Teaching and Student Growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching writing is witnessing the growth and development of my students. In my English Smart Start class, for example, I had the opportunity to guide students through a range of exercises, from vocabulary fill-in-the-blanks to explaining quotes and phrases, and exploring literary concepts that many of them might not have encountered in a traditional school setting. Initially, the results were mixed—some students excelled, while others struggled. This disparity was largely due to their different educational backgrounds and prior experience with English.
Recognizing these differences allowed me to tailor my approach to better meet the needs of each student. I began to adjust my teaching strategies based on their ages, skill levels, and how they responded to different types of exercises. This shift was crucial in helping me understand where each student was starting from and how best to support their progress. By the end of the program, I conducted another level test, incorporating new phrases, vocabulary, and concepts that we had covered throughout the course. The improvement was remarkable. Students who had initially struggled were now more confident and capable, which I believe was partly due to their increased comfort with writing and the teaching style they had become accustomed to.
In my Amazon Writing to Publishing class, I saw similar growth. Students who began with limited experience in storytelling gradually developed their skills, producing more complex and polished pieces as the course progressed. It was incredibly satisfying to see their progress, not just in terms of their writing abilities but also in their confidence and enthusiasm for the craft. Each student’s improvement was a testament to their hard work and the supportive environment we created together.
Seeing this kind of development in my students is one of the main reasons I continue to teach. The joy of watching a student evolve from hesitant and unsure to confident and capable is unparalleled. It reminds me of why I love teaching—because it’s not just about imparting knowledge, but about nurturing growth and helping students discover their potential. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory that makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s this sense of progress and achievement that keeps me motivated and passionate about teaching.
