AMANDA WHELAN
portfolio
General Subjects, TEFL, Technical English, Design & Technology
Whether helping my friends in school, colleagues in work or giving classes formally, teaching has always been a part of who I am. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping people learn.
Kurland Township, School for the underprivileged
I started teaching when I chose to volunteer as a teacher in South Africa with Willing Workers in South Africa, WWISA. Despite other possibilities, I knew teaching was where I could help most. I taught 5 children of varying ages simultaneously; 7, 10, 13, 17 and 18. The children were unable to attend 'standard' schools for various reasons including troubled family history and learning impediments. Between behavioural and learning difficulties, leading to a general disinterest in learning and sometimes resulting in violence, this was a challenging position. But the reward of seeing the children progress and achieve various tasks was very satisfying, making me extremely glad I could help them.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
On completion of an intense and difficult Certificate in English Language Teaching, C.E.L.T., I gained a teaching position at I.S.I., Dublin. Teaching students of all ages, from 16 to 70, the core students were between 20 and 28 and included numerous cultures; from Mexican and Brazilian to Korean and Japanese, with some European students also attending. Learning about different cultures and traditions was thoroughly enjoyable and eye-opening. Requiring insight into each culture's learning difficulties and special learning needs resulted in a broad understanding of students' learning requirements. Fun learning activities were promoted such as organising plays with the students as can be seen here.
PGCE in Design & Technology Teaching
Continuing to improve my formal education training I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, PGCE, at Loughborough University in the U.K. All levels of secondary education were included from KS3 (Ages typically 11-12) all the way up to A-Levels (Ages typically 17-19). Subjects taught included Electronics & Systems, Food Technology, Graphic Products, Product Design, Resistant Materials and Textiles Technology. It was a very demanding course with numerous teaching skills to learn but also making skills which I wouldn't have been familiar with before. My versatile, adaptable and quick learning personality enabled me to easily adjust to the task required.
Technical English Tutoring
Through recommendation and merit I received a position at the Dublin Institute of Technology, D.I.T., the largest 3rd level institute in Ireland. As a tutor for a new course in Technical English, for use in Computers, Science and Economics, for students from Oman, the position included planning and design of a full third-level course, creating coursework, exams and assignements. As the tutor of 30 Omani students I became aware of the cultural sensitivities required for other religions. Being aware of the students' new and daunting life in such a different country to their own, I sought to ease the transition by organising extra-curricular activities such as ice-skating, as seen here.