Bryce's Reflective Teaching Blog
To all,
My name is Bryce, I recently graduated at the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's of Arts in Anthropology and Asian Studies, as well with a minor in spoken Chinese. My vision while teaching abroad is to not only broaden my own horizons and depth of experience, but also inspire both myself and my students through the everyday use of language. One of my main goals while abroad in China is to improve my own language skills, and I believe the best way to accomplish this is to begin to share and understand your own native tongue.
I have been wanting to travel to China and live there for a long time now, and recently I was accepted for a teaching position in the beautiful city of Hangzhou. My employment will be for one year, however it could easily go longer, and I will be working with primary school students who are just beginning there journey with the English language. Beyond China, I would also like to teach in places such as Thailand, Vietnam, Kazakstan, and some others!
Initially, I felt that teaching children would be too difficult for me, since I have very little experience with kids. Therefore, I preferred the option of teaching at a college, or possibly a High School. At this moment, it is still my ultimate goal to teach at a university, however, I came to realize I will need to develop my craft and begin with the fundamental cores of teaching before arriving at a prestigious university. With that in mind, I began to think about all the positive attributes when teaching younger children, such as; learning the absolute basics of teaching, having the opportunity to communicate in two languages in the classroom setting, and also being surrounded by individuals who can be especially receptive to learning new concepts quickly, without the years of conditioning older people will have. All in all, I am simply excited to be the teacher for once.
My name is Bryce, I recently graduated at the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's of Arts in Anthropology and Asian Studies, as well with a minor in spoken Chinese. My vision while teaching abroad is to not only broaden my own horizons and depth of experience, but also inspire both myself and my students through the everyday use of language. One of my main goals while abroad in China is to improve my own language skills, and I believe the best way to accomplish this is to begin to share and understand your own native tongue.
I have been wanting to travel to China and live there for a long time now, and recently I was accepted for a teaching position in the beautiful city of Hangzhou. My employment will be for one year, however it could easily go longer, and I will be working with primary school students who are just beginning there journey with the English language. Beyond China, I would also like to teach in places such as Thailand, Vietnam, Kazakstan, and some others!
Initially, I felt that teaching children would be too difficult for me, since I have very little experience with kids. Therefore, I preferred the option of teaching at a college, or possibly a High School. At this moment, it is still my ultimate goal to teach at a university, however, I came to realize I will need to develop my craft and begin with the fundamental cores of teaching before arriving at a prestigious university. With that in mind, I began to think about all the positive attributes when teaching younger children, such as; learning the absolute basics of teaching, having the opportunity to communicate in two languages in the classroom setting, and also being surrounded by individuals who can be especially receptive to learning new concepts quickly, without the years of conditioning older people will have. All in all, I am simply excited to be the teacher for once.
Bryce, it's great to meet you. I am glad to read that you will be going to China. I have not been to Hangzhou, specifically, but I lived in north central China for two years and south central China for a bit over eight years. It's still a place that is near and dear to my heart, and the country is still an ever-present part of my life. (My primary language with my children and wife is Mandarin.)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to read that you recognize your need to develop as an effective English teacher and have a desire to do so. Teaching children can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. One of the great benefits is will be having more time to learn about your own language: English. Native speakers of any language generally find they have a lot to learn when they are suddenly asked questions by inquisitive students. That you will be teaching children provides an excellent opportunity to develop in your understanding of English before ambitious high school and college students start peppering you with grammar questions.
I look forward to meeting you in person, Bryce.
A quick note: I notice that you are including your name on each blog post, which is okay but unnecessary. However, your blog title (i.e. "My TEFL Experience") should include your name. Consider revising this to "Bryce's TEFL Experience." Thank you.
Matthew, I am looking forward to meeting you as well! That is incredible you get to communicate in Mandarin at home and have lived in China for so long. Truly inspirational! I hope to reach that level one day in a second language.
ReplyDeleteI have revised my blog accordingly, thanks for pointing that out.