children intellectual development, but to their affection towards the teacher and their every day spontaneity.