Teaching in Brazil has its rewards. Everyone is curious about learning the English language and the people are very friendly and open to foreigners. Especially if you mention that your from big cities such as New York, Miami, California. Many of my students were intrigued with the American culture. The movies, films, lifestyle, clothes, politics you name it was the reason for this. The most students I would have in my class would be about 6 or 8. The ages vary. Many of my students I had were kids whose parents wanted them to learn English to brighten their futures, while the adults I had were learning English to for a better paying job or a promotion. In my eight year of teachings I have come to realize I have a bond and a deep connection with kids. I enjoyed teaching adults as well. For me, the way you approach lessons for the kids and the adults is was the major factor. For one thing, kids absorb information quickly compared to adults. Kids learn better through visuals songs and multi -media devices.Maybe its the new age, but the tools available now makes teaching so much easier and fun with the children Teaching adults is a bit different. You have to repeat things to them constantly to make sure the information sticks. With adults you have to have more patience and you have to be able to explain things word for word so they could absorb it slowly and then use it. When I first arrived at the school, I had some doubts. After a few weeks those doubts were gone and I became very comfortable at the new school that I continue to teach until now.
Teaching in Brazil has its moments as well. There are times when its difficult to teach because some of the students don't apply themselves as they should. The constant tardiness of some was difficult for me to handle because I had to keep everyone happy which would eventually be disastrous because some would give up and drop the course. I sometimes felt guilty because I felt I was letting them down, but at the same time, I knew learning English was a two way street. I can tell for some it wasn´t and they were waiting for me to magically zap the English language into their heads. I would constantly remind them that learning a new language takes commit and time and hours of practice and dedication. I would let them know how important it was to study at home and try surround themselves with things that would help them. Music, Television Programs, Films, Newspapers, Magazines, anything that would give them direct contact with English. The other thing was uncertainty. Many of the students had jobs, but no set time, so for me many of them they would come and leave after a few weeks. The uncertainty was the biggest challenge In the Brazil, the everyday life is not as structured compared to the United States so anything could arise at any moment and you have to learn to deal with it as it comes. Anything could arise from changing of plans, organization of time or change of meetings. The biggest thing for me was the monthly salary.Some months I would make enough to accumulate full-time hours and other times I felt like I was working part-time hours.All and all its been a great experience, but I knew for me I have to improve in some of my areas of teaching and I have to work harder to inspire them to want to learn English. Three of my classes have been with me from the very beginning. In my morning class, I have two students Roseli and Catherina. Roseli has had some experience living abroad. She is intelligent has a super work ethic. She lived in Connecticut in the United States for quite a while so she is no stranger when it comes to speaking English. Catherina has no experience at all with the English. She has grown up in Rio
all of her life,so learning English for her is difficult, but with each passing day she continues to improve. What I like about her, she brings her eagerness and wiliness of wanting to learn. Both of them are special in my eyes, because both of them have something special that the other needed. I enjoy our morning classes together, especially in the beginning of class, when I ask them if they are ready to go, before they go off into their woman talk. Theyare very delightful, pleasant, and funny. For this it makes teaching more rewarding and enjoyable.
