Learning from learners

Hello everyone,

Hope you are well. This is a great topic. Here is my experience.

1. It's difficult sometimes.

This year, I was reminded that learning a language is very difficult. I am a language learner myself - I am still working on French and Japanese, but my work with elementary learners this year has reminded me of the difficulties learners face. It's not just about learning vocabulary and grammar. Learning a new language is about changing one's mindset .. and that is really hard.

2. Hard work is often rewarded with progress but it's sometimes hard to see.

I have also been reminded that hard work can be rewarded. Some of my students have bi-weekly lessons with me and they have been making great progress. Recently, a student signalled that they felt they weren't making any progress until we had a quick look at our class notes from earlier in the year. We both quickly realised how far she had come!

3. We are lucky!

Looking back through my notes from this year, I realise that, as teachers, we are in a privileged position. We should remember how lucky we are .. and how much trust our students put in us.

Thanks and see you soon.

Regards,

Tim.

English	Native
Japanese	Proficient
French	Proficient

English

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Japanese

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French

Proficient

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