Teaching English as Foreign language in Taiwan is a very interesting job.  You are surrounded daily by students who only understand half (if that) of what you’re saying.  This requires you to get creative in the classroom to express your thoughts and ideas.  Hand signals, role playing and exaggerated body language become the norm.  I have danced and sang more in the past few months teaching here than I think I ever will in a classroom at home!  But that’s what makes the job so interesting and fun! 

Our purpose as English teachers is not only to teach the language but to get students excited about learning it.  By creating a fun classroom environment where students feel relaxed and comfortable you allow them optimal opportunity for learning.  And what better way is there to build a students confidence and make them less afraid of making a mistake then watching their own teacher up at the front dancing around, being silly and making a fool of themselves?? 

Of course English class isn’t always about being silly and it certainly isn’t about goofing off.  But if a teacher is able to maintain a classroom atmosphere that is both controlled and relaxed, where students are expected to perform at a certain level and behave but are also given the freedom to make mistakes and enjoy their learning, a perfect balance will have been attained and a positive learning environment created.

In my experience, students in Taiwan are bright, enthusiastic and respectful.  It has been relatively easily, with the help of my wonderful co-teachers to create positive learning environment in most of my classrooms.  I have had a wonderful and valuable first semester teaching at the elementary level here in Taiwan and I look forward to a second semester of teaching and learning as well.

                                                                                      Tylene Hannon