"Let me say something . . . please!"

Talking Teachers

Teachers shouldn't talk too much; that's what you, the student, should be doing.

But I have noticed a lot of teachers wasting most of your valuable time talking to you. Hey, he can already speak good English; does he really need all that practice? Of course he has to say something, but his main job is getting you to speak and correcting what you say.

It's the 80/20 rule. You should be speaking 80% of the time, at least.

And beware of teachers who don't let you finish sentences, butting in and finishing them for you before you get there. He means well, but you won't learn anything.

A lot of teachers feel obliged to explain everything. But do you really want to spend money listening to a talking dictionary or a talking grammar book. Go home to check things or prepare before class. Use the class time to practice . . . . say something, please.

Ok, so, what exactly should a teacher be doing? Well . . . that's for another time.