TEACHER CASE STUDIES

Listen & Learn: As one of our highly experienced teachers, Rabab, could you tell our readers a little about your teaching history?
Rabab: I graduated with a Master's degree in Arabic Language and Literature and I've taught Arabic to native speakers for 23 years in my mother country of Lebanon. I started to teaching Modern Standard Arabic, as well as the Levantine dialect, to non-native learners in 2018; initially, face-to-face in Ottawa, and then online, after the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. I enjoy helping my students to overcome their challenges and to meet their goals

Listen & Learn: So, was it your desire to teach non-natives that led you to teaching with Listen & Learn?
Rabab: Yes, bring able to share my experience and skills with international learners attracted me to the company. But that is not my favorite thing about teaching with Listen & Learn.

Listen & Learn: Oh, and what is that, then?
Rabab: My favorite thing about working with Listen & Learn is the quick response when I ask for any help or support. I started teaching with the company just two months before the coronavirus pandemic. Listen & Learn has been amazing in keeping teachers and students on track. The team made sure that we did not have to delay any classes when we switched from face-to-face class to online. More than that, Listen & Learn offered me all the support I could ask for to make working online easier! They provided me with many digital teaching resources, and even arranged for an expert to give me specialist tips!

Listen & Learn: I’m so pleased our staff have been able to support you so well! And what about your students? Is there anything you hope for in each new MSA student you teach
Rabab: I really appreciate curiosity in my students. It is rewarding to have a student who works hard and wants to know more about the target language and the culture.

Listen & Learn: And what do you offer in return for their curiosity?
Rabab: My students should expect to progress well in their course, as I offer a high level of care and support throughout.

Listen & Learn: Finally, the Arab culture must be new to so many of your students. What is an interesting or helpful tip you like to give?
Rabab: In some Arab cultures, it is shameful to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, or to have children outside of marriage. So, to help avoid issues or embarrassment, I teach my students in unmarried relationships to avoid introducing to their partners to Arabs as their boyfriend or girlfriend, but rather as their fiancé or husband/wife.