Teaching Approach: Building Human Connections Through Language

From Learner to Teacher

My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in my own experiences as a language learner. I understand that learning a new language is a blend of excitement and nervousness. I aim to create a classroom environment that reflects that authentic journey.

Addressing the Gap in Language Resources

Before my recent trip to Paris, I noticed that many online resources lacked real-life, scenario-based videos. This inspired me to create and imagine different scenarios, like practicing greetings such as “Bonjour, merci beaucoup, Je viens de la Chine” (hello, thank you very much, I'm from China), and ordering food with phrases like “Une personne, s’il vous plaît”(one person, please), “Une table, s’il vous plaît” (one table, please), and “Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît” (I want to have a cup of coffee, please). These imaginative practices helped me prepare for real-world interactions.

Real-World Language Practice

When I arrived in Paris, I put all this preparation into practice. I walked into a local restaurant, feeling both uncertain and excited. Still, I spoke up: “Une personne, s’il vous plaît.” (one person, please). To my surprise, the server immediately guided me to a seat, assuming I spoke fluent French!

As I scanned the menu, I realized I needed both the French and English versions. I said: “Je prends le français, donc je vais regarder deux langues du menu, s’il vous plaît.” (I’ll take the French menu, but I’d like to look at both languages, please.). The server kindly gave me both, and I began piecing together my order with what I had practiced. I confidently said: “Je voudrais un jus d’orange et un steak,” (I would like an orange juice and a steak) , though I needed some help figuring out how to describe how I wanted it cooked.

This was my first time interacting with locals in French, and I was genuinely nervous. I remember sweating as I tried to respond to spontaneous questions from native speakers. However, this experience taught me something essential: real-world language practice is not about perfect sentences, but about staying in the interaction. When I did not understand, I asked for clarification, and people patiently repeated themselves, simplified their language, or used body language to help me understand.

Building Connections and Confidence 

The kindness of the server and the local couple, who helped me understand and navigate the menu, reinforced that language is about more than words; it’s more about building genuine human connections. In real-life situations, native speakers may ask spontaneous and unexpected questions, but anxiety should not prevent communication. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. 

If learners don’t understand, it’s perfectly okay to ask for clarification, such as “Je comprends pas, pouvez-vous répéter?” (I don't understand, could you repeat?) or “Pouvez-vous expliquer?” (Could you explain?) Most people are kind when they see someone making an effort to speak their language, and this is why confidence is essential in language learning.