English Time with Ms. Ma. Dolores Villamar

The Importance of teach English as a Second Language

Teaching English  as a second language  is an important task that produces a number of powerful rewards. First, there is the feeling of pride that as a teacher you have made a difference in the life of a student. Second is the contribution you have made the international community by minting a new speaker of the English language, one who can now communicate across cultures and worldwide in the lingua franca of the modern age. Teaching English as a second language is a noble calling, empowering students to take their places in the global community and become active participants in the global conversation.

Today’s English language learners are a diverse collection of immigrants, businesspeople, students, and artists who share a dedication to the English language and a love of learning. Teaching English as a second language to these students is an honor and a privilege, one that we as educators share with all of those who strive to give student the tools they need to take on new enterprises and reach for their dreams. The gift of a second language is a window onto a new world, bringing into focus a wealth of conversation, information, and understanding that would otherwise be forever closed to the students who seek to learn a new language. We therefore look forward every day to giving our students the tools to succeed in all their dreams.

English Learning Attitude

The idea of learning English to the non-native English speaker or speaker from a foreign country  can create a great deal of both havoc and potential inspiration and means for success in a person’s life. Specifically, it takes a lot of courage, dedication and a positive attitude to create a positive personal space for English learning. Attitude factors aside, the work that is involved in learning English is great, and without at least a sense of what will happen at the end of the long road of studying English, the learner could potentially grow frustrated and give up the effort to learn English. 

In addition, the potential student of English learning may well be greeted by dissidence among family and friends, where it is encouraged to go along with the norm and study in one’s home country in one’s native language. But, if one has the determination and personality that can be described as an “English learning attitude” one should take the task of learning English  very seriously and ignore those who wish for another path for the person. Or better, explain to loved ones the importance of learning English is to success in the global economy, or in an English-- speaking country. These are all valid reasons for learning English and the “English speaking attitude” – one that encompasses courage, dedication, intelligence and a desire to change one’s life circumstance, will only grow as the decisions needed to reach the ultimate goal, of English language mastery, are accomplished.

To sum up, I strongly believe that to learn English as a second language can help you to find a better job and to communicate with people from all over the world.

By: Ma. Dolores Villamar Irrazabal