Evert Gonzalez
Evert Gonzalez | |
|---|---|
 Colombian writer | |
| Born | April 22, 1985 Cundinamarca, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Education | Universidad El Bosque |
| Occupation(s) | Teacher, Writer |
| Notable work | A Wish, a Thousand Tears, The Reversal of Death, Footprints Beyond the Firmament, Homeless and Just Wacky Speak in Phrases Job Talk |
| Parent | Graciela Rodríguez |
| Website | www |
| Signature | |
 | |
Evert Gonzalez (born Vergara Cundinamarca, April 22, 1985) is a Colombian English language teacher and a writer. He is the author of several e-books including A Wish, a Thousand Tears,[1] published on July 20, 2020. Gonzalez is a renowned English teacher and author known for his innovative approach to education and his recently released book series exploring unconventional and humorous themes. His latest work, titled Wacky Books, delves into 12 topics, including everyday life, medicine, and, offering readers a fresh perspective on everyday situations with a touch of humor and insight.
Gonzalez's dedication to teaching earned him the prestigious award for Best English Teacher at Canadian College Bogotá, where he is celebrated for his engaging and dynamic Teaching method. Through his writing and teaching, Gonzalez continues to inspire students and readers alike with his creativity and passion for language.
Biography
[edit]Gonzalez has ventured into the world of foreign languages, implementing a method established in Germany and France during the 21st century. The direct method (Metodo directo) in Spanish language aims to develop communicative skills in the second language in Colombia in accordance with parameters set by the Ministry of National Education (Colombia) and basic competency standards.[2]
Career
[edit]After graduating from Fidel Leon Triana college, he enrolled in El Bosque Univeristy in Bogotá, where he pursued higher education in bilingual education. He began publishing educational articles and eventually devoted himself to writing alongside teaching.
He worked as an educator in Bogotá, in various private institutions, and also engaged in private teaching. In 2020, González published his first novel, A Wish, a Thousand Tears. He has combined his teaching career with literature and collaborated with students on educational projects related to English.
The methodology he has promoted over the years for teaching languages emphasizes establishing a direct and immediate visual association between experience and speaking , between words, idioms, and their physical therapy or bodily representation, without relying on the students' mother tongue. This method, categorized among natural methods, is one of the most widespread. However, it presents a challenge[3] for teachers[4] in these disciplines, partly because it is a goal of the National Bilingualism Program and also because Colombia faces challenges in mastering this language.
Works
[edit]In his career as a writer and author, González has developed stories based on The Real Story of Stone Soup, blending elements of the Non-fiction genre, as in his work The Reversal of Death,[5] which explores the experiences of people confined by a virus in different ways, referencing COVID-19. The Social Circle,[6] delves into human monotony and the environments they inhabit, sharing the title with one of his books. His work Footprints Beyond the Firmament reflects on humanity's existence on Earth and the aftermath of its extinction. In Homeless and Just, González examines the notion of legacy and human actions, with the novel featured in the National Contest Journal,[7] held in Medellín, Colombia, and organized by the chamber of commerce in collaboration with Penguin Random House Colombia. Gonzalez is a Colombian educator and author recognized for his innovative contributions to language education in Colombia, particularly in addressing the challenges of teaching English as a second language. Drawing from his extensive experience as an educator, González has observed the widespread lack of interest and significant deficits in English language proficiency among Colombian learners. These challenges have been highlighted by studies, including reports from the Colombian Ministry of Education, which indicate that the country ranks among the lowest in English proficiency globally.
In response to this issue, González developed the concept of "Wacky Books", a series of engaging and interactive resources designed to make learning English more accessible and enjoyable for students. His books are built around short, relatable stories featuring conversations between two characters, emphasizing commonly used expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs in English. Each story is accompanied by comprehension questions to reinforce learning and encourage critical thinking.
What sets González's work apart is his focus on repetition and contextual usage of English expressions, helping learners internalize new vocabulary and phrases more effectively. His ebooks and paperback editions have become valuable tools for educators and students alike, promoting faster and easier acquisition of English skills. González's approach has been praised for its practicality and its alignment with the real-life needs of Colombian students.
Through his innovative methods and dedication to improving English education, González continues to inspire learners and educators across Colombia, bridging the gap in language proficiency and fostering a love for learning English.
References
[edit]- ^ "Evert González". Autores Editores. 2021-11-05. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
- ^ Redacción, El Tiempo (2007-01-25). "English class standards ready for schools and colleges". El Tiempo. Bogotá. Retrieved 2020-06-16.
- ^ Consuegra, José (2020-07-02). "The teacher's vital role in remote education". El Espectador. Bogotá. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
- ^ Mantilla, Ignacio (2016-05-20). "Where do university professors come from?". El Espectador. Bogotá. Retrieved 2020-05-16.
- ^ [1] escritores.org. A writers' website. Accessed July 20, 2019.
- ^ Latin American Social Circle
- ^ Ediciones, especiales (2021-11-27). "The literary contest with the most history in the country". El Espectador. Bogotá. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
"Teach English in Colombia". International TEFL Academy. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
"Some Contemporary Colombian Writers". University of Iowa Libraries. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
González, Andrea (2017). "On the Professional Development of English Teachers in Colombia". HOW Journal. 24 (1): 101–120. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
Usma, Jorge (2015). "Colombian English Teachers' Use of Textbooks and Resources: A Study in Public Schools in Medellín". Profile Issues in Teachers' Professional Development. 17 (2): 25–41. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
"Teach English as a Language Assistant in Colombia". British Council. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
"The Direct Method of Language Teaching". Teaching English. British Council. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
"How To Teach English In Colombia: Beginner's Guide 2024". TEFL Hero. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
External links
[edit]- Evert González Rodríguez. Available at: Colombian Writers. Accessed July 20, 2020.
- Colombian Writers: [2]. Accessed April 16, 2021.
- Published Works: [3] Available in some digital bookstores. Accessed August 25, 2021.
Teaching English in Colombia
[edit]- International TEFL Academy - Teach English in Colombia
- British Council - Teach English as a Language Assistant in Colombia
Colombian Writers
[edit]- University of Iowa Libraries - Some Contemporary Colombian Writers
- Colombian Literature - An Overview by Colombia Reports
Teaching Methodologies and English Education in Colombia
[edit]- HOW Journal - Professional Development of English Teachers in Colombia
- British Council - The Direct Method of Language Teaching