Teaching and Learning English

Teaching and Learning English

          English is learnt as a second language in Malaysia.  Hence, teaching and learning English really needs some deliberate effort to master the language.  It is unlike learning our mother tongue which we are exposed to most of the time.  We acquire the language naturally through hearing how the language is used and using the language in speaking (and writing) to express our ideas, feelings, opinions and thoughts.  My mother tongue is Foochow, which is only used in the spoken form.  The Chinese language is the complete form with both the spoken and written symbols to refer to for all kinds of literary use.   It is the need that makes us learn.   As a trained teacher in the English language, based on my personal experience and some reading of the related topics, I find it really important to have enough knowledge of English grammar and pronunciation to set off in a life-long learning through reading and other related exposure to refine the language. 

          I teach grammar in context and isolation.  In isolation, I want to create students’ awareness of the forms and functions.  I believe in teaching grammar systematically.  Thus, I teach 3 Persons and 8 Pronouns first.