Podcast
Today we delve into a rich discussion about language learning, education, and personal growth with our dear friend, and Founder's Voyage team member, Carlos Javier Chacon Sanchez. Carlos, an English teacher from Venezuela, shares his journey and insights on the significance of learning English, particularly for the youth in his country. Here we will break down the key themes and actionable advice from the discussion, providing valuable guidance for our readers.
Early Beginnings and Parental Influence
Carlos' journey with English began at the tender age of six, driven by his mother's recognition of the importance of language skills. Despite not being fluent herself, she encouraged Carlos to learn English, laying the foundation for his future in English education. This early push highlights the critical role parents play in shaping their children's educational paths.
Actionable Advice:
- Encourage Early Learning: Parents should introduce their children to new languages early on, even if they are not fluent themselves. This can be done through language learning apps, bilingual books, or enrolling them in language classes.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a home environment where learning is valued and mistakes are seen as part of the learning process.
Teaching English to Teenagers
Carlos teaches English to teenagers aged 9 to 16, aiming to inspire them by sharing his own language-learning journey. He likens his teaching to planting seeds that will grow into opportunities for his students, emphasizing the importance of English as a tool for personal and professional growth.
Actionable Advice:
- Relate to Students' Interests: Connect language learning to students' personal interests, such as understanding video games or music lyrics, to make the process more engaging.
- Set Clear Goals: Help students set clear, achievable goals for their language learning journey, whether it's for academic purposes, travel, or career opportunities.
Challenges and Rewards of Dual Roles
Carlos manages a family farm alongside his teaching duties. The farm, which started as a hobby, became a family business during the pandemic. This dual role reflects the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple responsibilities.
Actionable Advice:
- Time Management: Develop a structured schedule to balance different roles effectively. Prioritize tasks and allocate specific time slots for each responsibility.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting from a hobby to a business, and embrace the challenges that come with it.
Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic was a pivotal moment for Carlos and his family, driving them to make their farm profitable. This shift altered his perspective on life, leading him to appreciate the small details and cherish everyday moments.
Actionable Advice:
- Resilience: Cultivate resilience by focusing on what can be controlled and adapting to new realities. Use challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and gratitude to appreciate the present moment and find joy in everyday experiences.
Broader Implications of Learning English in Latin America
Carlos acknowledges that while many students in Latin America receive English education from a young age, fluency remains elusive for many. He expresses a desire to see more Latin Americans become proficient in English, as it opens doors to global communication and opportunities.
Actionable Advice:
- Practical Application: Encourage the practical application of language skills through conversation clubs, language exchange programs, and immersive experiences. It is important to practice the skills you want to grow, without which, it is unlikely that you will continue to improve those skills.
- Access to Resources: Provide access to quality language learning resources, such as online courses, tutoring, and educational materials.
Personal Goals and Motivation
Having a personal goal can significantly enhance motivation and fluency in language learning. Carlos's own journey was driven by the desire to connect with others and access information. Without this drive, we would never have had the opportunity to befriend Carlos, or have him on.
Actionable Advice:
- Identify Personal Motivations: Help learners identify their personal motivations for learning a new language, whether it's for travel, career advancement, or personal enrichment.
- Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate small milestones and achievements along the language learning journey to maintain motivation and build confidence.
The Role of Mistakes in Education
Carlos encourages an environment where mistakes are not only accepted but seen as valuable learning opportunities. He believes that creating a safe space for students to express themselves without fear of judgment is crucial for effective learning.
Actionable Advice:
- Normalize Mistakes: Making mistakes as part of the learning process, and creating an environment where that is understood enables those learning to engage with the learning opportunity presented. Encourage students to view mistakes as avenues for growth and improvement.
- Foster Collaboration: Foster a collaborative culture where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and learning from each other.
Building Trust and Respect
Maintaining trust and respect among team members is crucial for effective collaboration, whether in a classroom or on a farm. Carlos emphasizes the importance of these elements in both his teaching and farming roles.
Actionable Advice:
- Open Communication: Promote open communication and active listening to build trust and respect within teams.
- Lead by Example: Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect in all interactions. Through this, your team, students, or employees will copy your example and pass down the culture you are creating.
Conclusion
Carlos Javier Chacon Sanchez's journey as an English teacher and farm manager offers valuable insights into the importance of language learning, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the impact of the pandemic on personal growth. His experiences highlight the transformative potential of education and the power of resilience, adaptability, and human connection.
By embracing these lessons and applying the actionable advice provided, readers can navigate their own journeys of language learning and personal growth with confidence and purpose. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or learner, the insights from this discussion of "Founders Voyage" serve as a powerful reminder of the value of education and the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
For more inspiring stories and valuable insights, be sure to tune-in and join our community of lifelong learners and growth enthusiasts.
Carlos - LinkedIn
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