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Language School Instructor Reflects on His Commission
The Olivet Institute of Language Education (OSLE) had an exclusive interview with instructor Eric Rosales on teaching at Olivet University (OU).
Rosales loves teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to Olivet students and considers his passion for teaching as his greatest strength.
He is a devoted Christian and on asking about his calling as an ESL teacher, he said, "I have taught ESL students in middle school, high school, and college. God, through His grace, has given me the gift of teaching and encouragement. I understand the difficulties ESL students face and their anxiety in taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). I know God has called me to be an ambassador for Christ to teach English to students cross-culturally. So, my primary purpose as a Christian English Teacher (CET) is, 'Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).'"
Rosales takes it as a priority to meet the English learners' needs by setting practical and achievable goals. "I want to develop self-regulated language learners that are prepared for the TOEFL exam and their academic studies. This will happen through equipping the students with resources and material to interact with outside the classroom."
Apart from ESL, Rosales is also Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course. “As a TESOL teacher, I am teaching the student-teachers about not only teaching students, but coaching their students," said Rosales. "Teaching these two different classes has taught me to encourage students and equip them with English skills."
Rosales works hard and puts in extra effort to ensure his students succeed. "There is a lot of preparation for the work I do. I like to use a reliable textbook, but implementing authentic material," said Rosales on asking about how he prepares for the class. “As an effective ESL teacher, my purpose is to understand the material and present it with clarity."
"The book I use for engagement is Zero Prep by Laura Pollard. When I don't have time to plan activities, the book is very useful. To have meaningful lesson plans and materials that are thought-provoking, I use ESL television shows, newspaper articles, and other resources," Rosales further added. "I want students to succeed in the TOEFL exam and I will equip them with many resources."
