English Language Learning History

First encounter with English

My first time encounter English is when I was in the Kindergarten. I was attended Lab Kindergarten School, and I know English for the first time when I was around 5 years. I learned English formally in school as a school subject. I like the way my teacher teach the students. At that time, my teacher used a lot of real objects to make the students understand what is being explained. For example, when the teacher explained about animals, she/he will bring animals stuff and show it in front of the students while she/he telling the stories. It creates fun and warm environment in the class, so the students are encourage learning English more. I still remember I use a particular book to learn English. We only use one English book that full of activity and explanation.  My teacher often gave us a homework that was taken from the textbook. I do really like the experience of learning English because it was very fun even it was difficult for me as the beginner of language learning. Although I was still young at that time to learn English and find difficulty in learning English but I could say that English is fun and I am interested to learn it deeply.   

Reasons for entering the English Department

My reason why I entered the English Department is I know that English has become the international language around the world and learning English bring a lot of benefits for me. For example, it gives a wider understanding of world affairs; it helps me make friends all over the world. I could speak English very well it helps me to communicate with others around the world and it also provides many opportunities in my future career.  What I have learnt from elementary school and junior high school is not enough for me so by entering the English Department I want to cultivate my English skills. I heard about the English Department are from my parents, my school and from friends. They said that English Department is very good to improve my skills and the students are famous with their creativity. My first time entered this department; I expected that I am going to be a teacher after graduate. I don’t really like teaching and to be a teacher, but my expectation was changed after studying in this department. To be a teacher is not easy and I know that teacher should have skills in teaching their students. I know there are some aspects that I am lacking of and I would like to improve and develop my teaching skills. I know it can be learned from practice, that’s why I am here to learn more. I want to improve my teaching skills because one day I want to be a teacher in the future.

Belief about the role of teacher in teaching English

My belief about the role of teacher is that teacher is able to motivate the students. Sometimes students are discouraged to learn by different problems encountered during their studies. These problems could be related to the pronunciation or grammatical rules. In such a situation, the teacher can give motivation to the students to work hard.  Another belief is that the teacher should be able to create a warm and protective environment in the learning process. If the students feel secure in the classroom the result will be shown in the academic progress. Teachers have the responsibility to know his/her students in the classroom. Each day, the teachers show one of their attitudes that the students are unaware. Also, the students do the same in order for the teacher to get to know them, too. This is very good for both of them to know each other so it will create warm learning process in the classroom. These beliefs come up from my personal experienced being a student in school. I see a teacher who is able to motivate the students and create warm environment can make the learning process successful. As a teacher, my goal in teaching English is I want to see my students be fluent in speaking English, so they do not only understand about grammar, but they can apply what they have learned in their daily live. If they should face foreigner, they know how to communicate well with them. I learned whatever I am teaching to my students is from my experience at English Departement, school, from my lectures and teachers and also from my observation in the class after I teach them. I should know how the class went after I teach them. Did my students like the way I am teaching or not, are they understand toward my explanation or not. Observation after the class going is very helpful to see my improvement in teaching.  

  

Beliefs about the role of learners in learning English

One of my beliefs about the role of learners in learning English is the learner can engage in the class activity. As a teacher we don’t want to see our students keep silent and do nothing in the class. We want them to be involved and active because it helps them to improve their skills. For example, they share their opinion, their ideas in front of the class; it will help them to improve their speaking skills. Other belief is students have motivation to work hard. It means that there some students who refuse to work hard because they found difficulty in their study. If learner does not work hard they will leave behind. A learner needs to have their personal goal in studying and they should be able to reach that. So motivation is important to gain their study and reach their own goal. These two beliefs come up from my personal experience being a language learner. If I don’t push my self to be involved in class activity, there is nothing I could get from learning English. That is why motivation and be active students play important role in my learning process.

Ideas of a good teacher

In my personal opinion, a good teacher is the one who is able to interact with his/her students all the time, helping them to acquire the knowledge and the skills, by means of materials such as books or using technology as a key support for increasing their motivation and interest in the subject. A good teacher let the students know that they care for the students. They help the students communicate with each other among themselves so that they find themselves in a nice learning environment. They also motivate the students to learn the subject they’re teaching. They encourage learners to speak in class without feeling afraid of his/her correction.