Articles Written by Our International Teachers

English Corner

by Reginal Ugwuh
Joined since: 2003 - present

Origin: Abudja, NIGERIA

Travel gives one an opportunity to learn the cultures and traditions of another. I first learned about China, when I was in Primary School. Later in my studies in the University, China received an attention in the Philosophy and history of Taoism and Confucianism. The study was not enough to know China as it was then a mere geography in our minds. I have always dreamed of a visit to China.

That dream later became a reality and consequently, I dismissed a lot of misconceptions about China as English will say experience is the best Teacher! Today I am pleased to be a pioneer English Teacher at this prestigious school, a school set to win the hearts of the new generation, where learning is fun and more effective with the state of the art infrastructure. A new School, like a newly born baby was faced with a lot of problems and challenges. The management was not ready to compromise standard as it set out on a good foot. The Staff (Academic and Non-Academic) are all poised to make positive contributions to the growth of this baby school by harnessing varied pedagogical methods relevant to good quality education by putting the school first.

My experience in China comes from a region that is hardly in the program of studies in China urged me to open a window on my country, as an exchange of culture. This was as a result of questions about my country, culture, and school system which unavoidably became an avenue to conversational and interactive lessons.

Similarly, the enthusiasm in expression of thoughts, ideas and interest to study other cultures was very remarkable. Here at Beijing New Oriental, students are exposed to different cultures especially the traditions of the English Speaking communities. The use of cutleries in the Dining hall, The Halloween and Thanksgiving ceremonies which were observed on campus are mere fore shadows of a broad based knowledge that will live in the minds of the students.

I find teaching English at Beijing New Oriental foreign Language school very interesting and challenging based on the school Curriculum and Philosophy which include songs and rhymes as a base for good foundation to get used to English words and sounds. It is interesting the way we all changed tunes from a conventional English teaching methods to lessons combined with songs and games to arouse and maintain interest in the study of English. This Philosophy has shown a lot of positive changes as great satisfaction are found though and continual amazement, when changes based on knowledge acquired from lessons begin to unfold in the students. All these can never be achieved devoid of good and conducive learning atmosphere created by the Management with Dr. Wang, and Dr. Bob at the helm from the wealth of Knowledge on the Philosophy and Childhood Education coupled with the joint efforts of all the English teachers drawn from different parts of the world.

The school system in Nigeria is somewhat different from China. The lesson period in Nigerian schools are crammed up between 8:00am to 2:00pm Monday through Friday. There are no evening lessons or weekend lessons. Education in Nigeria starts from one year kindergarten though optional and six years of Primary School, six years secondary school i.e. divided into three years Junior and three years senior, same as in China. It is common to find schools for boys and schools for girls at secondary level as well as schools for both sexes. Due to warm weather conditions in Nigeria Students wear regular uniforms, which sometimes show identity. There are dormitories/hostels at secondary school level replica of the system here in China. The difference is that students remain in school and don’t go home every weekend as in China. At the end of secondary school education, there’s an entrance examination into Universities, though in the formative years of Secondary Education, a student is inclined to make a choice of subjects which will lead to a chosen career.

Students here at Beijing New Oriental have a lot to gain from the bulk of the English Teachers, who are ready to sacrifice time and energy to develop good English speaking skills at the weekly organized English corner.

Beijing New Oriental Foreign Language School is a name synonymous with English learning excellence. Having established good working relationship and have made many young friends, I hope to make Yangzhou, home away from home.