What Can I do to Help?

Growing up, I have been exposed to the use of English language as a medium of instruction at school rather than it being a single subject of the entire school curriculum as in the case of Indonesian education. I felt saddened seeing students wanting to express themselves, their thoughts and ideas but can’t due to linguistic limitations. I asked myself, “What can I do to help?” This day, I would spend my time with two classes from the Multimedia Program.

               Even with the first class I had with them, I can tell they are having hard time making themselves understood using the English language. This is where I started talking to them that more than the things they learn within the four corners of the classroom, like grammar and vocabulary or pronunciation, the true essence of communication lies beyond those things. It is when you go out there and talk to people, you should be able to understand and make yourself understood. I let them feel that it is okay to make mistakes in the class, and that they don’t have to be afraid to answer my questions or they don’t have to be shy whenever they have an idea to share in the class or ask questions. And no one starts off being excellent. As the famous saying goes…

Allow yourself to be a beginner.

Anonymous

I keep on inflecting some affective values in between my lessons. I would tell them that they need not to become the best English speakers, but they just have to be confident when they speak. Through learning some of the lessons part by part and practicing consistently can they see improvements in their speaking skills.

               All of them really showed willingness to learn and that starts with loving the subject or loving learning.

               For a very short span of time that I can be with them, I wouldn’t be able to teach them all the facets of English language but I can help them to love learning and coming to school by enjoying all English class we will have from here on out.