ガイアナ出身講師が語る、オンライン英会話のメリット

オンライン英会話ベストティーチャーには、英語圏と非英語圏を含め世界60ヵ国以上の講師が在籍しているため、英語を学ぶとともに世界中の文化や人々と繋がることができます。講師陣についてもっと多くの方に知ってもらいたいため、人気講師に語学や文化 、英語学習法などについてインタビューしました。

今回はガイアナ出身のロール講師に、外国語習得のコツを伝授してもらいます。ロール講師は世界各国で英語教師として活躍し、講師歴16年の大ベテランです！また、ポルトガル語やスペイン語も話せるマルチリンガルだそうです。

講師インタビュー

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Rawle Staunton. I was born in Guyana, formerly known as British Guiana. I am a qualified English teacher and a Marketing graduate. I have been an English teacher for the last 16 years. I love music, traveling, reading, languages, working out, and relaxing in nature. 

What have you found interesting, surprising, or difficult through teaching at Best Teacher?

I find it interesting how enthusiastic, motivated and friendly students are: surprisingly, the majority of them are loquacious.  The school has its own unique and personalized platform, which caters for each student’s interest. I find this tremendously intriguing because it adds both to the learning and teaching experience.  I personally have not encountered any difficulty thus far.

Can you talk about cultural differences related experiences you have had with your students?

One thing that can be a little awkward culturally that really deserves a mention, is the fact that a student may sometimes be reserved and prefer not to talk about certain issues, however, as an experienced teacher such a situation is normally easy to remedy.

Can you talk about tips and know-how for learning a foreign language?

I presently speak three languages, English (my native language), Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish. I’d like to share a few aspects from my own experience.

First, I’d have to say my love for languages reduces language barriers, while at the same time; it increases my enthusiasm and curiosity that makes me more receptive to learning. Another way to look at it is that you won’t have the interest, the enthusiasm, nor the curiosity to study something if there is no love for it. It all begins with love.

Second, there is a period in learning a language when you will feel very enthusiastic and eager to learn. I advise you to capitalize and use that period to take in as much information as you can and maximize learning. 

Third, mistakes go hand-in-hand with learning a language, something most of us have a morbid fear of, however, if you use it to your advantage you can learn from it.  Be like a child. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to take risks! Remember it is better to try and fail than fail to try!  At least you will know where your problem areas lie and what needs to be improved.

Finally, based on my own experience, I find that culture is profoundly related to a language; therefore, try to learn some things about the culture.  The information will give you a better insight into the reasons and ways the language is expressed. 

What would you like to try out in Japan?

Since working at Best Teacher, besides doing my own research, my students have introduced me to many interesting places that in the future I would like to visit.  They are Mt. Fuji (I enjoy climbing and outdoor activities), Ishigaki, Tokyo Skytree, Hokkaido for its skiing, Takayama, Kyoto for its lovely gardens, Osaka- I heard it is the kitchen of Japan, just to name a few.  In addition, I would definitely like to experience the Sentō, a hot spring, the shrines, the cherry blossom season, a sumo match, and definitely meet up with my awesome students.

What makes you special in teaching English at Best Teacher?

Some of my strong points as a teacher are, I often tailor my classes according to the student’s need(s). I am very patient, easy to get along with, encouraging, fun, and I usually push students to speak and reach their potentials. The technique I find effective is getting students involved in the conversation from the inception. I always try to make them feel comfortable, and allow them to determine where the conversation goes. I am also generally flexible and ready to talk about whatever the student desires, while helping him or her to develop and improve his or her language goals.

Do you have any encouraging message for students?

If you want to improve your communication skills, having Skype lessons is a convenient and an effective way to communicate with others from all over the world without having to step on a plane.  You can have classes in the comfort of your home, or anywhere as a matter of fact, at your own pace, one-to-one with a native speaker. So what are you waiting for? Get enrolled, and let´s start talking!

長年に渡り、英語教育の現場で活躍してきたロール講師ならではの想いを聞くことができました。ロール講師のレッスンはオンライン英会話ベストティーチャーで受講することが出来ます。皆さんも、ぜひ一度ロール講師の授業を受けてみてはいかがでしょうか。