Debby Chen

I have three priorities for teaching. First, the classroom should be a safe place for students to be comfortable to make any mistakes because I believe that the most essential learning is the process of making mistakes, being corrected, and try it again. Second, the learning is mutual. I truly believe in human’s natural ability to learn from anyone. The lesson should not only consisted of my delivery of knowledges and skills but also them contributing their perspectives and opinions, which I can refine for them with better English if needed. The mutual, non-hierarchal type of learning-teaching relationship is essential for the growth between the both of us. Finally, 100% effort put into lesson planning. It’s simply my responsibility to deliver the best course, despite my native English level, I’ll still curate suitable content for each student, aiming to align the lesson with their passion and interest.

I have had more than a year of volunteering experiences in a non-profit organisation in which I teach English to students with complete beginner backgrounds. After the teaching, the students have developed basic conversation skills and a good amount of vocabulary memorized.

The format for the lesson can be really flexible. Personally, if it’s a hour session, I will separate it into twenty minutes conversation, thirty minutes article(long or short)-based learning, and a ten minute easy reflection period to end the class.

All in all, I’m very passionate in teaching and I’m also an active listener with empathy and open-minded mindsets. Thank you!