Colleges Advanced TESOL

the difference between teaching one on one and groupsThough I would consider myself an inexperienced teacher, I’ve had involvements teaching one to one as well as groups. There are various advantages and disadvantages to both options but I have enjoyed both groups. I believe a skilled teacher can quickly adapt to both situations and make the experience fun and intriguing for both student(s) and teacher. While residing in Hawaii, I held a english-tutoring position at the University’s Writing Center where I had 30-minute appointments with students from various countries and diverse cultural backgrounds. It was one of the most pleasant and rewarding jobs I’ve had. Most of the time, students would bring their essays to be looked over before submitting it to the professors. Although students weren’t always consistent with their visits, I was able to give my undivided attention to individual students to aid their specific needs such as confusion from grammar and sentence structures that arise from relying and comparing with their mother tongue. Although it was challenging at times to come up with example sentences on the spot or find an easy way to explain the problem in a concise manner, especially with the short amount of time given back to back, gradually I discovered various techniques to help individual students understand english in ways that was most needed. With experience, I also learned ways to explain grammar based on their nationality and mother tongue. The most rewarding part was the opportunity to meet many wonderful colleagues via work. I tutored 8-10 students each day.I had many friends that sent me their essays via e-mail for brief feedback even after I had to quit work due to scheduling conflicts. Developing close relationships with students is one of the most rewarding perks of being a helpful, efficient teacher. This can still be accomplished when teaching a group of students. Teaching groups is quite different from teaching individuals but just as rewarding. I was the ESL assistant teacher for three months to seven cute, darling 3rd graders before leaving my hometown for college. Although I was severly tested with my lack of patience that summer, it was also an opportunity to test all my creative ideas. Unlike the limited activities with tutoring one on one, the myriads of activities we did that summer were all successful. Students from different cultures brought various dynamics to the classroom. And as children, they were always proud to share different activities, games and foods from their mother country. Unlike tutoring one on one, I had seven students to help and it was definitely a disadvantage for them in some aspects. But it was also an advantage, as the shy students were aided by the outgoing ones and together they formed a well-balanced, relaxed atmosphere for everyone. Some students were more advanced than others, and some more motivated than others. But in the end, it all worked out through group work, various activities that built friendship and unity, and patience. I still receive Christmas cards from some of the kids. As I have mentioned earlier, the two experiences were each unique but equally pleasing. Although both have different advantages and disadvantages, I believe it’s the teacher’s responsibility to skillfully juggle both factors so that students will have successful, positive learning experiences. This requires careful observasations and well-planned lessons as well as building close relationship with students and earning their trust. Aside from teaching one to one or groups, the job itself is a much promising and rewarding position with unlimited possibilities and experiences.