Q1: Could you tell us what brought you to Taiwan to be a teacher?

 　A: Because I have always wanted to teach ever since I was in kindergarten. I've always liked traveling so here I am, living on the other side of the world, and teaching at this fine university.

 　Q2: What do you like most about living in Taiwan? And what can you still not get accustomed to?

 　A: Some of the things that have held me here and continue to do so, are the kind, caring, generous people; the fact that here at Tajen, I’m encouraged to pursue different avenues of teaching to the benefit of the students; the respect everyone has for the family unit; my early morning mountain swims; and the fact that I’m living on an island, something I’ve always dreamed of doing.

 　A: What I will never get accustomed to?

 　1)The fireworks displays which are a needless, senseless, and a waste of money. They only create noise and pollution.

 　2) Beetle nut chewing and spitting. It’s ugly, stinky, polluting, unhealthy; just nothing good to say about it!

 　3) Scooters: Far too many; they are noisy; polluting; and driven mostly by reckless, careless drivers.

 　Q3: How are Taiwanese students different from students in Canada in terms of motivation and learning habits?

 　A: I wouldn’t say that there is much difference. In Canada most students are in class to learn and there are those who aren’t. In Taiwan it's the same. Most of my students are motivated and eager to learn, but there are a few who can’t or won’t participate. On average, I would say that TW students are more industrious that N. American students.

 　Q4: Taiwanese students are usually shy. How do you encourage them and engage them in activities?

 　A: I’m rather empathetic, meaning I can easily put myself in their shoes. I’m here in Taiwan, trying to understand this difficult language; so I know how difficult it is for them to understand and learn English. Of great help, is the professional management and staff at Tajen. They allow us to work with the students in ways that are beneficial to us all. My primary objective is to build up their self-esteem by praising even the smallest achievement. I don’t correct small errors and try to correct only after they’ve finished speaking. Once they realize that what they are saying is acceptable then they get brave enough to continue. Little by little they improve. I insist that they listen to me as well as to their classmates when they’re presenting.

 　Q5: Is there a student or class at Tajen University that is unforgettable to you?

 　A: All of my students are unforgettable, as they all leave me with good memories, maybe some more than others. When interviewed I’ll elaborate on a few of them. I’ve had great success helping them “think outside the box”.

 　Q6: Do you have any suggestions for students to improve their oral expression in English?

 　A: Sure: Do crossword puzzles or similar things to increase their vocabulary; Read their textbooks and listen to the accompanying CDs; Practice their presentations orally; Seek out opportunities to use their English; Once a week, have lunch with some classmates and speak only English; Spend some time with native speakers of English such as myself.

 　Q7: Aside from learning English in a formal setting, are there any other ways for students to learn English and have fun at the same time?

 　A: Listen to English radio and TV; Read English books such as Harry Potter; Learn and sing English songs; Watch movies in English with English subtitles; Travel to English speaking countries if they can. Remember the purpose of any language is to communicate. When both parties are willing, then communication happens. We don’t have to be expert speakers of the language. We simply have to try to understand what each of us is trying to say. We need to keep an open mind. I can’t speak Chinese, but I communicate very well with my Taiwanese friends, who don’t speak English. That’s what makes me a good teacher, and I’ll explain this further in the radio interview.