In China, with so many students in a classroom, and the numerous requests I get on QQ to teach people English, I had to decide what my role really is as a teacher here. With 50-60 students in a classroom and only 45 minutes a class (once a week), it is near impossible to teach any form of English in that environment. Especially conversational English. So, I decided that my role as a teach must be a guide and mentor to the students. The students must be their own teacher. So, I developed various lesson plans that show students how they can teach themselves English. Oh, sure, I teach grammar and vocabulary in my classes. But, conversational English is a whole different animal. So, I want to share some tips I give my students. And, they actually work, if the students take the initiative.

1. Learn one new English word a day. This may sound simple. And, sometimes it is. But, part of the process is finding a word, ALL of the definitions, idioms, slang and other uses for the word. And, the student needs to write a sentence for each definition so they have a clear understanding of how the word is used in English. One English word a day comes to 365 new words a year. And, if they want to double that, the results are amazing for them.

2. Students should keep a journal, writing in English of their daily experiences. This helps in the next and final tip I will provide today....

3. Set up your own English Club with your friends. Find some friends that are also eager to improve their English. Then, spend 30 minutes, three times a week, getting together for your English Club. Everyone must speak only English. If someone speaks Chinese, they must put money in a jar (kind of like a swear jar). At the end of the month, they can take the money and treat themselves to a tea or maybe a meal. During this time, they should share the new words they have learned (#1) and read out loud the journals they have written (#2). And, then they can just have a casual conversation to finish their time together. It is hard for the first few times they meet. But, as they get used to each other and realize that everyone is making mistakes, it becomes more comfortable.

I know #3 works well. I went on a 10 day vacation with a Chinese friend. His English was not very good. But, all we did was speak English. I saw a remarkable improvement in those 10 days in his abilities. As did he.

I hope this helpful to some. I have developed an English program that is about 10 lessons long. The kids really enjoy it and think they learn more from it than the textbooks they are provided. I take my teaching very seriously. It is my profession and career. It is not just a part-time job. My students are my kids. And, I am trying to develop programs that will assist them in their future. Not just to pass the exams.