What’s a teaching moment that completely shifted your perspective on language learning?
3 answers from our tutors
Best answer
I once had a student who was an engineer but found technical English challenging. One day, he expressed his aspiration to present his work at an international conference. That moment opened my eyes to the fact that learning a language goes beyond just mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s about reaching personal milestones. From that point on, I’ve dedicated myself to linking language lessons with my students’ individual goals and passions, which has made the learning experience much more impactful and inspiring:)
A student once told me they feared speaking because of potential embarrassment. It shifted my perspective, making me realize that creating a supportive, mistake-friendly environment was more important than focusing solely on accuracy. This experience highlighted the emotional barriers in language learning and the need for empathy.
One teaching moment that completely shifted my perspective on language learning was when I realized the importance of context over direct translation. I had been trying to explain a grammar rule to a student, but they kept struggling to apply it naturally in conversation. Instead of focusing on memorizing rules and translating word-for-word, I encouraged them to focus on how native speakers use language in real contexts. We shifted to watching short videos and listening to real conversations, paying attention to patterns and how phrases were used in different situations. The turning point was when the student suddenly started picking up not only the meaning but also the "feel" of the language — how a phrase might be polite in one context but too formal in another, or how tone could completely change the message. This helped me realize that language isn't just about grammar or vocabulary lists, but about understanding how communication flows naturally in real-world settings.
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Other student questions
- My question is totally different...who came first? the chicken or the egg? ::)
you can answer in spanish or english okay!!
Best answer
Fossils suggest that eggs were present 350 million years ago, but the first chicken first appeared 8000 years ago ;)
Best answer
You can use SO in such examples👇 - I have SO much money / time. - It is SO important for me. - I think SO. NEITHER and NOR you use in negative context 👇 - NEITHER she NOR he understands it. - NEITHER he NOR she wants to help me. - NEITHER they NOR you can do.
- Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you're willing to share? What are they?
For the teachers. Just for fun. I think most of us have had at least one experience or two that we find embarrassing.
Best answer
I remember myself, I was not an experienced teacher, and frequently I faced problem - children were not obedient in my classes. One day, after a difficult working day I shared with my husband, that I couldn't cope with misbehaviour of children. The following day, my lovely husband came with me to my job (to school). He has prepared a long speech for my students how to treat young teacher. It was a funny situation ! ))))
