Finnish-Style Pedagogy Specialist | Inquiry-Based Academic Coaching for Science & English | Phen BL | Learning to Learn | Multi Literacy

Find out more about Theresa

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak English fluently because of the support I received through various teachers. I was a late bloomer and they did not give up on me. They've adapted my learning according to my needs. It is the teachers who made me who I am today.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I think Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory is an emblematic representative of modern English culture. While he is a brilliant physicist, he also possesses an intellect that is relatable. He values science and logic but also deeply desires social connection like friendship, and romance.
  
  Unlike more extreme characters, Leonard is more of an under-dog. He is shy and polite but socially awkward in a humorous yet patient manner. He reflects a culture that is moving away from the old-fashioned 'tough' heroes toward heroes who are defined by their intelligence, kindness, and emotional honesty.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  I like the word Epiphany. It literally means light bulb moment! It is exactly the word to use to describe the moment when Archimedes discovered the way to measure volume. I love this word as that is what I love to witness when my students experience that Eureka epiphany moment. That new connection made between the neurons, that glint in the eye, the "Ohhh... " are my nuggets of joy for me as a teacher.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  English is an international language. Without it, a lot of opportunities would be lost. That's why I think to be able to speak in English is very important in this day and age.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  For me, grammar is the main villain out to get me from achieving my goal of mastering the language. Reading helped a great deal. It helped me to develop my instinctive English and that allowed me to get by. Delving into the grammar rules, comparing, analysing and lots of practice helps me to get a deeper understanding instead of the infamous "I don't know. It just sounds right".

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I spent the first 5 years of my primary school years in a convent school in Johor Bahru. The primary language used was BM and even that, I was barely scrapping by. English was only 1 book worth. On my 5th year, I moved to Singapore and EVERYTHING was in English. I dropped 2 grades and joined the primary 3 class. Being 2 years older than everyone, I was chosen to be the class monitor. As class monitor, one of the classic duty is to note down the names of your classmates who broke the rules. So, being a responsible class monitor, I did what I was supposed to and passed the list of names to my teacher when she came back from a bathroom break. It was a long list. My teacher stared at the list and I remembered seeing her eyes widened, followed by a frown and a face palm after whilst stifling a laugh. She called me over and pointed a name out.
  "Who's this?"
  "It's that boy in the corner."
  "Ah, Leon."
  "Ya. L-I Lee, O-N on." (Spelled it BM's way)
  "Yes but his name is spelled L-E-O-N. Not L-I-O-N 🦁"
  To be fair, I was only 3 days into the job so I guess is my only other saving grace.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  English is such a commonly used language that almost all the places I have gone to, speaks the language. There isn't a specific trip or travel that helped me increase my knowledge of the language other than me moving into Singapore for my studies.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I am a Superprof in the language because I understand the struggle and I have the recipe to help. Having taught a couple hundreds of children and adults by far, I can spot struggles, needs and learning style easily. Everyone learns differently and I make sure that my teaching fits. I am a Superprof because your success in learning is my pride.