Willkommen am TGL! – Getting to know Mr. Blaise

Herr Blaise verstärkt seit den Sommerferien das Kollegium am TGL. Vorher konnte er an den verschiedensten Orten der Welt Erfahrungen iim Zusammenhang mit Fremdsprachen und Fremdsprachenunterricht sammeln. Passend dazu stellt er sich der Schulgemeinschaft auf Englisch vor und berichtet anschließend ebenfalls auf Englisch über seinen Werdegang und seinen Blick auf die Schülerinnen und Schüler.

Learn more about Mr. Blaise and his experience in teaching foreign languages in the following interview:

Why did you choose Trave-Gymnasium as a school?

I didn’t choose Trave-Gymnasium; I was placed here by the Ministry of Education of Schleswig-Holstein. However, I’m very happy to be here because I have great colleagues and wonderful students. I am very pleased with all my pupils in my classes; they are all motivated and interested.

What inspired you to become an English and French teacher?

While studying European Studies, I focused on German and English. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do – maybe translation or interpretation. By chance, I landed an internship at a German Hauptschule in Tübingen, where I taught my first classes. I really enjoyed it and felt it was something I was good at, which led me to pursue a career in education.

How long have you been teaching?

Technically, I’ve been a teacher for about 15 years, though I’m not entirely sure. In between, I did various things, including a lot of traveling. Initially, I taught French as a foreign language and later moved to Scotland to work as a teacher. I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) there and received a permanent position. However, I wanted to seek new adventures, so I traveled to Asia, where I worked in a small country called Brunei Darussalam. I spent a year at the Agnost Française and then worked as a lecturer in French at Université Brunei Darussalam for two years. After three years in Asia, I spent a year in Tel Aviv, working for the French Embassy, promoting what we call „la francophonie.“ Afterwards, I returned to Germany, where I taught German as a foreign language to adults, primarily refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. Since 2020, I’ve been in Lübeck, working to align my qualifications with the German education system. This year, 2024, I’m excited to start my so-called “Anpassungslehrgang” so I can work as a teacher in a permanent position.

What was your favorite subject as a student?

As a student, I was always fond of history.

Which subject do you prefer, English or French?

I’m not allowed to choose between them; both are great! I see myself as a language teacher, not just as a French or English teacher. Honestly, I don’t mind if students choose Spanish, Korean, or Japanese. What matters is learning languages because, in foreign language classes, students not only learn to speak or understand another language but also gain insights into different cultures. That’s what I love most about my subject: foreign languages are a key that opens doors to the world.

Can you share a successful teaching strategy you have used in the past?

I can’t pinpoint one specific strategy, but I believe it’s essential to get to know my students – understanding their interests and what they aspire to in life. It’s fascinating to see how focused some of my students are about their future, having clear ideas about what they want to study. I was always uncertain about my own path, so learning about their interests helps me tailor my classes. When students see that I’m interested in them, they become more interested in me, creating a win-win situation for everyone.

How do you handle students who are struggling with learning a new language?

That’s a challenging question. Every case is different. Sometimes, it can be as simple as reorganizing the seating arrangement if there’s a disruptive group dynamic. Other times, students may struggle for more complex reasons, such as family issues. It’s essential to be interested in my students on a human level, not just academically.

What do you believe is the most effective way for students to improve their English or French language skills outside of the classroom?

I think regular practice is key. Just like with music or sports, it’s better to engage a little every day rather than cramming all at once. I encourage my students to dedicate just five or ten minutes a day to language practice. Nowadays, with the internet, it’s easy to watch videos or read. For instance, I often use comic books; social media platforms like Instagram have comic strips in foreign languages that can make learning enjoyable. The worst thing to do is to treat language learning as just a subject scheduled for specific times during the week.

Thank you very much!