Stowarzyszenie Aktywizacji Społecznej

Impossible is nothing! Jagoda Kozak, a student from Wroclaw, who teaches seniors basics of English, tells us about learning for the whole life

Jagoda, you have been teaching older people for more than a term. How can you describe the work?

Working as a teacher with seniors is a very interesting experience. I teach the others, but I also learn: for example looking for a different ways to teach and how to explain simply and clear enough to every student.

Is it true that it is harder to learn, when you are older?

It is true that seniors are very specific pupils. They have to put more effort, than younger people, because the older you are, the harder it is to learn. Moreover, the methods of learning and materials have been changing through years.

What was the most difficult part then?

I think it is choosing the style of teaching. There was also a bit stress – I have to confront theory with practice. I am still a student, so I know what I expect from my tutor or teacher, what kind of methods I like. But using this knowledge in practice was not easy. I am still learning, how to teach the others. But I progress and so my students do – and we all find new methods to learn and joy in what we do.

You mentioned your pupils. What are they like?

Very nice for me and each others, what made our lessons joyful. I am really proud of them – they learn systematically and with pleasure.

But there is so many young people, that do not want to work with seniors. What can you say to them?

Lessons with older people are really pleasing. You deal with adults, so you can use other methods that with children – who have no life experience.

But the most beautiful thing is that teaching them has brought joy to both of us: them and me. My pupils are such fantastic people, very likeable and hungry for knowledge. Friendships, that they have made during lessons, are really long-lasting.

You are not only English teacher in our Association, but you also took part in an youth exchange last year. What kind of experience was that?

During my Exchange in Romania, I have got so many positive emotions! It is very difficult to find all of those emotions in the “normal” life. Youth exchanges make you more open-minded, help you improve your English level and you get friends from many countries – and learn a lot abort their cultures!

I remember one story from Turkey. One of the participants told us about how some women drive there: when they see something interesting in a shop window, they just stop a car in the middle of road, blocking whole traffic. I was surprised and amused. It is funny how different we are. I can say to all: if you have an opportunity to go for an youth exchange, don’t miss the chance!

According to what you say, every meeting with people is just another opportunity to learn: teaching seniors as well as youth exchange…