Guevara - Mexico

Introduction to Teaching English

Gerardo's Background

• Gerardo introduces himself as an experienced English teacher, reflecting on his long journey in teaching the language.

• He recalls starting his teaching career at the Polytechnic, expressing enthusiasm for the language.

Early Teaching Methods

• Initially, Gerardo focused on vocabulary lessons, specifically teaching parts of the body.

• He observed that while students could memorize vocabulary, they struggled to use it in practical contexts.

Evolving Teaching Strategies

Need for Practical Application

• Gerardo recognized a need to create opportunities for students to communicate ideas using learned vocabulary.

• He considered implementing conversations but found them too forced and situationally limited.

Inspiration from Past Experiences

• Reflecting on his adolescence, he shares experiences from spiritual retreats with Franciscans where meditation and games were integral.

Innovative Game-Based Learning

The Postman Game Concept

• One memorable game from his past was called "the postman game," which involved identifying people based on characteristics like hair length or clothing.

Implementation Hesitation

• Despite skepticism about using games without clear purpose, Gerardo decided to try this approach with his students.

• He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that any activity aligns well with learning objectives.