Bonnie Tsai

Bonnie Tsai  would call herself – very modestly –  a teacher and teacher trainer, but the scope of her activities in Humanistic LanguageTeaching went well beyond these roles. She was a trainer who understood learning as a rich and personal process, unique to every individual. She was a firm believer in the practical application of multiple intelligences in education so that people can become better learners. She worked with students of all ages with learning difficulties, poor motivation or low self-esteem, and used art, drama and storytelling as tools to engage learners’ multiple senses. This holistic, whole-brain approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of humanistic psychology, her own innate creativity and passion for art, were the characteristic features of her teaching style. Her courses were full of colour, music and fun, and touched on what was personal and universal at the same time. Her own background – she was an American who settled in France and learned the language there – accounted for the natural ease with which she could relate to learners from very different cultures and make them feel nurtured and respected.

In 2018 and 2019, Pilgrims, where she worked as a trainer (1986-2014), offered the  Bonnie Tsai Scholarship, as a tribute to her genuine love of learning, personal creativity, generosity in sharing ideas and charismatic, inspirational personality.

On a Personal Note…..

Bonnie Tsai was like …. a colourful butterfly, a fairy with a magic wand who would make every encounter memorable and special. Her clothes and jewellery were unique, and had a touch of the Orient to them. She was a passionate cook and loved caring for people. Her laughter and generosity were legendary... . This is how her friends and colleagues remember her.

In memoriam…. Friends and colleagues of Bonnie remember her in Humanising Language Teaching. Year 16, Issue 6, December 2014.

(In memoriam Bonnie Tsai)