English has various grammar rules, different structures, and complex phonetic sounds and symbols which make it difficult to study. Words may be spelled the same way but have several meanings depending on how they are used in a sentence and how they are pronounced. Phrases are used either with their literal or figurative meaning. English also has three tenses of the verbs – present, past, and future, and four verb aspects that tell us when the action takes place – simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive. In total , we could say that there are 12 verb tenses in English. So, how did I learn English?
In the Philippines, English is learned as a second language. It is used in different sectors of the government and public services such as education, infrastructure, health care, transportation, and etc. It is common to conduct job interviews, hear announcements, read signs, see advertisements, attend a church mass, and watch or read news in English. We were colonized by the Americans for more than four decades. Since then, English has been used as a medium of teaching including other subjects such as math, science , history, PE, social studies, and so on.
Toddlers who are just starting to talk may learn English just by watching kid’s shows. English is formally taught as early as in preparatory schools. Prep students learn to write and read simple CVC words. Drawings and illustrations are used to define words, and gestures for actions. Singing songs and reciting popular poems are encouraged.
In elementary, I was taught English using spiral learning i.e. teaching repeated subject matter with increasing depth and difficulty as students progress. Subject-verb agreement is tackled almost every year and to make it more meaningful and effective, spiraling is used. Words are defined using synonyms. Repetition and memorization of simple grammar rules are enforced to get high scores in written tests. Corrections are made after the student gives his or her answers in oral recitations. Group activities are given to encourage team work and build students’ confidence. At the end of each school year, students are given standardized tests to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
In secondary school, teachers use poems, essays, and short stories as springboards in teaching topics such as figures of speech, idioms, symbolisms, and etc. Unfamiliar words are defined using context clues. Tests include writing answers in full sentences and essays. I joined extra-curricular activities such as speech and oratorical contests which helped me improved my confidence in public speaking. I was also a part of our school paper publication and won places in school’s press conferences which allowed me to compete nationwide. Short training sessions were given before the actual writing contest. These experiences broadened my vocabulary and greatly improved my writing skills.
In tertiary, I took Bachelor of Science in Education Major in English. We were given a syllabus from each professor where some of the topics were presented by us, the students. This helped me become more familiar with the subject and delivered my topic with mastery. In my final year, I was deployed to a high school of my choice and had a 300-hour teaching practicum. My cooperative teacher trained me into becoming a better English teacher.
English learning entails using the language with fluency and accuracy. Memorizing grammar rules and having a broader vocabulary are not enough to show that you have acquired English skills. The two have to be applied in exchanging discourse because the essence of learning a language is getting your message across through communication.
