Do you really need an English teacher to become a fluent English speaker?

Since I began my teaching career over 25 years ago I have asked myself many questions. What is my goal as a teacher? Am I making a difference? What is the purpose of an English class?  What more can I bring to the table? How can I help my students break communication barriers? How can I help them become fluent and powerful English speakers?

More grammar books? More exercises? More vocabulary lists to memorize? More repetition of everyday expressions and phrases?  That's all "fine and dandy"  but based on my experience and that of many others, this is definitely not enough to help you become a successful English speaker. How many times have I met people who have taken dozens of English classes and still cannot speak fluently? Much, oh much! too often … so I set out to find SOLUTIONS.

The truth is most of your learning, most of your improvement and your success speaking English will come from YOU, from your independent learning at home, your actual daily actions and the work you put into it.  You’re in control, you’re in charge, no one else.  Even the best English teacher on earth can not give you the skills required to learn the language.  If this scares you however, do not despair!

What CAN an English teacher actually do for you?

The best English teachers out there are also much like the best Olympic coaches out there! They will help you make psychological changes, they will help you learn, use and master successful strategies, they will provide you with effective authentic learning tools.

Amazing English teachers make you feel strong and capable, they empower you, they increase your self-confidence, they motivate you, they inspire you and  energize you! And therefore you learn through your increased self-confidence, focus and motivation to act.

Bad English teachers do the opposite, they criticize you, they kill your inspiration, they make you feel weak and stupid, they constantly focus on your mistakes, they make you feel less confident and this can greatly harm your present and future learning. It is better to learn on your own than to learn with these kinds of teachers.

Scientific research on language learning and development has clearly shown us that languages are learned through positive emotions.  We use language to connect with people, to express our needs, our wants, our feelings.  It is therefore VERY important if you are looking for an English teacher that you find one that will help you develop those positive feelings towards the English language and culture.

What should you look for when choosing a teacher?

#1.  It is important that you look for a match, a fit.  Look for teachers who are positive and empowering.  Teachers that smile a lot and make you feel confident.  Choose someone you can connect with.  High levels of stress will lower your learning capabilities so make sure it is someone you can feel at ease with. An encouraging, empowering and uplifting teacher- this is the secret ingredient if you want to become a powerful English speaker.

#2. Find someone that will teach you strategies you can use in your everyday life.  Someone who will help you change your regular habits into learning English habits. This will speed up your process and make it seem almost effortless to perfect your English.  This will also help you become an independent, life-long learner which will open doors to you in many, yet unknown fields.

#3.  Choose a teacher that will adapt and personalize the content of the lessons.  Once your specific needs and objectives have been identified this person can design a tailor-made solution just for you or your class.  This kind of teacher will also make modifications along the way to make sure you are always progressing.

#4. It goes without saying that you need to find a teacher that is qualified, that speaks English well and has a business background if that is what you are looking to improve but beyond qualifications look for someone it is easy to discuss with.  Someone who has general knowledge or interests in various fields.  Look for someone who can share funny or strange stories with you, our learning brain always remembers those best.  Look for someone who will motivate you to talk.

So, to answer my initial question - Do you really need an English teacher to become a fluent English speaker?

My answer is:  Absolutely! As long as, the relationship with your teacher is encouraging, empowering and uplifting!  This is a determining factor in your success so choose wisely!

Power over to you!

Are you one of those struggling learners that needs to get away from grammar books, exercises and cookie-cutter classes ? Or are you one of those teachers that wonder how you can make a difference and really bring your students to the next level? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.