After an English Teachers meeting, ETA Michelle Nguyen’s co-teachers tasked Michelle with taking the lead on encouraging the students at SMKN 2 Salatiga to speak English. For the most part, students find more ease in the written and listening parts of learning English. However, speaking the language does not come as easily. Michelle has managed to spend many hours in various local coffee shops brainstorming ways to incorporate more classroom activities that encourage English speaking. After many activities that fell a little flat, the telephone was a hit and pushed the students to practice speaking English in a low-risk and welcoming environment. Michelle felt like she had finally climbed over some obstacles to reach a sweet place with lesson planning and teaching. In addition to this figurative mountain, Michelle also spent a Saturday climbing a local mountain, Mt. Andong! In addition to more successful speaking activities, Michelle hopes to get to know Salatiga more through bonding with others while exploring the depths of nature present in the city.

Michelle Nguyen is currently teaching at SMKN 2 Salatiga, Central Java.