My French Students in Malta

 

Teaching EFL in Malta

             The French Connection

 

 

Did I tell you that I'm learning French?  Not on purpose, but my French students--two young men who must pass a certain test in English to get into their university studies--insist on speaking French to each other in the class. 

 

These guys can hardly speak English, but it's amazing how French they are when they do manage a few words.  They are really struggling with this test called the TOEFL.  This past Friday at 5:30 PM I came into the classroom to find them already there and looking like they were half dead.

 

I told them I know how hard it is to come in on a Friday evening to study English for an exam.  That's because I know how hard it is to teach English on a Friday evening for an exam.  One of my guys looked at me and said, "Ah, but it is such a pleasure to see you."

 

Love that French accent.

 

Here's something very useful if you ever need to teach French males age 21 and 23.  If you ever need to get across an abstract concept in English, talk about it terms of beautiful women.  I was trying to get across the meaning of the idiom "it can't end a moment too soon for me."  I totally failed until I compared spending time with a beautiful woman versus a woman who is not so beautiful.  Voila! They immediately got what I was trying to say.

 

I don't always like talking about women in terms of looks, but when you're a teacher, you have to do what works.  And this is what works with my French guys.

Comments

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

My God, Dee-they're young boys in their 20s? Do you think I pay attention to that? Yes, they're good-looking--Ilene

[Dee Owen]

Are the guys good looking? Have fun with the French!
Dee

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Merci beaucoup, ma cherie Mary---Ilene

[Mary Bartolotta]

Bonne chance avec les francais, Ilene.
Mary