A positive relationship between the student and the target language is as important as the positive relationship between the student and the teacher. The positive learning environment is essential. The classes with my English teacher in primary school were boring. The situation improved in high school, but everything changed when I attended a summer school in Reading, UK. For the first time in my life I enjoyed my English classes; the teachers were so motivating, cheerful, interesting... everything I wanted. I wanted to be like them... I was fascinated by them... and at the age of 20, while still at University, I started working in a language school. I loved teaching so much, and yes, my teachers from UK were my role model! I have been teaching 21 years now and I always try to be entertaining, funny, interesting and motivating for my students. And yes, affective language teaching leads to successful language learning!
It's good to be with you again, Teacher Daniela Sensato :)
ReplyDeleteHi Daniela,
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome!
Investigating how affective language learning happens in regular schools with larger groups is what I am doing at the moment. Count on me when your want to share and reflect about the best dynamics.
You will notice that with some adaptation everything that is good for young learners can be used with all learners. Everybody loves being seen and taken care when engaging in creative and expressive activities.