A unique approach to teaching at Collège Nordique

An interview with Natalia Perez Pedraza, Collège Nordique teacher

Arriving at Collège Nordique through the Mobility Destination Canada Forum’s online event, Natalia Perez Pedraza quickly identified what made teaching at Collège Nordique unique.

"Here at Collège Nordique, a Northern stance is really embedded in the educational design and in all aspects of teaching. This creates a truly special and personalized learning dynamic, which is essential for the development of learners' communication skills," explains Natalia.

This vision highlights how the cultural and geographical context of the College enhances the educational experience, offering the students unique perspectives in their language learning journey.  

A learner-centred teaching philosophy 

Natalia's teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the communicative approach, focusing on the individual needs and abilities of learners.

"I firmly believe that language teaching should be tailored to the needs of each individual learner. The communicative approach allows me to recognize these needs and develop their skills in speaking, writing and more. At the CNF, I've had to adapt my teaching style to a wide variety of profiles, which has been an enriching experience," she shares.

This adaptability and attention to the needs of the students underlines Natalia's commitment to teaching that truly promotes language learning and development. 

Expected impact and advice for learners

Natalia aspires to leave a lasting mark on her student community, both professionally and personally.

"My aim is for languages not just to be learned, but to be lived. I hope my students will be able to use French and Spanish as assets in their professional and personal lives, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences", expresses Natalia.  

For those wishing to start learning a language, Natalia offers invaluable advice:

"Commit yourself fully to your learning and work on your autonomy. Take advantage of every real-life situation to practice the language, and don't hesitate to explore digital resources. Learning a language is a journey that requires curiosity and perseverance", she says. 

A rich professional career 

Natalia's career path is marked by a diversity of experiences that testify to her versatility and commitment to language teaching. From her first position as a Spanish teaching assistant in a high school in France, to her role as a teacher with the National Ministry of Education in Colombia, to various academic positions in higher education, Natalia has constantly sought to enrich her teaching practice and share her passion for languages.