Teaching Philosophy
My teacher journey started as a freelance tutor for high school students and then, during University I offered basic Chinese grammar and conversation courses to first-year college students. Finally, in 2021, I become a full-time teacher at a local school for Chinese immigrants, where I taught courses on Italian language and culture to both children and adults. Thanks to this immersive experience, I became aware of my passion for teaching, and I started developing my teaching philosophy.
First, the process of learning never ends, and this is particularly true for languages. Staying updated with the latest pedagogical techniques and language trends is fundamental and, at the same way, I encourage my students to be curious and to adopt a similar mindset of lifelong learning, instilling the idea that language proficiency is an ongoing process. Thus, motivation is crucial for learning. I try to instill in them a passion for learning, making education an enjoyable and enriching experience. I believe that a positive and engaging educational environment is the key to sparking a lifelong love for knowledge and curiosity.
Secondly, the role of a teacher extends far beyond imparting the notions of the subject. In the same way, learning a new language is much more than just knowing the grammar and the lexicon. Language is intrinsically linked to culture, and I believe it is essential to provide students with insights into the cultural aspect of the language they are learning. Furthermore, language is fundamentally a means of communication, and I prioritize the development of speaking and listening skills. I encourage my students to engage in meaningful, real-life conversations, debates, and discussions in the target language. This helps them not only in effective communication but also in building bridges of cultural understanding.
Finally, every student's learning journey is unique, and I adapt my teaching methods to accommodate their evolving needs. Thus, I try to promote an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation in the classroom, encouraging students to learn from each other without competition, through a student-centered learning approach. All these aspects contribute to encourage students to achieve the best results they can.
In conclusion, my teaching philosophy as a language teacher focuses on student-centered, communicative, and culturally rich learning experiences that encourage students to become proficient and culturally aware of the language they are learning, fostering a lifelong love for language and cultural diversity.