About Me

Greetings!

Hello ^_^  this is Gemma, a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages, a housewife and a student. I'm a graduate of Bachelor's Science in Information and Computer Science and earned  certificate course in TESOL. At present, I am studying Development Communication for my master's degree. I'm a dynamic person who never stop seeking knowledge. I've been an ESL teacher to Koreans, Vietnamese and Brazilians from different age bracket (7 years old to 60) and English level (beginner, intermediate and advance) for almost seven years (7). 

                                 “To be fond of learning is near to wisdom.” ~ 

Speaking and writing are the most important aspects of communication. It is a medium where someone convey what he has in mind. As an ESL teacher, I train my student to express their ideas and opinions in English. Guide them in using the right word and put in use grammar they have learned in school. 

Most mistakes a learner commits when speaking and writing are structure of his sentences, the vocabulary he uses and the form of verb (noun, adjective form).

For example:  Learner: "I prescription medicine after check the patient."

                     Correct: " I prescribe a medicine after I checked the patient."

                     Learner: "I forget well."

                     Correct: "I completely forgot." or "I can't quite remember."

In describing a photo. 

Learner (High Beginner): " Boy girl soccer play."

                       Correct: "The boy and the girl are playing soccer."

Learner (Intermediate): "They play the soccer."

                     Correct:  "They are playing soccer."

In making corrections, I make sure not to totally remove the words used by the learner as much as possible. Experts say that total revision of the learner's sentence whether in speaking or writing embarrasses the learner and might discourage him to speak or write ever again.

We use books, practice dialog, talk about certain topic or pictures to practice the learner's communicative skills - speaking and writing. Along with these materials, there are also vocabulary lesson to enrich the vocabulary bank of the learner. And as a teacher, I make sure that the learner should be the one talking or writing in the class. 

In times the learner is faced with difficulties in expressing himself or somewhat feels frustrated, I always encourage him telling that learning English or any languages take time. It demands plenty of time, practice and patience. I keep reminding that "Practice is the key to perfection." It should never stop in school, academy or with a private tutor. It should be assiduous. How? Listen to news, music in English, watch TV programs and movies in English, read English books, magazines or newspapers and always practice speaking in English with friends and family.

with my teenage Korean students

with my Brazilian adult students

On my free time, I like to go out with my family or with my friends or watch movies. But most of the time, I'm on my table doing research or preparing lessons for my students. Teaching is truly a challenging profession, I don’t just teach but I learn from my students too. The ability to understand the learner's need in learning and to create the right lesson is a must in order to have a meaningful class.

Learners have different reasons on learning to speak and write the English language, travel, business, promotion, getting into prestigious school, landing into a dream job, etc. We can't hide the fact that English knowledge is power. Access to information and the ability to speak the language is empowering, it gives someone confidence to initiate a change for himself, a change for the better. ^_^

Very truly yours,
Gemma