In a recent interview, pre-service teacher Ms. Yu Wing Man, Mavie shared her innovative teaching ideas and experiences, shedding light on how technology can transform English language education. As a passionate educator, Mavie emphasized the importance of adaptability, student engagement, and the integration of IT tools in the classroom. Her insights are particularly valuable in today’s hybrid learning environments, where teachers must navigate both online and face-to-face instruction.
(Interview Recording)
✨ Highlights from the Interview:
1. Adapting to Challenges: Flexibility in Teaching
Mavie began by reflecting on the challenges she faced during her teaching practice, especially during the pandemic. With a mix of online and in-person classes, she learned the importance of being flexible and having backup plans. “Teaching is not just about delivering content; it’s about adapting to the needs of your students and the situation,” she shared. Her advice to future educators is to remain open-minded and prepared for unexpected changes, ensuring that learning remains uninterrupted and engaging.
2. Making Learning Interactive and Memorable
One of Mavie’s core teaching philosophies is the importance of interactivity. She believes that students learn best when they actively participate in lessons, particularly in developing speaking confidence. Instead of focusing solely on grammar rules, Mavie advocates for providing ample examples and practice opportunities. “Students need to feel comfortable using the language, and that comes from practice, not just theory,” she explained.
3. Harnessing the Power of IT Tools
Mavie demonstrated how these tools can be used to teach specific language skills:
Kahoot and Quizizz: Ideal for warm-ups and reviews
Mentimeter: Perfect for creating interactive word clouds and polls
Edpuzzle: Great for having interactive video lessons with immediate feedback
However, Mavie also acknowledged the challenges of using IT tools. Not all students have equal access to technology, which can create disparities in learning experiences. She stressed the importance of selecting tools that align with learning objectives and ensuring they acquire, rather than distract from, the lesson.
4. Balancing Online and Face-to-Face Teaching
Transitioning between online and in-person teaching requires careful planning. Mavie shared strategies for maintaining student engagement in both settings. For online lessons, she uses tools like YouTube to create interactive questioning opportunities. For face-to-face classes, she focuses on direct engagement, maintaining eye contact, and adapting to students’ different levels of participation.
🎤 A message for future educators:
Mavie’s journey as a pre-service teacher has taught her the value of resilience and creativity. “Not every lesson will go as planned, and that’s okay,” she said. “What matters is that you keep trying new approaches and learn from your experiences.” Her advice to future educators is to embrace failure as part of the learning process and to always prioritize student engagement.