The other week I received a question from a reader who was interested in becoming a qualified English Teacher. The problem for this college student was whether "learning English on the internet and on TV" was enough – and if not "what else should / could" be done?
It's true. Real opportunities for mixing with native English language speakers are few and far between. This is the situation for most English students in China yet many make it to an intermediate or above level – enabling them to be good and effective English language teachers – so what is the key?
Is "learning English on the internet and on TV enough?"
Personally I would have to say it isn't. Ideally, when it comes to language practice comprehensive exposure to reading, writing, listening and speaking occurs. Within this 'learning English on the internet and on tv' can cover most bases but one needs to be proactive rather than passive.
With the addition of new technologies such as Skype that allows for voice chatting, and popular programs like QQ, there are opportunities now, which don't have to cost money, that enable Chinese English language learners to practice with native speakers from all over the world.
With the growing popularity of Chinese as a Foreign Language many foreigners are interested in starting up language exchanges online. Once you find a partner and you are able to start practice chatting away, perhaps for 30 minutes first in English and then 30 minutes in Chinese, you are getting good 'one to one' conversation practice.
There are private companies that facilitate this service, such as Idapted, based near Wudaokou, who in addition provide qualified language instructors to chat with over the net, backed up with particular courses be they IELTS or TOEFL based. Of course this comes with a fee though it does provide a more focused exchange.
I knew one Chinese fellow who in his early 20's was a self study student. He had excellent English and he told me the way he progressed came about by watching movies with the English subtitles turned on. With a pen and pad he would write down any of the language he was unfamiliar with, particularly slang, which makes up a large part of modern spoken English. Later he would go on to practice and learn it. Through this he also adopted a fairly strong Hollywood accent in his speaking and of course his listening was very good too.
Now according to the British Council where Chinese English students are falling down is in their writing composition. Can this be addressed by focusing solely on the internet? Personally I don't think so unless you have a very patient and considerate ally who gives you writing assignments and corrects your work and constantly goes over your errors.
One thing I have noticed is that over time too much chatting on qq or msn can lead to excessive spelling mistakes and an over emphasis on lazy grammar. Once asked to produce well crafted academic reports or essays then such errors quickly become obvious. So in this case, it will take more than just chatting online to improve your writing skills.
Finally, to the student who wrote me the letter - I'd like to offer encouragement. I believe language is for life and there is no quick short cut. If you are to go onto a career as a Chinese English language teacher then take comfort that through daily work practice your English will be improving steadily over time. Ideally it won't be too long before you too are then given an opportunity to work, study or travel abroad.
揭露关于女性创业的误解
玩坏了互联网:卡戴珊奇美香槟广告
外媒看中国 山寨车惹怒路虎公司
研究发现:权力越大,声音越高亢响亮
吃巧克力能帮你提升记忆力?
下一个人人?美国电影协会抨击迅雷
他杀! 梵高之死的惊人真相
做家务就能健身,你还在骗自己吗?
《人物》出炉“最性感男士” “雷神”克里斯夺冠
2016年里约奥运会吉祥物亮相 本周将公选名字
囧研究 男人更愿帮助穿高跟鞋的女性
是爱还是喜欢?小测试说出你的心(答案)
《小苹果》在全美音乐奖 广告时间遇尴尬
娘家人多 英国婚礼44名伴娘破记录
专家建议把鸡冻了再吃以防食物中毒
黑变黄&四指怪 辛普森一家作者爆料
别人家的护照 挪威极光护照美如画
恐惧为何能造就更好的领导者
停止空谈 用想象力和自由意志克服心理作用
节省开支的34个途径
爱出轨或是基因惹的祸
一见不钟情 沙特新郎看到妻子就离婚
英酒店雷人规定 敢发差评罚款千元
耍心机不如踏实干好这8件事
你真的懂这些办公室行话吗?行天下必备
韩国小萝莉靠晒萌照过上土豪生活
数字医疗投资重现火爆局面
单身狗怨谁?都是基因惹的祸
致真爱追寻者的一封公开信
奥巴马:自己像辆破车“叮当作响”
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |