This blog post explores how to incorporate an educational philosophy centered on enjoyable English classes into an academic plan. It guides you on effectively conveying your vision as an educator, focusing on strategies that clearly outline practical English goals and your approach to interacting with students.
Reason for Choosing Major
I first encountered English during elementary school. Learning a new language, not my native tongue, was fun. It was fascinating to communicate with foreign teachers who looked different from us. Speaking with someone in another language felt like stepping into a fairy tale world. Naturally, I grew to love English.
While my interest in English remained high and I enjoyed the language itself, English classes became less enjoyable as I advanced through school. The exam-focused education and grammar-centric teaching methods diminished my interest. It was disheartening to see English, which had been such a joy when I was younger, gradually transform into a subject I dreaded studying. I started thinking that if classes could be made more enjoyable, I wouldn’t feel this way. That’s when I firmly resolved to become an English teacher.
English is becoming increasingly essential, almost like a second mother tongue. In this reality, English education will only grow more important. I nurtured the dream of becoming an English educator who delivers quality lessons, contributing to this trend.
Academic Plan and Goals
By the time I graduate, I believe I should naturally become an expert within my major. Therefore, I believe the most important thing during my university life is to diligently pursue my studies. During my first and second years, I plan to focus on practical English, dedicating myself to my studies to enhance my sense of the English language and build a solid foundation.
Additionally, I plan to pursue language training and spend time in English-speaking countries. Language that cannot be applied in real life is not truly alive. A common problem among many students in Korea today is that they score well on tests but cannot actually converse. I want to research teaching methods centered on what can be heard and spoken in real life.
During my junior and senior years, I plan to study effective teaching methods through courses like pedagogy. This will prepare me to be an educator capable of delivering high-quality lessons alongside my major. After all, no matter how deep one’s academic knowledge, it holds no meaning if one fails to convey it effectively. Furthermore, through environmental protection and sports clubs, I will train my mind and body to be healthy and cultivate the ability to lead a harmonious social life through diverse interpersonal relationships.
Post-Graduation Plans
After graduating from university, I intend to become a teacher as soon as possible. The thought of helping children grow through engaging lessons already fills me with excitement. Therefore, I am eager to meet children sooner rather than later. If I diligently complete my studies, I believe I will have laid the foundation to become an English educator as I aspire after graduation. As an English teacher, I plan to focus my instruction on practical English that children can actually hear and speak.
Additionally, I plan to utilize vacation periods and training opportunities to travel to English-speaking countries and develop myself. Language inevitably dulls if not used. It’s closer to a sense than mere knowledge, so I believe one must never stop. Furthermore, as a teacher, if I don’t continuously develop myself and stubbornly cling to outdated methods, I won’t be able to deliver quality lessons. Therefore, I will always strive to develop myself, and if necessary, I plan to pursue graduate studies to provide even better education.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
The Analects state, ‘Those who merely know are not as good as those who love, and those who love are not as good as those who enjoy.’ Since childhood, I have loved English and enjoyed talking with others.
Because I found joy in interacting with more people, I don’t think studying languages was particularly difficult for me. I studied because I wanted to speak—not because English was an academic subject, but because it was a means to converse with someone. I believe the common trait among people who excel at something is that they enjoy what they do. For someone like me who enjoys English and loves socializing with others, wanting to become an English teacher might be a very natural thing. I want to share diverse conversations with many students. The difference is that I want to converse in English—not just because it’s necessary for us, but also because it’s fascinating as a different language. Language is like a muscle; it atrophies if unused. I want to teach children the joy of using English. So I want to help them use English voluntarily and develop their skills. To do that, I believe the educator must enjoy it first—and that person is me.
