I came to stay
In summer, when I learnt about the vacant position of an English language teacher in “Mkhitar Sebastatsi” educational complex and sent my CV, I couldn’t even imagine it would be a life-changing decision.
Just a few days later the director of college Tatev Bleyan invited me for an interview and I hurried up to get acquainted with the educational complex and with people working there. I should say that the very first Impression is still in my memory. I remember being impressed by the big, bright, transparent classrooms. And inside the transparent rooms work people who respect and trust each other, teachers who love their work, students, who value education and, most importantly, just smiling people.
About the challenges
Yes, there were some challenges, of course. I jumped in almost in the middle of the academic year, went to classes right away and, frankly speaking, had a big internal fear that It would be hard to build the right relationship both with teachers and students. Students in general find it difficult to adapt to a new teacher. But in reality everything went unexpectedly smoothly.
Now
A lot has changed during these few months, and it is not only my effort. Now, when I enter the classroom, there is no feeling of being a stranger or being lost, I know where I am and why, and I am especially grateful for this to my students. Many thoughts and ideas, which have seemed distant or unrealizable wishes, are real now because of the interest and diligence of students. And there are still a lot of projects to come. There is no greater joy than to see how my students proudly present works or projects done by themselves. Self-education, education through exploration is one of the best ways to learn. My role as a teacher is simply to guide the classroom and take a chance to learn from them.
Project-based life and lessons
I especially value the “Mkhitar Sebastatsi” educational complex for the choice of project-based learning. Instead of textbooks and standardised lessons that focus mainly on the transfer of information and can seem boring sometimes, project-based learning gives students the opportunity to do their own research and achieve results. This way of learning is much more effective and motivates learners. This approach is motivating for teachers as well, as they get more freedom and can be creative.
I would like to tell you about several important projects that I have managed during these few months.
English club
The English club was organised with the advice and support of Mr. Yura Ganjalyan. The club involves students interested in English, mainly from the tourism department. These are the students who want to further improve their language skills. The club aims to improve especially spoken English, as the club’s lessons are based mainly on discussions and debates. We debate on different topics, watch thematic videos, write reflection essays about what we have learned.
I am glad that students actively participate in the club and now are able to express their thoughts freely.
Films in English
This project is especially loved by my students. As part of the project, we enjoy watching movies in English, writing analytical articles about them, sharing their thoughts and discussing films together. The project continues successfully.
One month-one book
While teaching I was excited to know that many of my students are interested in literature. And together we have a reading club, where students from different departments are welcomed. We have decided to choose one book for each month, read during the month and have a discussion. We have already read two books, now we are reading “Animal Farm” by George Orwell.
Fairytale English
What can awaken a greater love of language than a fairy tale? Collaborating with other schools of our educational complex, college students visit them, read fairy tales for younger students. The students listened and participated very enthusiastically, they wanted to read too և, finally, an agreement was reached to meet regularly ըն to read stories to each other.
Yerevan and me
The weather is getting better in Yerevan, how could we miss that opportunity? Together with the students of the tourism department and in cooperation with other teachers, we have decided to wander in Yerevan, see and study everything about the popular and hidden places in Yerevan, find interesting facts and stories. The final result of the project will be a short video about Yerevan և our wanderings.
Visit the regions!
Of course, we should not forget about the regions. Our goal this month is to study the Gegharkunik region, to discover unknown places and customs, to talk to the locals and, through all these actions, rediscover the Gegharkunik region. We, together with the students, will visit the region. As a result of the project the students will make a short touristic video about the Gegharkunik region.
Competition in English
This month there will be a competition in English among the first-year students of the college. The competition aims to test the four levels of English language proficiency: auditory, visual, kinesthetic and conversational. The competition also aims to motivate students to learn English better; as it will make the learning process more interesting.
In case of success, we will also invite students from other branches of our educational complex to participate in the competition.
You can get acquainted with my other projects by visiting my blog.
A tour to a fairytale
- Miss Arpi, will you come to Arates with us?
It was December. I was still new in Sebastatsi college and had only heard about Arates. But even that was enough for me to agree at once and look for a sleeping bag!
It was the most real winter in Arates, as if it came out of fairy tales: white, soft and full of fun. The evenings were warm, full of intimate conversations and smelling like burning wood. And the cottages are perfect places to hide from the noise of the world, where childhood and dreams are still alive. I hope I will have the opportunity to see Arates in other seasons as well.
“Entrance Camp” and “Mkhitar Sebastatsi” Educational Complex
It was really an entrance camp, because no matter how much you have already taught or how many projects you have managed, Sebastatsi educational complex is also the people of Sebastatsi, whom I had the opportunity to know. I am especially glad that I have got acquainted with Mrs. Mariet Simonyan, from whom I still have a lot to learn. It was wonderful that the camp was held in different departments of “Mkhitar Sebastatsi ” educational complex, which was another opportunity to know the educational complex better.
Here I would like to talk about another approach to education, which I really appreciate in Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex. The educational complex is big, there are many pedagogues and students, but that does not interfere with communication between all the parts of the educational complex, cooperation, creating and dancing together. I especially value our Friday events in the Marble Hall, which unite all the teachers and students.
The camp was also a great opportunity to review previous works, learn new things, share ideas with others and think of new projects. I hope all the projects born during that period will become a reality. This is also a promise to myself.
About the most beautiful word
The third educational period is coming to an end. In conclusion, I would like to mention that I am grateful for every opportunity to learn from both teachers and students. I thank especially Mrs. Tatev Bleyan for noticing me, believing in me and supporting me. I thank also Mr. Yura Ganjalyan for his advice, inspiration and willingness to help. I thank the students for trusting me and valueing the foreign language. Thank you for noticing little Arpi and letting her be a part of your story.
Important projects, that I have managed during these months
«Մխիթար Սեբաստացի» կրթահամալիրի անգլերենի մասնագետ 