We all speak our mother tongue naturally well. No matter if it’s Russian, Chinese, English… Native speaker has a language level that a foreigner can only aim at. So when it comes to studying other languages, we usually look for a native speaker to guide us, as no one can speak better, than a native. However, is it that easy to teach someone your own language? Let’s find out what being a native teacher involves!
Education and constant formation are required
Although natives have spoken their mother tongue for the whole life, does each of them know his or her language deeply? Can he or she explain difficult grammar rules or foresee mistakes that may arise while learning this language? The answer is obviously “no”. Good native teachers need a specialized education that allows them to see their own language as a system, study it inside out. Education is essential, so teachers can deliver their knowledge to students. Moreover, they need to constantly improve their teaching skills, look for new teaching methods, textbooks, and other materials.
Mastering of teaching methods
The tendency today is that language education is mainly focused on communicative skills. Nowadays people are more interested in ability to speak efficiently without a language barrier or any fear. A teacher has to master up-to-date communicative language methods, including non-translatable methods some of EDUCA teachers use, that require real proficiency. Teaching a new language without using students’ mother tongue is a real challenge!
Personal attitude
Many teachers say that this job is a vocation for them. Love for your own language, for students, for teaching process, these are soft skills that cannot really be trained but that are essential for a good teacher. Moreover, it is hard to be a teacher for a long time, if one doesn’t feel this way, as it requires true dedication. Teaching is the ability to see your own language as a unique and beautiful system and the ability to share this knowledge with others.
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