An Interview with Anna Sikorzynska

Q: How did you first get into EFL?
A: When I did my MA in English Philology (linguistics) I decided I wanted to go into teaching. So I started teaching English as a foreign language in a state secondary school. I taught 15-19 year olds and absolutely loved this job.

Q: Tell us about your career in EFL since then?
A: After a few years of teaching at school, I took up a job at the English Teacher Training College at Warsaw University, where I still work. I've been teaching English grammar and EFL methodology to future teachers of English. At the same time I keep teaching the language as well to students at different levels.

Q: What is the key to a successful upper secondary coursebook?
A: There are many things but perhaps the most important thing is that it has to be interesting for the students - have interesting topics and photos and offer stimulating exercises. It should also look 'young' - there should be things happening on each page, not just boring lines of text.

Q: What are you most proud of in this book?
A: I could say I'm quite proud of the fact that the book treats students as mature individuals who like to be intellectually challenged. It asks students to reflect on many things: the world, relationships between people, science, nature but also the language itself and how it is learned and used.

Q: What do you think is the secret to successful teaching?
A: You have to enjoy what you're doing. If students see you like your job and treat it seriously, they'll learn. And if you use your sense of humour sometimes, they may even have fun.

Q: What was the last film you saw and what was it like?
A:'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. I think it a very powerful film, which affects you in various ways, perhaps more through your subconsciousness than conscious intellectual reflection. And its beautiful, I just loved the music.

Q: How do you unwind?
A: I go swimming, or cook. Inventing and trying out new recipes is quite relaxing.

Q: What is your all-time top tip for upper secondary teachers?
A: Keep in touch with your students, be interested in them, their problems, passions and opinions.