Dilek Inan

Dear Monica,

I studied English lit for BA,MA and PhD, but I work in the ELT department. I believe that literature and language teaching have a lot in common as well as diversities. ELT is another discipline that I feel a need to improve myself. And this need is the first reason of why I am at 'Shaping'. Now I have a better approach to my classes, I am happier, more motivated and more confident than before.I am very happy to be a part of 'Shaping'. It is great to be with you and the other colleagues. Firstly, I must tell you that I learn a lot through the reading materials, video-watching and discussions. Coming from a literature background, I learn new tips in ELT like Edward Bono's 'Six hats' and practise and share them immediately with my students and colleagues The tips I learn at 'Shaping' really improve the way I teach. Secondly, the content of the Shaping programme is excellent and satisfactory. I have my favourite topics like 'Critical thinking' week. But everyday I learn some new things from the colleagues at 'shaping' and I am a person who loves learning. 'Shaping' has almost become a daily habit for me, everyday I feel a need to sign in 'shaping' and read new comments by colleagues, or check if I have received any replies for my comments.Thirdly, I like the idea of Project Works a lot. I think Project work gives me an opportunity to act as an inspector in order to find out the weak points in my teaching that need improving. It is so much fun and challenging at the same time. Having a partner to review my Project is very helpful. You need to establish close relationships with at least one member of the group. I find the Project work as an eye-opener, as an opportunity to develop good habits towards improving, changing, shaping the way I teach not for only the duration of this course but life-long. I learn from 'shaping' that I may always have some projects about the aspects of my teaching that needs to be changed and improved.Finally I would like to thank to you and to colleagues at 'shaping' for their constructive comments and for sharing experiences. It is wonderful to be able to exchange ideas with colleagues coming from the 4 corners of Turkey. Now they all have a friend in Balikesir. 'Shaping' really shapes the way I teach.

Dilek from Balikesir University