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Language Teaching Philosophy
I have a passion for languages.
During my college career, I studied 4 years of French and 2 years of Japanese. After 10
years living in Miami, a predominantly Spanish speaking city, I picked up enough Spanish
to become conversant. Now living in Taiwan, I hope to combine formal studies with life
experiences to become functional in Chinese.
One universal truth: When learning a new language, if you don't use what you have
learned, you will quickly forget it. I am somewhat guilty of this myself. Because I didn't
keep up with my French and Japanese since I graduated from college, I've lost my fluency
My teaching philosophy is to give students many opportunities to hear, speak, read and
write English. I find topics relevant to students' interests and help them to connect the
language to the concepts. By making it as applicable to to students' experiences as
possible, they will better remember the relevant language. | |
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General Background
- Craig Gene Dodge
- Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
- Lived in Miami, FL for 10 years and San Francisco, CA for 7.
- Traveled to 21 different countries on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica.
- Current home: Xindian City, Taipei County (soon to be Xinbei City), Taiwan.
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Education
BA of International Studies (with Honor) from Michigan State University.
Course work included studies in language acquisition, French and Japanese. Additional studies in international relations, economics and finance. Inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society.
The highlights of my university career were two very rewarding overseas studies programs. I attended a 3-month summer language program in Tours, France at the Institute d'Etudes Francaises de Touraine in 1981. Two years later, I participated in a 1-year work-study program in Otsu, Japan sponsored by Lansing Community College as part of the Sister State program between Michigan and Shiga Prefecture. | |
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Professional Experience
I have over 20 years experience in the travel industry; 12 years in corporate travel management and 8 years for a major US airline as a passenger service manager and ultimately area sales manager.
While in the travel industry, I facilitated professional development training groups for travel agents and taught at a travel school for those seeking to get into the business.
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English Teaching Experience
I have been teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in Taiwan since 2005 in a variety of settings. I have taught elementary school kids in cram schools, teenagers in a private junior and senior high and business English to adults.
Currently I am working for Lado Management Consultants, coaching managers from a wide variety of industries to improve their business English communication skills.
Please go to My Portfolio for details of my English teaching experience. | |
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Hobbies and interests
I hold 2 personal fitness training certifications: NSCA-CPT (National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Personal Trainer) and ACE (American Council on Exercise). I specialize in training older adults and individuals with special health challenges such as diabetes, heart disease and HIV. I lift weights regularly and do yoga every once in a while.
I've also enjoyed playing competitive volleyball since my junior high school days when I played on the boys' team. In Miami, I played beach doubles as often as possible. While living in San Francisco, I frequently competed in volleyball club tournaments up and down the West Coast. In Taiwan, I still enjoy recreational volleyball whenever possible.
Most recently, I've taken up bicycling through the mountains surrounding the Taipei area. The countryside is beautiful and the rides are challenging.
Watching movies and reading novels is how I relax and unwind. I also enjoy walking my dog WeiWei through the several parks around my home.
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About me
