"When learning is fun, teaching becomes pleasant!"
Ziyaad Rajabalee (July 2015)
ziyaadspage.weebly.com is an English as a Second Language website with a number of activities and self-tests for adult ESL students. I am also planning to slowly add information on three more languages: Arabic, French and Mauritian Creole. ESL teachers also welcome to use these activities in the classrooms to supplement their lessons. The activities have been created using different websites and apps to make it more fun and interactive for the students.
About myself and how the website came about:
My full name is Muhammad Ziyaad Rajabalee but I go by the name of 'Ziyaad'. I came to Canada as an international student. I graduated with a BSc Biotechnology from Brock University in 2006 and worked as an Analytical Chemist in the pharmaceutical industry at Apotex Pharmachem Inc. in Brantford, ON. In 2010, I decided to try a new career teaching ESL and I obtained a TESL diploma. When I started teaching in class, I realized it was my calling. The more experience I gained, the more I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my students. I was set on a mission to make language learning fun and to keep my students engaged in class. Since that time, I've been making all kinds of activities for my students using a variety of tools from the whiteboard and marker to the SMART board and online apps. I'm not yet 100% paperless but I think that it would be good to help save the trees by reducing the amount of worksheets in class.
I worked at King Saud University in Riyadh as an ESL instructor from 2010 - 2016. I taught both general English As A Second Language and English for Specific Purposes to the medical students. At King Saud University, most of the students are Saudis but there are also many international students from all over the world. The students come to KSU Preparatory Year to study English before moving on to their specific faculties. A few of them are advanced speakers while others have almost no English.
During my stay in Saudi Arabia, I was able to attend the part-time evening Arabic Language program at Imam Muhammad University and received a Certificate in 2013 after successfully reaching level 6 of 8 in the program. I am also fluent in French and Mauritian Creole. In March 2015, I decided to share my experience with the world and started this website. My aim is use my knowledge and experience of languages and sciences to help students learn English mainly and but also the other languages I am able to communicate in. Moreover, I am currently writing a language book for English speakers who want to learn Mauritian Creole and it will be available soon.
In the summer of 2016, I moved back to Canada and started teaching ESL and Language and Communication at Canadore College. I also worked with North Bay Multicultural Centre between August 2017 and March 2023 teaching ESL on Skype, and taught online classes with Lakehead University. Work has never been so fun! Nay, it's not even work when it's so fun!
Last but not least, I once again invite all language learners and teachers to use the material on this website for teaching, as long as the author is fully credited and no plagiarism takes place. Although it's just the beginning, I hope you enjoy the website and benefit from the material and activities I added. I believe that there is always room for improvement and I look forward to your feedback. You can reach me by leaving a message on the contact page.
Thank you
About myself and how the website came about:
My full name is Muhammad Ziyaad Rajabalee but I go by the name of 'Ziyaad'. I came to Canada as an international student. I graduated with a BSc Biotechnology from Brock University in 2006 and worked as an Analytical Chemist in the pharmaceutical industry at Apotex Pharmachem Inc. in Brantford, ON. In 2010, I decided to try a new career teaching ESL and I obtained a TESL diploma. When I started teaching in class, I realized it was my calling. The more experience I gained, the more I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my students. I was set on a mission to make language learning fun and to keep my students engaged in class. Since that time, I've been making all kinds of activities for my students using a variety of tools from the whiteboard and marker to the SMART board and online apps. I'm not yet 100% paperless but I think that it would be good to help save the trees by reducing the amount of worksheets in class.
I worked at King Saud University in Riyadh as an ESL instructor from 2010 - 2016. I taught both general English As A Second Language and English for Specific Purposes to the medical students. At King Saud University, most of the students are Saudis but there are also many international students from all over the world. The students come to KSU Preparatory Year to study English before moving on to their specific faculties. A few of them are advanced speakers while others have almost no English.
During my stay in Saudi Arabia, I was able to attend the part-time evening Arabic Language program at Imam Muhammad University and received a Certificate in 2013 after successfully reaching level 6 of 8 in the program. I am also fluent in French and Mauritian Creole. In March 2015, I decided to share my experience with the world and started this website. My aim is use my knowledge and experience of languages and sciences to help students learn English mainly and but also the other languages I am able to communicate in. Moreover, I am currently writing a language book for English speakers who want to learn Mauritian Creole and it will be available soon.
In the summer of 2016, I moved back to Canada and started teaching ESL and Language and Communication at Canadore College. I also worked with North Bay Multicultural Centre between August 2017 and March 2023 teaching ESL on Skype, and taught online classes with Lakehead University. Work has never been so fun! Nay, it's not even work when it's so fun!
Last but not least, I once again invite all language learners and teachers to use the material on this website for teaching, as long as the author is fully credited and no plagiarism takes place. Although it's just the beginning, I hope you enjoy the website and benefit from the material and activities I added. I believe that there is always room for improvement and I look forward to your feedback. You can reach me by leaving a message on the contact page.
