I have lived and worked in South Korea since 1996, but my Korean is terrible! I've studied many languages (Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Danish, Portuguese, Polish, Chinese and Korean), but am proficient in none. :( I love learning, hence my CELTA, three undergraduate degrees (Philosophy, Economics, Computer Technology) and my two masters (MBA & MSED in IST). I love learning - 2011 I studied ball room dance, drawing, and am always trying out new technology for my classes. I teach English as another language, primarily to Koreans at university level (Gwangju University), but also some Chinese students here in Korea. I have traveled to about 30 countries.
I have lived overseas for 16 years (my anniversary is this February), and feel like I'm a foreigner when I visit the US! Culturally I consider myself to be in a 'third' space - American culture, Korean or Asian culture, and Maria culture! I love anthropology and sociology and regularly read about different cultures through these lenses (God bless Google Reader!)
Methods for teaching: I'm eclectic. For lower level language learners, I prefer a mix of behaviorism (memorization is important at the first levels!) and cognitivism (dealing with cognitive dissonance from cultural disconnects & motivational barriers). For higher levels I practice constructivism in the form of project-based and inquiry-based learning opportunities. My interests are strongly constructivistic.
What else about me? Everyone always identifies themselves through their relationships. Not I! I am single, never married and no kids. And no apologies or shame!
