Time Well Spent, by Harleen
You never really know where life is going to take you, however one thing is absolute certain, whenever you follow your heart. . . It can bring the most gratifying experiences whether it be in your professional or indeed your personal life . . . if chosen wisely!
I have had the good fortune to be living in China for the last few years, and without a doubt my time at University or other higher educational institutes, have been the most fulfilling.
To be honest, I have always had the inclination to return to Uni to further my own studies as a student. But, lo and behold, I found myself luckily enough in 2020 to be part of the international foreign studies department of Nanjing University of Aerospace and Aeronautics (NUAA).
The opportunity offered by NUAA intrigued me so much that I did not hesitate to accept it, and I am ever so glad that I did.
I have always had the notion that every teaching position, school or educational organization can only enhance my already extensive repertoire. Bringing skills and methods that will enrich me as a professional and a human being. Thus, full of curiosity and excitement I ventured forth as going back to Uni is inherently a scholar’s dream come true.
Nanjing University of Aerospace & Aeronautics was my first encounter with Higher Education in China. I was incredibly delighted by how my esteemed colleagues were most attentive to my needs and concerns, extending their hand of friendship which allowed for a positive environment to work as a great collaboration for the benefit of the students.
During my time at NUAA, a mutual understanding & appreciation, and unwavering trust developed. To this day, I still have an allegiance to the college. The high standard in professionalism and education were pivotal to the daily running of my team. The students were incredibly hardworking, albeit shy at times. However, as they became use to my method of teaching, they adapted very quickly and excelled in their studies.
The overall surroundings always brought a smile to my face, surrounded by beautiful architecture and flowers. Throughout the year, watching the seasons come & go, watching the flowers bloom and disappear; only made me appreciate how truly fortunate I was to be there. It is the simple things in life that always tends to brighten the day, don’t you think?
The most fun part of the job is without a doubt in the classroom whether it was to aid students to improve their speaking and listening skills or to delve into history, philosophy, poetry, literature or other subjects, with the dash of sense of humor- the onus being on critical thinking.
My kids were so dedicated and curious taking the opportunity to excel, be courageous in their efforts and never fearing to be themselves – the exchange was based on the Socratic method- dialogue is a two-way street. After the end of each lesson, the scurry of students exiting the classroom, their faces beaming happily, ‘happy learners make good learners’. In terms of academic writing, the kids started to clarify their thoughts and ideas with substantial evidence. Indeed, I spent a great deal of time devising essays and questions which promoted such methods of critical analysis, logic reasoning and the art of expression. The most important purpose of teacher’s lesson is strategies employed that benefit the students. The methods used had significant results, it was an absolute joy and the NUAA students surpassed my expectations and helping them to evolve was my honour and privilege.
With regards to Henan Normal University (HNU), it was entirely different experience. Once again, the best place for the teacher is within the classroom, the kids were English-Majors and their English level was relatively high. Students show diligence and devotion to their studies. Besides improving their speaking and listening, majority of the time was to engage their minds in critical thinking and the art of communication. Another enjoyable process for one and all.
Also, I had the opportunity to teach professors from different faculties in a new scheme that was devised by the Director of the International Department of foreign Studies.
The professors were obviously on a different level, as an adult, one is able to communicate more for effectively. Hence, not only was it a language exchange but one of culture and intellect, enjoying the delightful conversations and again with a sense of humor, laughter ensued throughout the sessions. I’ve had the great honor to meet outstanding individuals in their respective fields and became good friends. Real communication amongst peers – participating in real exchange and learning; real Language for academic purpose as well as daily conversations. Being an English Language teacher is a huge responsibility, it is not always about the language per se- it’s about the dialogue and experience. A good lasting impression on the learner is vital for their continuous love of whatever they have chosen to study.
Autumn 2023, I embarked on a new chapter with Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics (ZJTIE) in Hangzhou.
A different school, a different way. Forever evolving and improving most importantly staying steadfast on my chosen path.
Embracing the new and simply loving it.
My colleagues are so friendly and endearing, and one of the reasons I chose to continue to teach at the institute. The environment is far more business orientated and the students are more geared to a hands-on approach. Thus, I had to revamp my teaching style to accommodate the needs of the students and consider their future projection, whether they were English-Majors or not. The kids are great and quite witty. In fact, they have a good incentive to speak in English which allows them to initiate conversations with a certain kind of ease.
Although, somewhat tough going to begin with, I quickly found my groove and continue to fine tune my strategies and methods. Teachers are perpetual learners. It has been a most valuable lesson.
Harleen was introduced by ISAC Teach to work at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Fall 2020, Henan Normal University in Fall 2022, and Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics in Fall 2023. In the interest of personal privacy, the teacher’s last name is not revealed.
