My EFL CLASROOM!

For writing this blog entry, I had to sit and close my eyes for a while in order to imagine what my EFL classroom is like. First of all, I picture myself working in the primary school. I think it is a nice age where kids are willing to try new things and they say what they think or like. It is a fact that my teaching experience in Vordingborg has influenced alot my thoughts about teaching.
Second, I have to say that the main principle in my class would be: "For learning english it is necessary to be motivated and willing to learn new things". In my class it is relevant to use authentic materials because students need to see that language happens in real contexts. Besides that my class will include corporal expression, I think it is important that while you learn you can have fun by dancing or playing an active game. As a teacher I would ensure that all children are learning and participating. I would have into consideration that each kid has a learning style however, I can not promise that I will prepare a class for each one of them. Finally, regarding language skills, I think it depens on the class level. As teacher you observe students' needs and then prepare class to help them to improve whatever is needed.

Reading of "Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching" by Larsen-Freeman helped me to define which tecniques I will probably use when teaching L2.

What is my approach to teaching???

I was asked by my education studies teacher to write about my approach to teaching and I think this is the first time I reflect on it. When I have been in teaching practice I have been focus on how the classes are developed (activities and language learning process). Think this is a good opportunity to reflect on my approach to teaching not only a in foreign language teacher but also in my style and praxis in general.

I would like to start by saying that, when reading the chapter four from the book Approches to teaching by Fenstermacher & Soltis. It answered many of my questions about the teaching field. It helped me to understand different teaching ways and besides that, I could find myself identified with the Liberationist Approach. According to the authors, this kind of teachers have as a main goal to make the students to liberate the mind to wonder, to know and understand, imagine and create using the full intellectual inheritance of civilized life (2009).


I think when studying you do not only learn something as the executive teaching would expect but you also develop your human side as the facilitator approach has a main goal. I think there must be a balance between both. Therefore I would dare to say that knowledge is needed and human side as well to develop a critical person.

Through my teaching, I want my students to be aware of the knowledge I am offering but this doesn’t necessary mean that I fall within the traditional models, because on the other hand through the knowledge I want to offer something to make their lives different. I want to offer the key for them to begin to dream and be themselves.

Maybe at the end of the semester I will have clear ideas and therefore I will be able to ask myself about my approach. The teaching practice will influence for sure my ideas and opinions. This is indeed a good exercise to reflect on our professions.