- 宇多 藍子
- UNIVAST Education代表、スパイスプラス主宰
- 東京都
- 英語講師、教育者、講演家
対象:英会話
Many people ask me, “what is your preferred teaching style?” I always find this question a little odd. My idea is that I should be teaching in a style that is suitable and most effective to the particular student in front of me, not in the one that I prefer or am most comfortable.
To answer the question, I do not have a preferred teaching style. I modify my teaching styles based on each student according to the following criteria:
■Their learning style
Students' learning styles can be categorized in four major groups: auditory, visual, tactile, and verbal. Everybody has a combination of the above and teaching styles should be modified based on how the student learn best.
■Their goals and objectives
If they have an immediate need, such as meetings conducted in English the following week, I will not go into very detailed explanations on building the foundation. The focus will be on practices and preparations with practical advice and feedback on how to get through the day.
■Their current state
At every lesson, students' conditions change. If they are tired, I may focus more on lighter tasks such as listening or reading materials out loud. If they are up beat and energetic, I may drill them with tough questions and challenging ideas.
■Their topics of interest
One learns best when his or her interest is on the subject. I prioritize based on their immediate needs, questions or concerns.
My teaching style changes from one lesson to another even with the same student because of the reasons listed above.
Do my students feel it? I believe if you ask 10 of my students what type of teaching style I apply, you will get 10 different answers. Some say I am always by the book; others say I apply free style conversation. Some say I explain grammar first, yet others might say I never explain grammar. Funny enough, they are all true.
In some lessons, I am very lively, use a lot of gestures, and almost jump up and down. In others, I am more of a calm and quieter person. I simply respond to the needs of my students.
I, of course, cannot speak for them on how they feel. However, I believe they would not feel anything particular about my style. Just as the best air conditioner would not make you even think about its existence, but only leaves you with the comfortable feeling.
Caring for such small details might be my way of teaching.