Learning more about the theory behind learning a second language in this course has immensely helped me understand the process of the matter. When reading various content of second language acquisition from Gass, Selinker, and Ortega and watching YouTube videos, it gives me a better understanding on the process of learning a second language and how I can help my future English language learners. This course’s organization and productivity compared to last semester’s second language methodology changed drastically. It was definitely more manageable and clear, which I appreciated. The weekly announcements and taking away the quizzes also helped a lot. If I had to change one thing, it would be the grading. There were times where I had points taken off for something that was not even stated on the rubric. Also, some of the feedback was off topic and about the people I interviewed, which was out of my control and not my fault, so I feel like sticking to the course material and the matter of the assignment would be more beneficial to me as a student. Other than that, I thought that this semester was so much better!
As far as the blog, I do think it is beneficial, especially for an online course. It inspires me to have my future students make a blog as well, of course scaffolded down for them. Especially since you can see videos of your online classmates, I feel like I know them and it does build a sense of community, which I think is really important. I learned a lot from my other peers and my favorite part was seeing how they connected the theory of second language acquisition to their blog entries. It was interesting to see everyone’s perspective, implications, and applications. Talking with others back and forth in the comment section allowed me to think more critically as well. Since the professor enforced us to cite a book or video in our comments, it really kept our conversations content-based, which I think was an important rule to stay on the right track of our learning in this class.
This class has already helped me in my student teaching experience with an English language learner I have, and I cannot wait to apply what I have learned to my future English language learners. Using a blog to build a sense of community connects with my teaching philosophy which focuses on the relationships built with my students. I want to use this strategy in my classroom and hopefully it will impact my children like it has impacted me. Learning what works with English language learners regarding how to help them acquire English is something I really needed as a future teacher. Without this course, I would not be as qualified, and it has motivated me to become certified in ESL as well. I strongly believe in setting my students up for success, and not failure. Communicating clearly and fairly is crucial and this class helped me understand the importance of this.
Shelly,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blogs and replies to me throughout the semester. You have had some great insight on the material presented in this class. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. This class like herself has opened me up to a lot of new things. I beginning I would like to be a part of the Masters Bilingual
Program once I complete this degree. I was already filling out applications for my Masters for early enrollment once we graduate in May 2018 so this would be ideal for me. My plan is to open my own school and have my staff, myself included ESL certified. I loved how you talked about the blog because I appreciate it as well; being able to learn from my classmates I think is important. Also, it motivates me to learn and do better. According to Ortega 2011, “people learn more, faster, and better when they have a goal, or intention and are committed to learning”, and I personally think that’s so true. Thanks again for a great post!
Thanks for your comment Jolie! I loved your connection to Ortega because it relates to purposeful and meaningful learning. This course definitely find the meaning of why knowing the ins and outs of second language acquisition is so important. It has inspired me to get ESL certified. I wish you the best as well!
DeleteHi Shelly,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your thoughts when it comes to the beneficial aspects of the blog. When taking an online course, a lot of the times it is just homework, quizzes, tests, PowerPoints, and recordings. I really liked that this class required you to read other classmates’ reflections/blogs, and watch their interview recordings with English language learners and bilingual instructors. I thought that it really helped create a sense of community, even though we weren’t meeting face-to-face. The blogs helped me learn from my classmates, and helped me to see it from all angles. Ortega states that humans have a desire to feel we belong, and “because of the need for relatedness, certain external values, beliefs and behaviours may be gradually adopted and internalized, thus allowing individuals to function more successfully” (Ortega, 2013, pg. 176). I enjoyed keeping in contact with you via blog entries and comments throughout the semester, and I am excited for you to apply what you have learned in your future classroom! Good luck to you!
Hi Shelly!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your reflection of this course! I also think the content in this class will help when teaching ELL students because now I have a better understanding about the different aspects that affect success. My favorite thing was watching my classmate’s interviews as well as the YouTube videos that were provided throughout. It was difficult for me to navigate the three textbooks so I appreciated having several other resources to understand the content. I like that you place the relationship with your students as a priority because it will help them become motivated students. I think the most important part of teaching ELL students will be providing them with the environment that will support their language development while receiving comprehensible input and being highly motivated. With those things you can help your students succeed in learning a new language.
Thanks for your input!
Hey Shelly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your reflection and your thoughts about this class. I really liked how you said that you would want your own students to have their own blogs. I think this would be really beneficial and help students engage in the class as well. Rowland (2014) mentioned how the students’ community is a factor that affects the success of students. I think this blog creates a community that can help and encourage students in any subject or content. I was just wondering; how would you use the blog aspect when it comes to younger students? Overall, great writing!
Shelly,
ReplyDeleteReading everyone's reflection has stated the great idea of having a blog in his or her classroom, which is something I did not think of at first. However, I think that it is a really great idea. I worry that most of my student do not have access to a computer/phone but could try to find some way to add it into the classroom time. I also worry about having a discussion that is relevant to math, which is what I’ll be teaching. And advice you can give on how to start?
Shelly ,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the blog built a sense of community which we should definitely try to build with our own student. As future educators providing a welcoming classroom environment would be beneficial to our Ell students to support their growth. According to Ortega, the environment where students learn affects the learning process (Ortega, 2011). Because beginning ELLs may not initially understand verbal cues, I think having predictable structures and classroom patterns just like this course did will orient them to classroom expectations.