教育学个人陈述七.

　　申请专业：教育学

　　An English language student scheduled to graduate from a quality university in China’, I would like to pursue graduate studies at a reputable American university so that I Can build up a career as a teacher training cross-cultural communicators in China.

　　On the strength of my scores, the best in my high school, in the National University Entrance Examinations, I gained acceptance in 1995 into the Hunan Normal University, which, in its early days, produced no less a figure than Mao Tsetung, founder of the People’s Republic of China. Here, I received strict training not only in English but also in teaching English education. Hardworking and devoted, I easily outshone other students with my academic record, which landed me among the top 10% in my class.

　　As a top student, I got the chance in 1996 to participate in a Practical English Program administered by the American English Language Institute/China and the Chinese Education Association for International Exchange at the Hunan Institute of Education. The chance was rarely available to a second-year undergraduate like me then. In this vigorous program, I greatly improved my command of the English language in terms of both speaking and listening.

　　Giving substance to the university’s emphasis on practical skills, I have gained a lot of hands-on experience. Since early in 1997, I have been serving as a valued teacher on a part-time basis at Yingda, the biggest English language school in Hunan Province. I am currently teaching English in a three-month internship program at the No. 15 Middle School in Changsha, capital of Hunan. In this innovative internship program, I also help students cope with their problems in daily lives, thereby gaining a more intimate understanding of the student’s mental and emotional development.

　　In the two schools, I have applied the teaching methods I learned at the university but also strengthened my dedication to the profession of teaching. What makes teaching so enjoyable to me is that it is a learning experience. I enjoy it the most when my students ask difficult questions, particularly questions that I have to think long and hard to answer. I also enjoy posing questions to students, but my questions are never intended to intimidate the students or even test their knowledge but rather designed to stimulate their minds. In the constant exchange of questions and answers, students and teachers improve themselves alike, to the credit of the old Chinese saying: To teach is to learn. In my three years of teaching, I really have learned a great deal.

　　One of the things I have learned is the ability to not only deal with but also strike an accord with people of different backgrounds. My students at Yingda and No. 15 Middle School come from a variety of backgrounds. While I serve as their mentor and role model, I have always taken the care to deal with them as their equal. By so doing, I have won their trust and confidence, which has helped to make my teaching powerful and fective.

　　While China’s education is oriented overwhelmingly towards helping students pass exams, I would like to train real talents who could communicate fectively with people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. With China’s rorms and opening to he outside world, its international cultural exchanges are multiplying. It is imperative that Chinese people learn and master foreign languages, especially the English language. Whether China can succeed in its modernization drive hinges to a large extent on the ability of its people to communicate with other countries in business, cultural and other matters.

　　As a top student of English at normal university, I consider it my mission to help meet China’s needs for cross-cultural talents. I have therore decided to devote myself to the cause of TESOL, which is to me not only an educational theory, but also the application of sociological and psychological expertise. An expert of TESOL is not only an educator but also a sociologist and psychologist. Broadly grounded in English Education, I think I will be particularly qualified for advanced studies in TESOL.

　　I have learned that Prof. XXX and Prof. YYY specialize in research and studies in my the field of TESOL, and they are the principal reason why I am now making this application for acceptance and financial aid. I believe that their seasoned guidance in your well-balanced program will help me achieve m goal.