Thank you
Philosophy of teaching:
As a language instructor, I always walk into my class cognizant that between my students and their future studies is language skills acquisition. There are presently many methods for language acquisition, but in my opinion, students should not just learn the language through mere instructions. Rather, they should acquire it in a fun and natural way, following a similar pattern to that of the native speakers' language acquisition. For this reason, the first thing I do is to initiate a conversation about some aspects of their everyday life. This simple activity shows me how much of the acquired language they can produce. It also makes them more confident and motivated learners. This was in essence Stephen Krashen’s message, when he delivered a lecture at King Saud University Preparatory Year for the ESL instructors in 2014.
A teacher is a model for his students - that is my unwavering belief at least. He inspires and motivates them. As a result, we have students who are more engaged and ready to develop their language skills. In the classroom I can accomplish this through my behavior. Whenever they are doing an activity, I walk around and talk to the students as a group or individually to make sure they have grasped the concept taught, and help them to overcome their fear of making mistakes when practicing the language. Rather than lecturing students, I am a facilitator. Can you imagine the amount of soft skills that students would also pick up along the way!
Setting clear goals for my students is a very important part of my teaching plan. Whether I am teaching General English or English for specific purposes, I make sure that my students will be able to strive to reach those set goals. At the beginning of the semester I list the goals in my course outline. I then briefly remind them every time we start a new unit. For example, at KSU PY, I set the goal for my Medical students to be able to discuss medical issues using the medical terms they have learnt. Once the relevant vocabulary and speaking skills are covered, I plan class debates on themes they have previously studied so that they can practice the language (i.e by Criterion-Referenced Testing). Likewise, I can teach the other three skills to achieve my goals.
Since I started teaching, I am constantly trying to improve my methods to adapt to the various learning styles of my students. As my students love technology, I adapted my lessons to accommodate for quizzes and activities using apps. Additionally, I am always trying to learn about the best teaching methodology so that my students can have a good language foundation.
RESUME
EDUCATION
Nipissing University, North Bay January 2023 - Current
Language and culture courses
TESL Diploma Certified August 2010
SOL Schools (formerly: International House), Toronto, ON
BSc Biotechnology Graduated June 2006
Brock University, St Catharines, ON
CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Teaching IELTS Preparation Certificate February 2017
Canadian College of Educators (CCE), Mississauga, ON
TESL CANADA January 2016
Professional Standard One Permanent Certification
Current member in good standing
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
College Communications Professor Sept 2016 – Current
Canadore College, North Bay, ON
Online ESL Instructor Aug 2017 – Mar 2023
North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, North Bay, ON
Online English Language Instructor Aug 2021 – Dec 2021
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
College ESL/EAP Professor Sept 2016 – Sept 2020
Canadore College, North Bay, ON
Language Lab Technologist Sept 2016 – April 2020
Canadore College, North Bay, ON
English Language (ESL/EAP/ ESP) Instructor Sept 2010 - Jul 2016
King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
§ Taught English for General Purposes (ESL), EAP and ESP (Medical)
§ Developed and adapted lesson plans to reflect students’ learning needs
§ Engaged and motivated students through a variety of fun activities using tech. tools
§ Prepared, proctored and graded quizzes, tests, midterms and exams
§ Monitored students’ progress through the official university LMS
§ Evaluated and recommended ESL text books for Curriculum Unit
Scientific Customer Service, Specialty Gases January 2010 - July 2010
Linde Canada, Mississauga, ON
§ Discussed and documented customer requirements (from universities, hospitals etc.)
§ Educated customers about different gas mixtures, and grades they need (e.g. for research)
§ Supplied clients with MSDS and Certificate of Analysis and performed audits at customer sites
§ Prepared quotes for potential customers for gas mixtures (e.g. to calibrate instruments)
§ Responded to inquiries about scientific aspect of gases via LotusNote, fax, email and telephone
Analytical Chemist, QC Department July 2008- September 2009
Apotex Pharmachem Inc., Brantford, ON
§ Followed Standard Operating Procedures for transferring and testing samples in the lab
§ Performed tests to certify active ingredients, intermediates, impurities and raw material standards
§ Prepared solutions required for testing of samples
§ Tested standards by HPLC, IR, UV, manual titrations, Karl Fischer and Loss on Drying
§ Manipulated various instruments and software for running the tests and processed results
§ Documented results and prepared reports used for issuing Certificates of Analysis
§ Classified samples with the correct Harmonization Systems code for international shipments
Conversational French Instructor (Temporary Part Time) 2008
École de langues de l’Estrie, St Catharines, ON
§ Educated students on the use of various phrases in French
§ Encouraged dialogues in French and corrected mistakes
§ Concept checked the students in French to ensure understanding of the language
§ Prepared syllabus according to the students’ need so as to promote interest in the subject
Hewlett Packard Printers Technical Support February 2006– February 2008
SITEL, St Catharines, ON
LANGUAGES
REFERENCES
Available upon request
Nipissing University, North Bay January 2023 - Current
Language and culture courses
