Core values of cell.

 
       Here is a brief summary of the core values of the cell: 

1. Self-reliant (in terms of educational philosophy)—“In”.  You run the cell yourself.  You are accountable to no educational “system” or infrastructure, but you draw from any sources you wish.  You operate alone. 
2. Multiplying—“Out”.  Your aim is to reproduce yourself, by training up two students according to their (reasonable) needs and interests. 
3. “Teacher” and “apprentice” system.  You are to train up two students, rather like an artisan would train up an apprentice.  This is a serious undertaking.  It is to be hoped that someone will recruit you and be your teacher, but this is not guaranteed. 
4. Realistic goals.  You have your own life, job, and family responsibilities; you cannot do or be everything.  Therefore, have two students, one teacher, and one “equal” language partner (2 “down”, 1 “up”, and 1 “across”).  Don’t overdo it!
5. Learning—“Up” (1 person).  If you are recruited by someone else, they need to be better than you in terms of their English ability.  You become their “English apprentice”.  Tell them what your hopes are, but remember this: their duty to you is to help you to become fully functional in common, everyday English, to become bilingual in terms of your daily life.  “Getting to America” is your problem, not theirs! 
6. Teaching—“Down” (2 persons).  When you are ready, find, recruit, and train up two students.  They should not know each other, or know about each other.  In the process of helping these two people, it is hoped that you will gain satisfaction, as well as benefit your own English.  You will also be helping the cause of “authentic English” in China by your actions.  If you are already a teacher by profession, then this is a way to further develop your skills, and to pass on the flame that was given to you many years earlier by someone else.
7. Phases (stages).  The teaching operation of the cell can have the following phases: screening—recruiting—instruction—practicum A — training to propagate— practicum B—consulting.  More on this later.
8. Using English equally—“Across” (1 person).  We have, so far, not said very much about this person.  You choose this person like you choose your two students—very carefully.  There is no need to hurry; let life’s circumstances bring you together.  If you are confident this is the person you wish to have as your “equal in authentic English”, then proceed.  You must screen them to see if they are suitable and trustworthy.  Then, you can recruit them.  Then, work as a team.  Make sure you both know what it is you want to do, and how you will do it.  At the very least, have a broad, general plan of action; ideally, you should plan out your objectives carefully.  Remember this: this relationship is all about the English-language revolution!  If it becomes a friendship, well and good, but dedication to the cause of learning, speaking, living and developing “English as a way of life and as an end in itself” must, will, and should transcend social and personal considerations. I hope that you and your language partner will learn a lot of English together.  If it is a friendship you are looking for, that’s understandable—but please look elsewhere.  One final thing: do not advertise for your language partner!  If you do this, many good and bad, suitable and unsuitable people will come to you, and you will be in trouble.  You are, as it were, on the plains of Africa hunting for dinner—one bullet, one shot, one target, one chance.  Under these conditions, you must choose carefully, but you have the luxury of choosing as and when you wish.  So, be careful and enjoy what—or who—you get in this matter.