Instructor Q&A: Emily Wong, English as a Second Language (ESL)

Why did you decide to become an instructor?

I decided to become an ESL instructor after teaching English in Japan for the JET Program. It was there when I first learned what it would be like to work with students whose culture was different from mine. Though I loved the challenge of designing lessons that my students could enjoy, it was the cultural exchange that I loved the most.

Could you tell us about the new online ESL courses DCE is offering, some of which you are teaching?

We are offering 8-week intermediate and advanced-level Grammar/Writing and Speaking/Listening courses online. They are asynchronous but will be teacher led with a few virtual sessions. Each week, students will improve their academic and non-academic English skills through engaging lessons and useful feedback from instructors. The best part is the interaction with the instructor and classmates from all over the world!

What type of student will do well in these courses?

Students who are responsible, self-motivated, and eager to meet classmates from all over the world will do great!

What advantages does learning ESL online offer to students?

Busy people have a chance to be a student again! Our classes are designed so that people who are working can study at their own pace throughout the week. Another plus is that students will improve their computer skills, which will benefit them in their academic and professional lives.

Lastly, online classes open the door to more students, especially ones who are too busy to leave their countries to study. This means that we can have an even more diverse class of learners!

What is your message to international students about learning during the pandemic?

Dear students, it is indeed difficult to focus and be motivated while studying online but think of this as an opportunity to broaden your communication and learning skills. Online learning is here to stay, and you will not be alone in this process! You will be supported by your teacher and improving with your classmates!

What do you find to be most rewarding about being an instructor right now?

During this pandemic, I love the fact that I can still meet with my students over Zoom “face-to-face.” We can still joke and laugh as though we are in the same room. Also, though teaching online has been a huge challenge, I am extremely grateful for my colleagues as they never cease to come up with innovative ways to improve our students’ learning experiences. I have improved my teaching because of them.