It’s been a year since I started this blog. The fact that I have kept it going is huge for me because I didn’t think I had it in me to do it and maintain it. As I had detailed in my very first blog, I had several reasons why I wanted to have one. Have I managed to keep to my initial goals? More or less, yes.
I have explored and detailed some interesting areas, such as being on the other side of the fence as a language learner experiencing a placement test and later trying to survive an intensive course. This experience helped me to understand students a bit more closely. Some of the intricacies of being a student can only be gained from being one.
But I feel I have only scratched the surface when it comes to exploring my interests. The more I read and reflect on lessons in the class, the more energy I’ll have to delve into researching topics that interest me and can help me to develop.
I haven’t been able to get some of the pages and projects I wanted up and running and I haven’t written as much as I would have liked since the start of 2022 as I have been so busy adjusting to life in Berlin. However, I feel I have settled here now, and I am ready to get back to writing on a more regular basis. I don’t want to set targets or deadlines for myself, but as long as I research or write a little bit here and there, that’ll do for me.
One of the great things about sharing my blog with others is that I have been able to connect with some great teachers around the world. LinkedIn has proven to be a great hub to meet and converse with other ELT professionals on a range of issues that tickle my fancy. I have received some really nice comments from teachers who read, for instance, my opinion pieces on upcycling language for advanced learners and dealing with perfectionists in the classroom. I hope to meet more teachers and continue to work on building my network.
Let’s hope I stay true to my word and keep this blog going again for another year.
P.J. Ryan 