Yesterday I sat down with Ray, who teaches both Innovations and IELTS, and had a chat about his hometown, coming to China, and his views on teaching English.
You can listen to the interview here (mp3, 3898.6K).
Let me know what you thought of the interview in the comments. Was it interesting? Good listening practice?
For more about Ray, click here.
That’s a very interesting form and content to help us practise listening english. Thank you for the material you provided with us.
Teacher Ray had ever stayed in Japan over several years before coming China. May I ask him some questions?
What do you think the relationship and difference between China and Japan? Such as culture , language or something strongly impressing you.
And, Could you tell the advantage and disadvantage of studying in the new channel school?
Hello ccxixicc,
I took a look at your blog–best of luck in your continued efforts to pass the translation exam; I have come to the conclusion that test-taking is a skill of its own–you are wise to “keep trying”, it’s the only way we improve. I have recently decided to try the HSK test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi)— I’m satisfied with the spoken Chinese that I’ve learned so far, but I think it’s time to put some effort into reading and writing… in the end, it will help my spoken Chinese to improve, I’m sure.
As for classes at New Channel, they are only a success when a group of people come together with this same “keep trying” spirit–facilitating an atmosphere where people can do that is, without a doubt, one of the most important things that spoken English teachers can do.
I think English teachers these days have two challenges in the classroom: of course, helping the students to improve their English is one challenge; however, you would be surprised how much energy teachers have to spend on encouraging and motivating students…..
One thing that I’ve enjoyed about teaching at New Channel is the fact that most) of the students are very well motivated, and I don’t need to spend too much time and energy in class reminding them that speaking Chinese in class isn’t helpful.
Another ‘bonus’ for me has been my colleagues– I’ve learned a great deal from all of the great people who work here at New Channel.
I will think some more about your ‘China and Japan’ question– it is not a simple question, and my first instict is not to say anything at all about these two very different countries.
Raymond
It’s obvious that you have found your way of life, just like so many teachers in the New Channel. At the same time, I am happy and proud to meet teachers like you who impart not only language skills but the way of being a men.
The education is a profitable industry, but I believe every teachers in New Channel school pursue the goal of building their students’ positive attitude and confidence toward the future rather than the reward of money and fame.
But, with enlarging and development of many schools in Beijing, such as the New Oriental School, their quality of education tends to be on the decline. Unfortunately, They begun to draw more attiontion to management and profit instead of focus on creativity and characteristic. For opening all of courses which possibly lead them to get more money, they are likely to ignore what they are good at. Moveover, people who is genius in teaching are limited and difficuld to find out, but the market of students is unlimited. When they have to utilize limited resourse to satisfy unlimited requirements, the level of quality is bound to decline gradually.
I never doubt whether the New Channel will gain sccussed in the recent future, for the school has owned the best teacher, the abundant experience, and more importantly the strong spirit of perseverance. However, I just worry about the persistent progress of our school. Therefor, I hope a prefect beginning can be accompanied with unceasing advancing.