Not being the one standing out there and speaking, I always thought that being a teacher was not a difficult job, but a meaningful experience has changed my mind.
Today, I’ve got a chance to swap my role with my English teacher Ms. Ng and teach my own class English for a double period. In the lesson Ms. Ng took my seat and became a student, while I became the teacher.
My first realization was how tough it is to be a teacher. I found that the most difficult part is that I have to speak fluent English and avoid any grammar mistakes when I speak. If I make any mistakes, the “students” may laugh at me. Also, I found that it is really not easy to maintain class discipline. As I am not the real teacher, it is almost impossible for me to keep the monkeys quiet. Fortunately, Ms Ng helped me a couple of times to keep the class listening.
Secondly, I found that teaching is equal to learning. I actually learn when I teach. I had an opportunity to speak English constantly for almost an hour. It is not easy, but at least I tried hard. It is really a good experience. Also, as I needed to teach grammar items, I had to understand those items in order to teach clearly. It helped me a lot too.
This is indeed a meaningful and unforgettable experience. I’ve learnt a lot, and I understand that I should respect and listen carefully to the teacher after being the one on the stage today.