Tiana Chan

I'm a new teacher, crazy enough to do my masters in my 1st year...and during this pandemic! But I wouldn't have it any other way, I love the challenge.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU because I did my BA and BEd here. Easy transition to Masters.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

I'm learning how to teach French to people who do not identify French as their first language; and learning about the diversity and equity intersections involved.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I'm enjoying that it's online (not because of COVID, but literally, it's an online program.) There are people from all around the world in my class, and it's interesting to learn from others.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I've earned a few, but very tiny ones. They've helped me, even though they're little, just because I'm paying for my schooling by myself (no student loans allowed for my program) and because my salary is low since I'm a new teacher. Everything counts.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

My program is online. Experienced teachers teach about how to teach, it's metacognition about our pedagogy. It's also about diversity and equity in teaching a second language within a minority community.