Hello, FairyAnna and everybody,

First just to say that the topic of my doctoral thesis is (was) Success in learning English as a foreign language.

Yet, I did not accomplish composing it. To be honest, I left the doctorado and changed the stuff of the thesis into a, say, more for everyday teaching, more practical, not that theoretical. And.. the book has not been published yet (ever?). All in all, you can see the stuff of the book on my blog, in progress, obviously. I'll let you know if many visitors...

Anyway. So, I'm going to say something briefly. Currently I teach several groups of kids, aged 10 to 13. The classes are rather informal, nevertheless serious for we point to a target, which is... success, at speaking, at least. 2 class-periods per week.

The point is that we have fun, a big one, we play a long series of games speaking-aimed. All the class long is in English, the kids may know little English though. I pretend I do not understand them if Spanish is spoken. I give them points for a score, within an ambiance of gentle competition. At the end of the academic year other teachers run an auction with the points, just small presents.

I have planned three aims, subsequently and in short: words as replies, making oral sentences, and holding conversations.

The goal is success, at gaining some fluency at speaking. We are after that goal.

Why so this comment? To let you know we have fun, I listen to the kids, and to their parents, at tutorials, and we all try to learn in an easy, demanding atmosphere though, and to bear in mind high values, like helping your friends and so a bit forgetting about yourself.

Hope this might give a dim light at least about so attracting our profession is, as you well know. We are educating persons, that's worth enough to devote your life.

Best for everyone. At your disposal.

Fernando Diez

Granada (Spain)

Hello, Girisheshamani, and all you teachers,

Thanks also to you, Grisisheshamani. Someone with the ideas you express here deserves a full dedication as well.

You rounded it all: I subscribe all you say about our profession.

You gave us kind of back up to keep going forward. Even for whenever disappointed. Did anyone not have a piece of frustration?

Each sentence you said plainly was rounding out when me reading. Fortunately- I prefer to think so- many a teacher think alike.

Just one point to highlight: I especially liked what you meant about taking every student as he or she is. That's the point. That's the basis from where we can help each student (to) face up with his or her life, and more close in time, regards learning, which is not a trifle in his/her life.

You hit on the head of the nail.

Best as ever for everyone.

From (still hot this high in the summer) fantastic Granada, south of Spain. Worth to visit Granada, as for example amazing Alhambra.

Fernando Diez

Hello Fernando!

I'm an English teacher from Ukraine and I was in Granada about 10 years ago. You just reminded me of that beautiful spot in the world. Amazing place and very good memories.

And I do agree that it's much better to work in the atmosphere of success rather than in the mood for bad luck or sooner in the fear of failure.

For the teacher, the climate of a classroom is often structured by the time constraints
imposed on him or her to get things done during the course of a class. When the structure
is altered, the classroom environment can change and more positive things may occur. learning and teaching can be at the total control of the teacher without worrying about the bell ringing and everyone running to
their next class..