Yohann Brultey, Ph.D.’s Post

"Oh, teacher, I am so nervous😳!", just the other day my regular adult student exclaimed in the middle of our class! Her unexpected honesty caught me off guard! After all, we'd shared numerous classes together, fostering what I thought was a strong connection. Where was this sudden surge of anxiety coming from? But then, with a playful grin, she added, "It's easy for you... you're the teacher, and I'm the student!" We both chuckled at the irony, yet her words lingered in my mind, sparking a cascade of reflection 🤔. Rewind the clock, and you'd find me grappling with the same apprehensions she expressed. Teaching in a non-native language, navigating the daunting task of learning it first, then immersing myself in an English-speaking environment where every stumble felt magnified 😣. I could empathize with her unease; I'd walked in those same uncertain shoes 😊. Yes, I'm a non-native English teacher, carrying the weight of that distinction on my shoulders. In my eight-year journey, I've weathered every storm of doubt: skepticism from employers, skepticism from peers, but most significantly, the gnawing doubts that plagued my own confidence 😳 ! I had to fight my fears, teach with my heart pounding like a drum, battling the cacophony of self-doubt echoing in my ears... But through sheer persistence, I've chipped away at those barriers, slowly but surely bolstering my self-assurance... And now, after all this time, I can confidently declare: Yes, it's easy for me 😊! So, to my students and anyone else wrestling with those same insecurities, I offer this assurance: Fight off that fear, ignore that nervousness! If I could overcome those hurdles, you can do it too! 💪💪💪 Let me know in the comments: What steps do you take to overcome your self-doubts and insecurities? #esl #fluency #confidence #communication #englishspeaking

🌟 Embracing the Power of Language in Education 🌟 As an English teacher, I am continually inspired by the transformative power of language. Every day in the classroom presents an opportunity to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage students to express themselves. Whether it's through literature, writing, or discussion, my goal is to create an environment where students feel empowered to share their unique voices. I believe that language is not just a tool for communication, but a pathway to understanding diverse perspectives and cultures. I'm excited to connect with fellow educators, share insights, and explore innovative approaches to teaching. Let's continue to inspire and uplift our students together! #EnglishTeaching #Education #Language #Empowerment #LifelongLearning

As a language teacher, I spend about 30% of my time teaching, and the other 70% listening and observing. Needless to say, all that listening is not always easy. It takes energy to truly listen, but through conscious effort it is possible to improve this important life skill. Here are five steps to be a better listener in any conversation. #listen #listeningskills #goodlistener #languagelearning #listentounderstand #betterlistener #alwaysimproving

Day one of the term started on a high note. I felt thrilled and motivated to do better as I thought about my students' performance last term and how I can help them to do better knowing fully well about their challenges(Most Island students don't speak Yorùbá language). I came up with some new ideas and I hope this helps them to become better students. Teaching language to non-speakers might be tasking if different strategies are not put in place to suit learners especially if there are no self motivation on the part of the learners. #yorubalanguage #nonnativespeakers #teachingyorubaasasecondlanguage

I would like to ask for your opinion on the following topic: Dealing with difficult students in class. How can you do it? Here is one answer: While dealing with difficult students, it is important to keep in mind two things: First of all, a teacher should never try to earn credit among pupils by behaving like a friend. Engaging in informal conversations and being lenient when disciplinary action must be taken can undermine a teacher's position.  Secondly, building and fostering good relationships with students beyond academics is possible, while remaining professional and setting clear boundaries. Examples? Trust is earned over time, but being kind and genuinely curious about students' challenges can go a long way. Learning students' names and sharing a personal story can help students view a teacher not just as a strict educator, but also as a human they can, if needed, rely on. Do you agree with this statement? Do you disagree? Why? I am happy to learn your insights (in English/Italian). #inglese #english

**Different Approach to Language Teaching** Mastering English is more than just grammar and vocabulary; it's about integrating the language into daily life and passions. This teaching method immerses students in English by linking it to their interests and goals. Many students struggle with enthusiasm. By discovering their passions, teachers can create engaging, motivating learning experiences. For instance, role-playing as a favorite fictional character makes learning fun and fuels their passion. This interest-driven approach helps students become more passionate and successful. Connecting learning to what you love makes proficiency enjoyable. #EnglishTeacher #EducationForAll

Question for teachers: How do you apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the subject you teach outside the classroom? Besides using it to teach your class, how do the subject's knowledge and skills benefit your lives outside school? For example: I teach high school Global Perspectives and junior high school English Language Arts, which requires skills in reasoning, logical thinking, and research. I also need to articulate what I want to say or write effectively and sometimes creatively, depending on the context of the topic or environment. I use these skills daily when replying to emails and talking with friends, family, colleagues, or strangers. The skills I teach are not only practical for my students but also help me create written or spoken content for my social media accounts, YouTube channel, and newsletter. I consider these skills essential for effective communication, and they have endless applications in my daily life. All teachers need to ask themselves this question and have an adequate answer other than that the skills they teach might be helpful only under specific circumstances. The purpose of teaching is to impart content knowledge and skills to students that are immediately useful and will help them improve gradually over time. This will prepare them for a life full of curiosity, security, and a wide range of skills to support them throughout their personal and professional lives. #teachersoflinkedin #teachers #educators #educationalleadership #greatteaching #teachingtips

After years of soul-searching, grabbing up-to-date books and tossing them on the shelf I have realized that my search for the best English teaching techniques will never be complete. I have started to change material for clients to achieve high efficiency, but after a few weeks they have fizzled as well as I’ve fizzled. No matter how much energy I’ve poured into my work with clients, my efforts get ineffective, because despite my forcing them to jump into meaningful conversations, they stay deaf, calm and reluctant. Something was going wrong… That thorny issue has buzzed in my mind disturbing my sleep. I’ve started my own research quest that resulted in changing myself and my perception to clients. I’ve learned to be attuned to them - their emotions, moods that they bring to every lesson. As I reflect upon the achievements of my multinational clients in learning English I acknowledge how it is essential to have an appreciation for cultural differences as well as individual differences. Diversities enhance our effectiveness in dealing with them. #English #multinational #international #languageeffectiveness

How Do You Handle a Challenging Student? Let’s Share Solutions! 🎓💬 Dear English teachers, How do you deal with the student having the following features? 👇 The Student: 👨🎓 Personality Traits: Highly introverted, shy, and lacks confidence in speaking. Challenges: Hesitates to participate in speaking activities and avoids eye contact. They prefer to stay quiet, even in one-on-one sessions. Communication Barriers: Reluctant to express themselves, which directly impacts their ability to develop speaking skills. 💬 Share Your Insights: Comment below with your techniques, stories, or advice for handling this type of student. Your experience could help another teacher navigate this challenge! #TeachingChallenges #OnlineTeaching #TeacherTips #StudentEngagement #SpeakingSkills #LanguageLearning

The science of teaching reading and English learners: Understanding the issues and advocating for equity Alba A. Ortiz, María E. Fránquiz & Gilberto P. Larah In this article, the authors explore how using and centering strategies that celebrate English Learners and advocates for equity. A little secret: Oral language development plays a key role.