English teacher stimulates student's enthusiasm for debate and learning the language
I UNDERSTAND English is important. However, my use of the language was poor when I was in junior form and I was worried. Luckily, I met my English teacher Ng Pak-hoi in Form Two. He is the best teacher I have ever had.
He made classes a lot more fun.
He used jokes to hold our attention and organised English debates to sharpen our speaking skills.
We did quizzes too, but not like the ones in textbooks. Mr Ng created his own tests to see if we took in what was taught.
He said: 'Read English newspapers, it is a good way to improve your vocabulary and sentence structures.' I took what he said to heart and soon developed a habit of reading English newspapers.
Looking up words in the dictionary was also an important part of learning. After finding out the meaning, he asked us to write them down. I memorised the words and their meanings in my spare time, so gradually, my vocabulary grew.
He also asked us to listen to English songs and fill in missing words. I remember one English debate on the effectiveness of using our mother tongue in learning. It was exciting and we saw the issue from both sides.
In one discussion, we were asked: 'How can you persuade other people to agree with you?' Not only did I learn how to use English to convey my thoughts, but also how to convince others of my point of view.
Some of my schoolmates thought Mr Ng was strict, but I think he was stern for our own good. He wanted us to hand in our homework on time and to have the right attitude in learning English.
Looking back, I really miss Mr Ng's lessons.
Even though I had another teacher during my certificate-level studies, I did not hesitate to ask Mr Ng questions.
Hopefully, Mr Ng can teach more students and spread his love of learning English. Thank you for your enthusiasm, Mr Ng.
Yuk-king is a Young Post student reporter at Gertrude Simon Lutheran College
