I have been privileged to associate with some sets of DHS Postulants in Nigeria for a few years now through the teaching of a particular subject ‘English Language’. My experiences so far have offered me a good reason to keep cherishing teaching profession, not for any personal leisure but for the awesome discoveries I have had through the uniqueness of individual learners. Every set I encounter or teach is unique! I have a series of experiences which have helped me in turn to embrace positive changes in my life.
While preparing my scheme of work for teaching, I always ask myself ‘What is the basic need of these young ladies in this subject? How can I help them in my teaching to be better communicators?’ Taking the learners through the basic Language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing has always been my target, but the most important target is the way I can effectively use in achieving the set goal.
A simple way just makes it happen! It is so interesting taking both the Francophone and Anglophone Postulants in my course because it offers me a good medium of recalling my Postulancy formation stage both in Nigeria and Francophone territory. This helps me to device a better means of attending to their needs in language learning. I see my teaching beyond Academics or intellectual ability. In the course of discharging my teaching, a lot of moral, psychological, formative, and social skills have been sieved technically into their learning skills. Taking the students through essay writing for instance and giving them topics based on the events they have been physically involved in themselves made them to be really in touch with their personalities, environment, socio-cultural relationship, and other realities of life. It is also expedient to say that the course is not run for any competitive motive, but to offer the postulants the ability to communicate through the aforementioned skills and to have a better human relationship.
The solidarity and eagerness for both groups to learn the English language earnestly boosted my joy and enthusiasm. During the class, it was not necessary to ask who is a Burkina, Cameroonian or Nigerian student because they learn in unison. When it comes to an unfamiliar topic, there is need to begin from the grassroot, from the ‘known”. A sense of humour and continuous use of concrete illustrations also help when treating difficult topics. It was also interesting at some points when other languages were necessary to be used for more explanation. A unique set that learnt with ease. A very vibrant and skilful group in terms of sportive activities, music, drama presentations, love for diverse cultures and other forms of creativity.
I so much cherish this expression “More opportunities to teach, is more opportunities to learn better” Sometimes my patience, understanding, decision, listening and many other values were being challenged and directed in the course of teaching these young ladies. Through my encounter with the postulants, I have come to realize the uniqueness inbuilt in each human person, irrespective of age, tongue ability and the rest.
I will ever appreciate this opportunity which has always offered me the space to grow.
Sister Patience EFFIONG, DHS. Published on 2 June 2025
