Do you have what it takes to be a good young learners' teacher?

Teaching English in Asia offers a veritable plethora of options for the qualified teacher. Teaching young learners is one of these, but understandably not everyone's first choice. For some, children are something best grilled on an open fire. For others, there is nothing more rewarding than the energy and unconditional response from young learners. Are you unsure?

If you are, I have prepared a little (tongue-in-cheek) quiz for you to find out how you think you'd do with a group of young learners. Answer the questions and keep track of your score!

The school says I have to plan a lesson.

1. Yes, I want to plan fun activities – things the kids are sure to enjoy.

2. I'm sure the kids will enjoy working from the book they bought.

3. The kids aren't going to listen to me anyway, I'll be wasting my time with fancy plans and projects.

The teachers' book has lots of information and 'facts' about grammar. What do you do?

1. To do my best for the kids, I should have all the facts and answers ready.

2. I really ought to have a vague idea of what I need to teach.

3. Whatever the kids need to know, I'm sure is just common sense.

While you are teaching, the kids start getting restless. Do you...?

1. I go with the flow.

2. I stress easily but know how to hide it.

3. The kids should adapt to me, not me to them.

How creative are you?

1. I’m so creative I even surprise myself!

2. I am frequently searching the web for ideas.

3. I’ll just steal another teacher’s idea.

Do you have a sense of humour?

1. I don’t mind laughing at myself.

2. Huh?

3. A sense of humour is for the weak!

How ‘with-it’ are you?

1. I have eyes in the back of my head.

2. I can focus on a couple of students at a time.

3. I lose students when I turn my back.

How organized are you?

1. I even organize my sock drawer.

2. I try my best to be organized, but sometimes I lose the battle.

3. It’s all helter-skelter.

How well do you multi-task?

1. I multi-task in my sleep.

2. I try, but need more practice.

3. No one can really multi-task, can they?

What's your score?

A= 3 points

B = 1 points

C = 0 points

24- 16: You are a natural born teacher and find all the skills easy to master. You don’t need to put much effort into learning the skills and feel at home in front of the class. The young learners will love you, being the hero of the English staffroom.

15- 7: You have the desire to be a good teacher and would do well with practice and determination. Practice the teacher skills until you feel comfortable in front of the classroom. Practice makes perfect.

6- 0: This does not necessarily mean that you will not be a good teacher. There are many other learning institutes that would suit your teaching style, where you would find your spot in the sun.

#Teaching