The art of teaching English: testimony from a passionate trainer

Can you tell us about your career as a trainer? How did you get into this profession?

I've been teaching in this profession for over 30 years. When I was a student, I started by giving evening classes to adults. After studying literature, I did my pedagogical studies and joined a college and business school where I taught teenagers and young adult apprentices. Today I also give private lessons to people of all ages.

What are the main teaching/andragogical methods you use to pass on your knowledge to learners? 

Adult learners need to feel motivated and involved in the learning process by contributing their experience and know-how. I see myself more as a «coach» or «facilitator» than a teacher or trainer. I propose situations that will enable them to learn while using their own skills and knowledge. 

My teaching is based on exchange and collaboration. I offer content that relates to the learner's identity. With the young adults I've trained in companies, it's no longer just a question of developing their knowledge, but their know-how and interpersonal skills. This approach enhances the learner's self-esteem and confidence, as they will inevitably recognise themselves in one of these skills and be able to improve the others. This is also the basis of the ORFO reform of apprenticeships in Switzerland.

How do you adapt your training courses to suit different learner profiles and their specific needs?

I use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to identify the learner's language skills. I adapt the textbook to the learner's skills and objectives. I use up-to-date methods to ensure that the material is always innovative and up to date.

What role do new technologies play in your teaching methods? 

New technologies are an integral part of today's teaching methods. Since Covid, we have made a quantum leap with online courses and class management. Classroom, Openboard and so on are all IT tools that can be put to good use to improve learning methods and communication. But to be quite honest, I feel that nothing can replace a face-to-face lesson.

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities a good trainer needs to have in order to be effective and engage learners?

For me, the essential qualities of a good trainer are authenticity, listening to the needs of others, analytical finesse, the desire to pass on while learning from others, curiosity and benevolence.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a trainer, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest challenge was to give an English course to a class of 25 highly unmotivated police trainees. I was only about ten years older than them. Rather than using authority to get them to work, I used a method called «emotional contagion». In other words, finding a way to make recalcitrant students want to work by motivating them while understanding the reasons for their resistance. It's by putting yourself in the learner's shoes, by understanding them, that it's possible to find a solution that will be beneficial for both parties. I'm proud to say that by asking them to work together in this way, they played the game and the course was constructive and enjoyable for everyone.

What advice would you give to someone looking to launch a career as a trainer or improve their teaching skills?

I sincerely believe that a good trainer must have the necessary human qualities mentioned above. They can then improve their didactics and methodology by studying or attending courses given by their peers. 

Can you share an anecdote or experience that has particularly marked your career as a trainer?

I have many of them, but the one that stands out the most is a comment made by a student who came up to me at the end of a lesson. She said to me « Madam, you're not like the other teachers, you at least understand us and you want us to succeed ». I was very touched by this comment, because that's exactly how I would define my job.