My journey as an English teacher

Vaughan Systems

I have been an English teacher in Spain for over 9 years, and it has been an incredible journey. It started with the Vaughan Systems, a method that focuses on constant repetition and correcting all mistakes to get rid of bad habits.

So the teacher has to be very disciplined in actively listening and finding the mistake. I think this technique can be so useful, too often teachers allow their students to continue making mistakes. Another key area of the Vaughan method is intensity, a Vaughan class is always moving, the student should never be able to rest, always working and challenging themselves. Being Vaughan-trained gave me a solid foundation in the importance of discipline and intensity. Two qualities that have shaped me as the teacher that I am today.

Mixed Techniques

However, my journey did not end there. As I have worked with more students of different ages, backgrounds and abilities I have learnt that every student’s need is unique. And I found that the Vaughan method did not suit everyone, especially if used constantly. So, I have found that mixing styles – for example using conversational English or task-based learning for businesses, replicating job interviews or meetings can create the best results. Many students thrive of this more open style and leaving room for creativity. In addition, I found the use of internet resources could broaden a student’s knowledge, for example watching TED talks and reproducing the information to the other students, listening to podcasts on the way to work or at the gym in English to improve listening (this I found so helpful I even made my own podcast!) and also old-fashioned reading of articles can help with pronunciation and also increase vocabulary.

Embracing AI

The final stage of my English teaching journey so far has been adopting the use of Artificial Intelligence in English learning. It can be used in many ways to create learning resources for my students personalized for their needs, teaching grammar through vocabulary that replicates their needs in ways that I could not before. I can use AI to create a personalised exam for my students using the information that I keep from our classes. I also use a class to teach my students how they can use AI themselves at
home to self-study. Creating exercises themselves, talking to chatbots, practicing pronunciation using the tools available. The possibilities are limitless. I think something that people often miss with AI is that it can be fun, so I create games for students or reading exercises that are specific to their interests. One other fun way is I make certificates of achievement is another way to use the tool.

Conclusion

By combining the discipline of the Vaughan Method, the flexibility and creativity of a mixed teaching style and embracing the innovation of AI I have become a better teacher, but I am always looking to improve and learn more. This process is not just about the student learning but also the teacher learning. I know far more about the English language than I did 9 years ago