The InFluency Podcast 432. He taught at the British Council for 25+ years – here are his tips for learners
Sep 24, 2024
Craig Wealand, an experienced English teacher and host of InglesPodcast, shares valuable insights from over 20 years in education. He discusses the importance of effective communication over strict grammar rules, emphasizing how connection enhances learning. The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics in teaching, the rhythmic differences between English and Spanish, and the significance of embracing language mistakes. Craig also reflects on the intimate nature of podcasting and its role in fostering deeper audience connections.
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Let Students See Teachers Learn Too
- Teachers can turn uncertainty into collaborative learning instead of pretending to know everything.
- Craig now investigates questions such as “raise” versus “rise” with students, modeling curiosity and fallibility.
A Romantic Goal Started Craig Teaching
- Craig began teaching English after helping a friend communicate with a Norwegian woman he wanted to date.
- Using a 1950s grammar book revealed both his enjoyment of progress and his limited awareness of English grammar.
Ask For Repetition Without Shame
- Listen widely and accept that some speakers will remain difficult to understand, even after years of learning.
- Ask people to repeat themselves instead of interpreting difficulty as personal failure.