Is it possible that some students have an inability to learn foreign languages? Maybe some students will never learn English, no matter what they try. I even have a friend who believes she had a problem with an Irish husband in a previous life, and that’s why she can’t learn English!

A despondent teacher asked me about this innate inability to learn foreign languages and mused: “Often and to be honest, sometimes I wonder if learning another language is for everyone.” What do you think?

Natural talents

We all have different natural talents; for example, some are better at numbers, some at painting, and some at words. But think about it, everyone learns to speak their native language, so their human brain can do it. It’s just that some people aren’t motivated enough to make an effort. So therefore, I believe that there is no such thing as an inability to learn foreign languages, unique learning difficulties aside. Everyone who has learned one language can learn another…if they want to!

Motivation

If you have some students who don’t care about learning English, you can’t really help them. Concentrate on the others and get as many as you can along their path.

English teachers don’t just teach; they inspire

Don’t despair, despite those students who seem to fall by the wayside; A teacher’s role is never just about the subject being taught. All teachers have the opportunity to influence lives and inspire. Seemingly small things learned in a random lesson in school can stay with people for life and change them.

English teachers don’t just teach, they inspire.

Being an inspiration

Here are some examples of how teachers can influence, help and inspire their students. And I’m sure you can think of many more topics to impart to your students other than the English language.

• Presenting in front of others, confident speaking in public.

• Learning discussion in groups – listening to others, diplomacy when disagreement occurs, thinking.

• Respect for others, being on time, being polite to classmates, writing legibly, teamwork, and group work.

• Studying autonomously with home assignments or group work, learning to work to deadlines and organize your time.

• Being creative, inventing stories, thinking of original ideas, taking photographs to talk about in class, working with music, art, and poems.

• Encouraging and believing in your students. Pushing them beyond what they know today.

• Being a mentor, after lessons, in the playground, creating a bond, even if the student is weak in English, and showing students you care about them.

Your ideas

Teaching is never just about English. That’s why it’s such a demanding vocation. But, unfortunately, it’s not an easy option, despite any temptingly long holidays!

What else can a teacher impart? Let’s hear your ideas in the comments below, be bold! We’d love to hear from you.

Use inspirational teaching resources