TESL Diploma Certified August 2010
SOL Schools (formerly: International House), Toronto, ON
BSc Biotechnology Graduated June 2006
Brock University, St Catharines, ON
CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Teaching IELTS Preparation Certificate February 2017
Canadian College of Educators (CCE), Mississauga, ON
TESL CANADA January 2016
Professional Standard One Permanent Certification
Current member in good standing
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
College Communications Professor Sept 2016 – Current
Canadore College, North Bay, ON
- Teach language & communication / technical writing courses to first year students from various programs
- Help students understand variables in the process of communication
- Guide students to use correct language through projects in academic writing while adhering to the principles of academic integrity
- updating curricular approach in accordance to student and program needs
Online ESL Instructor Aug 2017 – Mar 2023
North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, North Bay, ON
- Facilitate online sessions via Skype for immigrants from various backgrounds
- Instruct all language skills according to students’ CLB levels
- Engage participants with interactive lessons relevant to their situations
- Monitor progress through the LMS “Transparent Language”
- Establish good rapport with clients to resolve language and schedule issues
- Connect students to resources available to them online and at the Centre
Online English Language Instructor Aug 2021 – Dec 2021
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
- Hold online Zoom sessions for graduate international students
- Keep track of attendance on ilearn/ D2L for every session
- Inspire and motivate students in their learning journey using relevant teaching methods
- Monitor learners' language acquisition through in-class practice, homework and assessments
- Provide clear formative feedback on student work
- Maintain good connection with students to resolve any issues pertaining to the course
- Connect students to resources available to them online and at the Centre
College ESL/EAP Professor Sept 2016 – Sept 2020
Canadore College, North Bay, ON
- Teach ESL and EAP students the four language skills and grammar
- Create and implement lesson plans based on Course Learning Outcomes
- Manage course information on ilearn and inform class of lesson objectives
- Engage students using Ed tech tools such as Kahoot! And Socrative
- Plan activities for all learning styles to improve language proficiency
- Prepare and grade quizzes, tests using ilearn and other software
- Provide feedback to students on their assignments and projects
- Accompany students on experiential trips and practice language informally
- Participate in Professional Development sessions to improve and refine various skills
Language Lab Technologist Sept 2016 – April 2020
Canadore College, North Bay, ON
- Facilitate language labs for students to ensure proper language acquisition
- Help students set up online accounts necessary for language learning
- Encourage students to express themselves in English
- Guide and encourage students to research learning material
- Monitor and evaluate student progress using Ed tech tools and apps
English Language (ESL/EAP/ ESP) Instructor Sept 2010 - Jul 2016
King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
§ Taught English for General Purposes (ESL), EAP and ESP (Medical)
§ Developed and adapted lesson plans to reflect students’ learning needs
§ Engaged and motivated students through a variety of fun activities using tech. tools
§ Prepared, proctored and graded quizzes, tests, midterms and exams
§ Monitored students’ progress through the official university LMS
§ Evaluated and recommended ESL text books for Curriculum Unit
Scientific Customer Service, Specialty Gases January 2010 - July 2010
Linde Canada, Mississauga, ON
§ Discussed and documented customer requirements (from universities, hospitals etc.)
§ Educated customers about different gas mixtures, and grades they need (e.g. for research)
§ Supplied clients with MSDS and Certificate of Analysis and performed audits at customer sites
§ Prepared quotes for potential customers for gas mixtures (e.g. to calibrate instruments)
§ Responded to inquiries about scientific aspect of gases via LotusNote, fax, email and telephone
Analytical Chemist, QC Department July 2008- September 2009
Apotex Pharmachem Inc., Brantford, ON
§ Followed Standard Operating Procedures for transferring and testing samples in the lab
§ Performed tests to certify active ingredients, intermediates, impurities and raw material standards
§ Prepared solutions required for testing of samples
§ Tested standards by HPLC, IR, UV, manual titrations, Karl Fischer and Loss on Drying
§ Manipulated various instruments and software for running the tests and processed results
§ Documented results and prepared reports used for issuing Certificates of Analysis
§ Classified samples with the correct Harmonization Systems code for international shipments
Conversational French Instructor (Temporary Part Time) 2008
École de langues de l’Estrie, St Catharines, ON
§ Educated students on the use of various phrases in French
§ Encouraged dialogues in French and corrected mistakes
§ Concept checked the students in French to ensure understanding of the language
§ Prepared syllabus according to the students’ need so as to promote interest in the subject
Hewlett Packard Printers Technical Support February 2006– February 2008
SITEL, St Catharines, ON
- Solved technical issues and provided information about HP Printers in general
- Diagnosed software and hardware issues and walked the customers through fixing the problems
- Isolated problems and dispatched technicians with printer parts if issue was not resolved
- Used the Work Flow Management software to enter and retrieve all information
LANGUAGES
- Fluent in English, French and Mauritian Creole
- Intermediate level (6/8) in Arabic (Certificate from Al-Imam University, Riyadh)
- Basic level in Spanish through self study on Duolingo
- Basic level in Urdu
REFERENCES
Available upon request