Reflection of Cailean and Melissa Duggan

Reflections on my time in Macau

Today is my last day in Macau, and there are many things I would like to say! 

From the first moment I arrived in Macau, Melissa (Mrs. Duggan) and I began to experience the warm hospitality that Macau and the CDSJ has to offer.  The people from the CDSJ have been very kind to both us, and have helped us with everything we have needed to live and enjoy our time in your city.  You are all very wonderful people – thank you.

Macau itself is a very special place, and we have enjoyed learning about the unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese history and culture.  We encourage all of you to be proud of your city, and to help share it with the world!

Schools in Macau, like the CDSJ, are different from the schools in Canada.  In Canada, there are usually “school zones”.  The school zone in Canada often includes a parking lot for cars, special laws for cars to drive slowly, and a large field for sports and play-time.  Here in Macau, schools seem to blend in with the rest of the shops and buildings. Mrs. Duggan and I found this very interesting!

Teaching at the CDSJ has been very interesting as well.  There are many things that I liked.  I was given a lot of freedom to create my own lessons, and use my own ideas!  This is the first time I have ever had so much freedom, and I am very thankful for it.  However, at times it would have been very helpful to have more direction.  To improve on the quality of my teaching, a clearer set of expectations for my teaching could have been helpful (example: intended learning goals for the students).

I will now share my general teaching philosophy that guided my teaching strategies in Macau.  To improve motivation and students learning, my plan here was to ask my students what they wanted to learn, and then create lesson based on their answers.  This seemed to be a new idea for the students, and it took some time for them to understand the correct way to behave when given more control over their learning.  I believe, though, that if a teacher continues to build strong, positive relationships with students, a teacher can learn about the different strategies, concepts, and topics that work best for each student’s learning needs.  Most importantly, with a sustained commitment to this approach I believe that a stronger sense of mutual respect can start to grow between a teacher and student.   Personally, I believe that showing respect for oneself and others is a very important part of success and happiness in life.

At times it was difficult to put some of my ideas into practice.  Part of this was because I do not speak Cantonese.  However, with patience, and trying different methods (different words, using pictures, etc…) I believe we often achieved success together.  Another obstacle was the lack of space.  Some of my lesson required students to be out of their seats and moving around the classroom.  However, with so many students in a limited amount of space, these lessons were not as successful as they could have been.  Fortunately, the CDSJ is busy building a new campus, and that will definitely help create some needed space!

Nevertheless, I always did my best, and I know my students were able to learn some English and have some fun while doing it!  Certainly, there were some difficult classes, but I had a great time teaching at the CDSJ and I learned a lot about myself as a teacher, and a person.  The students have demonstrated very good oral English skills, and I am confident that with effort they will continue to improve.

Mrs. Duggan and I are sad to leave this very special place, and we will miss all of you very much!  If you ever come for a visit to Canada, please let us know, and we will be happy to see you!

Sincerely,

Mr. Cailean Duggan