How to be a Successful EL Teacher -- Habits of Successful EL Teachers

by Mrs Tina Neoh
Singapore Chinese Girls' School

Review by Jo-Ann Netto-Shek

The fourth ELLTA(S) public talk for this year was held at Lecture Theatre 10, NIE Campus on 25 September 2002. The speaker, Mrs. Tina Neoh, Head of the English Language Department at Singapore Chinese Girls' School, spoke of the habits of mind and promising practices of successful English Language teachers. Her talk centred on defining the 5Cs of successful EL practice:

• Clue-ed in vs. Clueless
  Reminding teachers to be informed of national developments so as to be assets to schools and members of the school communities

• Composed vs. Comatosed
  Encouraging teachers to learn from schools since it is a dynamic and living organism of experiences and best practices

• Compelling vs. Boring
  Inspiring teachers to make the best of difficult situations in order to bring the best out of themselves and their charges

• Compassionate
  Remaining conscious of student experiences and emotions in order to develop successful relationships with them and build EL successful lessons

• Committed to the Call
  Focusing on the commitment made to be teachers of distinction through continuous learning

While Mrs. Neoh was quick to point out that many of the habits of mind and practices applied to teachers of other disciplines as well, she encouraged all teachers present to continue as good models of spoken and written English and to be the best that they can be!

Poster | Close window