Fegg Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 Hello, I have been using Spanish to teach this language in the past and used English here and there to explain some tricky grammar parts or translate some words, but now, I´m starting to record some online videos for youtube where I start from beginner's level and I´ve been doing it in English to explain at least some basic grammar. The problem is that even though I´m fluent in English, I know it is not exactly perfect, still make some minor mistakes and my accent sounds to me soooo bad that I´m considering switching to Spanish or having my friend speaking those lessons for me. Still, I´ve never had a problem to be understood.I was wondering what do you think, does it feel not very professional for a native Spanish teacher using English if it is not completely perfect? These videos are completely free, I really enjoy teaching for the sake of it, but still, don´t like to give a low professional image. Another solution is to subtitled them, but I was thinking about that just for higher levels, I really believe in the value of being taught in the same language you are learning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguaholic Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 Hello, I have been using Spanish to teach this language in the past and used English here and there to explain some tricky grammar parts or translate some words, but now, I´m starting to record some online videos for youtube where I start from beginner's level and I´ve been doing it in English to explain at least some basic grammar. The problem is that even though I´m fluent in English, I know it is not exactly perfect, still make some minor mistakes and my accent sounds to me soooo bad that I´m considering switching to Spanish or having my friend speaking those lessons for me. Still, I´ve never had a problem to be understood.I was wondering what do you think, does it feel not very professional for a native Spanish teacher using English if it is not completely perfect? These videos are completely free, I really enjoy teaching for the sake of it, but still, don´t like to give a low professional image. Another solution is to subtitled them, but I was thinking about that just for higher levels, I really believe in the value of being taught in the same language you are learning. I think it is completely fine to introduce some basic concepts in English, as long as your English is easy to understand. It does not need to be perfect, if you ask me. Feel free to share some links to your content, so it will be easier for us to give you some feedback on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
czarina84 Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 As long as you aren't using it incorrectly, I see no problem with you saying the words in English. Sadly, most native English speakers make very basic grammar mistakes. Mostly spelling. As for subtitling, that may actually be a good idea. Saying it in Spanish, while having the words below in English give the students a way of hearing it in another language, while showing them the translation in the language they know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fegg Posted October 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Thanks so much for the answers:) I will share it when it is actually published, I´m still recording. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesbonner Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 it's better to be in English, and the accent doesn't means you are unprofessionel ! also for the small mistakes, every one do those mistakes even the native speakers so I think you are doing well, and you can share your links here so we can see them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlyarn23 Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I agree with previous posters. I think it is perfectly fine to teach the basics using English! If you are easy to understand then it does not matter if your English is perfect. It sounds like you are doing a really good thing here, good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sillylucy Posted October 23, 2015 Report Share Posted October 23, 2015 I think it is fine to bounce from Spanish and English when teaching. I think whatever helps get your point across is going to help you as a teacher and help your students see your point of view. As long as it isn't confusing for others then I say go ahead with that method! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lingua Franca Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 The video concept is a fantastic idea. It will be an extra help to your students. Whether you use English or Spanish really comes down to your target audience. The main objective is to make it enjoyable for your audience to learn the language in question and that you feel comfortable doing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosenii Posted November 5, 2015 Report Share Posted November 5, 2015 I think it's perfectly acceptable to teach in English, even if it's not perfect. The important thing is it's understandable. The high-level students will also be able to pick out parts of the language in comparison to English in your mistakes (if you make any), and you open up access to a lot of low-level students just starting out. The video concept is also great. Using video and audio aides in language learning is always a big plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penaber Posted November 5, 2015 Report Share Posted November 5, 2015 Being marked as professional and feeling as professional are different issues. I think what is more important is to feel professional. If you feel satisfied with what you teach and what your students gain, you are on the right way, keep doing it. Image is important but reaching our aims is more important. The way you take to teach is your choice and be sure that it is the best way for you. So do it the way you feel is the right way. All of us do minor or even big mistakes, we do it even while teaching in our NL. That must not be an obstacle keeping us from doing what we feel as right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeesaJohnson Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 I think that you should keep trying because one day you will get success and you will find that now you are not making any mistake. Practice it more and more to get success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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