Farewell

     This is a relatively easy week, compared with the previous ones.

     And this is the last week-- I know.  

     Not until I received Mr. Elliott mail, announcing something we need to notice at the final stage, do I sense “this really gonna come to an end.” It is a bit of sad.

     The first week I was gleeful; afterwards came with a myriad of tasks to be fulfilled. The sixth or seventh week was the most overwhelming one—my brain was replete with ideas, plans and tasks awaiting me to carry out. Then, after submitting the final project, I in a blink of eye found the busy life vanishing. I now miss the life occupied with things, which replenish me with prospective exploration of my teaching. The trip takes after a journey to the Treasure Island, Initially, I feel ossified with the dazzling gold lying in front of me, but when coming to my sense, it is a little late to grapple for more-- time for home. Even so, I still get so much, I could hinge on them for the rest of my teaching career.

     A plethora of web tools and reflective theoretical articles pave a broad path for me to stride gallantly, facing the impending challenges from new teaching environment and learners. I still remember how thrilled I was when students, sitting together discussing their writing in English, went from strength to strength owing to the overhaul of my teaching approach. However, before the course about between 2008 and 2011, I almost couldn’t hang on there. What do you think is the most terrified thing? My answer is that when you lose the passion for what you are doing. Approximately in 2008, I felt like quitting my teaching job because I was very tired of teaching in the traditional way--grammar focus, translating English into Chinese, teacher-centered, teaching for tests. So, I embarked on my exploration of teaching. I kept making adjustments, but found no breakthrough until a student groaned with his dissatisfaction. Then he suggested me using PowerPoint to expedite my teaching. As soon as I started to apply technology to my teaching, I realized what a great facilitator technology is.

     However, I knew there was still something missing— I am not on the right track I would like to lope on; a language classroom should be more than I managed then. What tips the balances is that I was admitted to the E-Teacher program of University of Oregon. With the learning and practice into real setting of technology, my teaching style shifted form teacher-centered approach to learner-centered approach. I also made a break personally. I created the first online survey of my own, the first personal webpage of my own, and the first English blog of my own.

     Well goes the Chinese saying, “There is no banquet with an end.” In English, it says, “Everything must come to an end.” The former or the latter, a hint of sadness comes to me. Farewell, dear participants, and Mr. Elliott, who shares so much with us. Thank you.