Today let’s learn about Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi language coach, Derek Maeckelburg.

Interview by Edward Iwaskow

Edward Iwaskow (EI): Hi Derek. Thanks for joining me today.

Derek Maeckelburg (DM): Hi Edward

EI: OK, let’s go. First question. Where were you born?

DM: I was born in Quebec, Canada.

EI: Where did you go to school?

DM: I went to school at Bishop’s University in Canada.

EI: That’s a good school.

EI: What did you study in university?

DM: I studied geography.

EI: What languages do you speak?

DM: I can speak English, French, some Japanese and a little German.

EI: Amazing. What do you do on your days off?

DM: On my days off I often go to Costco, do some shopping. Do some reading. Eat some nice breakfast.

EI: What kind of books do you like to read?

DM: I like to read books on business.

EI: You also play guitar?

DM: Yes, I play classical guitar.

EI: Who is your favourite guitar player?

DM: Julian Bream.

EI: OK, now let’s get serious about English.

EI: What do you enjoy most about teaching English?

DM: What I like most about teaching English is seeing my students improve.

EI: What advice do you have for someone starting to study a new language?

DM: I think they should take it step-by-step. Not expect to learn the entire English language in a very very short time. So they should just take it step-by-step and not rush things. Learn little by little. Improve little by little. Just keep going. Not think short-term and kind of think long-term.

EI: Great advice. Your school is in Tsukaguchi. What are the good points about your Smith’s school?

DM: At my Smith’s school I encourage my students to speak as much as possible in class. I try to encourage student-lead lessons, which means the students lead the lesson. I’m there, I listen, of course I do some teaching. I teach them some things but I get the students to ask each other questions and answer questions as much as possible. [I try to] not speak too much. Student speaking time is high and the teacher talking time is low. That’s what I always strive for.

EI: Nice. OK, now let’s get a little silly. What is the best music to relax to?

DM: I think the best music to relax to is classical music.

EI: Anything in particular?

DM: Yeah, maybe like Mozart. Mozart is always happy music. It’s always happy, so it’s nice for relaxing. It’s nice background music. It’s always lively and happy.

EI: What is the best sandwich?

DM: I think the best sandwich, without a doubt is a peanut butter and jam sandwich. I absolutely love peanut butter. I eat it, like, every day. Actually I had peanut butter and jam sandwiches for lunch today. Without a doubt peanut butter and jam.

EI: You are truly Canadian!

EI: Describe a perfect Sunday morning.

DM: A perfect Sunday morning would be not getting up too early. Sleeping as long as I want. When I wake up, I get up, take a shower. And then I make some pancakes, nice drip coffee. Then I have my pancakes and coffee and I eat slowly and drink my coffee slowly and after that I relax. That’s a perfect Sunday morning.

EI: Describe yourself in 2 words.

DM: I would say, in two words, that I’m honest. I’m honest. And… ambitious.

EI: Thank you for your time Derek.

DM: You’re welcome. And thank you for having me.

EI: See ya.

DM: See ya.