In January 1992, I began tutoring for the ESL program at Abilene Christian University. I was a junior at the time, majoring in Business. I continued to study business, but found teaching English very interesting and rewarding.
My wife is also a student at UTA. She's working on the PhD in Business, so we'll be around Arlington for the foreseeable future. I've lived in her hometown of Kaohsiung, Taiwan for 10 years. I'd be happy to share my experiences with anyone who is interested.
Since 2008, I've taught a couple of classes for UTA's English Language Institute (ELI). In case you don't know, people from all over the world are learning English here at UTA. These students are really nice and friendly. Since most of their classes are in Trimble Hall, it's really easy to see them and get to know them!
I'm really looking forward to this class. Even though I lived in southern Taiwan for a decade, I never learned the local language of Taiwanese (Southern Min). This class will provide me a great opportunity and motivation to learn about this dialect of Chinese.
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Clint:
ReplyDeleteAre you talking about learning Taiwanese in TESOL II. (which is not revelent to the course goal, Hahaha....)?? I guess you're talking about talking to me in Taiwanese, right?
Ruby
Unfortunately, I was born to be Mandarin Chinese monolingual. I can speak some Southern Min, but not native like at all. Sorry to disappoint you.
ReplyDeleteRuby
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruby. I'd just been reading for 5307, so I had phonology on my mind!
As for 5302, this course will also be extremely beneficial for me. Here's why: Generally speaking, most native speakers who are teaching English in Taiwan are seen as "conversation teachers."
Therefore, most of my teaching experience has involved developing the Listening & Speaking skills of my students. (Local teachers typically focus on Grammar, Reading and Writing.)
By the way, if anyone is still looking for a place to do the required service hours, I can recommend the LIFT program at Aldersgate Methodist Church (on E. Park Row) here in Arlington. Actually, I need some help since I've committed to teach more than is actually required. I'm afraid that I might have over-extended myself for this semester.
Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10 AM to 12 noon) and (6:30 to 8:30pm). Hope someone can take a few hours!!! Please let me know if you can help out at all--especially in the mornings.