Reflection on Language Strategy Learning

Students in Taiwan study in a highly competitive environment. In order to enter a good University, some parents spend a lot of money hiring a tutor for children. Since my parents couldn’t afford the money, I didn’t have the experience of one on one teaching before. However, when I entered in college, there was a project that each student was assigned a tutor for free. After seven times of meetings with my tutor, the tutoring project was over. Now I would like to reflect on this project from three aspects: the whole project, the tutor, and my own learning. 

Tutoring project is a great assist of the classes. I think attending tutoring sessions is as important as going to classes. We go to classes because we esteem our teacher and want to learn from her; it should be the same way that we treat our tutor. Though the tutoring meeting is not a formal class, tutees should not be unmindful of the meeting. In addition, the project can well stimulate me, because it let me know more about English learning. With my tutor’s help, I can find out the mistakes I make in writing. After correcting the errors, my writing skill can be improved, and it will do me a great help in classes.

When it comes to my tutor Cena, he is a patient person and just like my friend. In our first meeting, Cena learned that I am shy with strangers. In order to get to know me, he really tried hard to chat with me and ask questions about me. What he had done indeed released my tension. During our sessions, when I could not understand or forgot what he had said, he always patiently explained it again and again. Besides, I could ask for his help in many ways. Once I was stuck by my mid-term oral test, and I asked for his help. He was willing to do me a favor, and taught me how to start with. Every time when we finished the material, we started to chat with each other about everything. At that moment, I really felt that he is my friend.

After the tutoring project, I did not only learn some tips in writing, but also become more active in learning. I think the most useful tip is “PREP”, which is a four-step tip to complete an essay. I am not good at writing arguing essays, so this tip can help me a lot in the future. To tell the truth, I am very bad at getting along with strangers. At first, I just sat there and listened while Cena was teaching me. However, I could gradually raise my own questions, and discuss with Cena about my confusion or suggestions. Since I have the difficulty of writing in front of people, I addressed it to Cena. Finally, we reached an agreement and made some adjustment. Because of this project, I really see my own progress.

To sum up, I think tutoring project is really good for us in many aspects. It can benefit to our English learning, and let us understand language learning strategies. Also, I am glad that I can have a new friend who helps me a lot. I hope we will still have the chance to continue this project.