Great Students: Who Are They?

It’s interesting how students can show their appreciation to their language teachers. But I was wondering, how can teachers show their appreciation for their students? After thinking about it, I decided to write this article.

How a student can show their appreciation

I think many students would agree that it’s hard to find a great teacher. Someone who is invested in really teaching them in a way that is tailored to them personally.

I’m also a student. I have a teacher on LiveXP, and I have to say that I hit the jackpot, so to speak. My Korean teacher is one of the absolute best! She really takes the time to plan out the lessons so that I walk away with something new each time. I definitely can see my progress. For all of the students she instructs, they are truly fortunate. When I can, I show my support. Sometimes it’s in the form of a tip, leaving a review, or just expressing to them my appreciation for all they do. Neither is required, but showing my appreciation makes me feel good.

Now, there’s another way students show appreciation for their teacher. I bet you’ve never known that you were already doing this. What is it? It is the act of learning. The desire to really know the language. That’s it! I mean it. It really is!

A teacher and a student: the first interaction

When a teacher receives a message that a trial lesson has been scheduled, some of us actually feel a little hesitant. We never know who is on the other side of the screen, so to speak. Until we meet them, we wonder who they are. Where are they from? What do they want to learn? How can we help them? What can I prepare that would really assist them? Along with hundreds of other questions and thoughts that plague our minds until the day we actually meet.

As for me, I hold my breath when I click on “Join.” Then, when I see the smile, hear the hello, and we start talking, even at this point, I still feel a little hesitant. But once we introduce ourselves and questions are asked, the nervousness starts to dissipate. We review some information to see how we can help them. We pass through the time, and we say, “See you soon.” That’s when we feel a sense of relief. We say to ourselves, “Oh! A real person! A person who really wants to learn!”

We’re still smiling even though the cameras are off. We start making plans for the next class in hopes they will return. We get excited that we have the opportunity to really assist someone with their language goals. We are thankful.

So, to all of you who are visitors, regular students, trial students, or you come just to see what it’s like to speak with someone in your target language,—we appreciate you!

And for those who are thinking about subscribing, we thank you. We thank you that you have the desire to learn and you prove or will prove that you are a great student.