Interview to Mrs. Hanzelinova, teacher in Nový Bor - by Santi
- What subject or subjects do you teach in Nový Bor?
My specialization is English, French and Czech but this school year I am teaching only English.
- How did you know about our project and the activities we do in the schools?
A colleague from a ZŠ in Česká Lípa has told us about these activities. Then we have contacted Gabriela Medwell.
- Why do you think this kind of activities can be interesting for the students?
What is the most important thing is talking. Talking in a way that others can understand, not grammatical accuracy. You do not mark students. You do not correct their English.
You are young, so close to our students.
You break our routine.
English is neither their nor your mother tongue and the first real speaking English is easier with you than with a native speaker.
- Nový Bor is a small town, how do you think we can impact in the way of learning of the children of your class? Do you think we will open more their minds to learn English and about other countries?
Definitely yes. We (teachers) are just a theory, you are a reality. Pupils do not believe us when we tell them about the importance of learning English. With you they can see that learning English is useful, that they can speak English with anyone, not only with native speaker (who seem to be far away from us). You do a lot for their motivation. And all the more so that Nový Bor is a small town where students do not have the opportunity to speak English with somebody else, only with us - teachers.
- Are you satisfied with Czech educational system?
Basically yes.
- Would you change anything in it?
Nothing comes to my mind.
- What subject or subjects do you teach in Nový Bor?
My specialization is English, French and Czech but this school year I am teaching only English.
- How did you know about our project and the activities we do in the schools?
A colleague from a ZŠ in Česká Lípa has told us about these activities. Then we have contacted Gabriela Medwell.
- Why do you think this kind of activities can be interesting for the students?
What is the most important thing is talking. Talking in a way that others can understand, not grammatical accuracy. You do not mark students. You do not correct their English.
You are young, so close to our students.
You break our routine.
English is neither their nor your mother tongue and the first real speaking English is easier with you than with a native speaker.
- Nový Bor is a small town, how do you think we can impact in the way of learning of the children of your class? Do you think we will open more their minds to learn English and about other countries?
Definitely yes. We (teachers) are just a theory, you are a reality. Pupils do not believe us when we tell them about the importance of learning English. With you they can see that learning English is useful, that they can speak English with anyone, not only with native speaker (who seem to be far away from us). You do a lot for their motivation. And all the more so that Nový Bor is a small town where students do not have the opportunity to speak English with somebody else, only with us - teachers.
- Are you satisfied with Czech educational system?
Basically yes.
- Would you change anything in it?
Nothing comes to my mind.
