The Celce-Murcia article was a nice, easy read and a good introduction to the 9 different 20th century teaching approaches. It was useful the way the described the difference between approach, method, and technique as well. Before, I thought there were words that could be used interchangeably. As far as the nine different approaches go, I found some to be unrealistic and couldn't imagine using them myself in the classroom. Others I found to be more useful and effective. I will probably be using multiple approaches for my students because, after all, they do not all learn the same, right?
The Kuma article was very dense and harder to read. Yet, it was still interesting to see how different methods and approaches have developed and changed over time. It's kind of like science and medicine; people are always researching it and discovering something new and supposedly "more effective." I've noticed a trend in teaching these days, people are continually unsatisfied with the different methods and approaches out there and continually look to find something better. Is the grass really always green on the other side though?
As I was reading, I mentally noted that some of these very methods had been used while I was studying Spanish. We had days in class where we could only speak Spanish, used pictures to define vocabulary, analyzed texts and so forth. Was my teacher really following a specific method? I don't really think so. I'm not really sure why.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ch 1 & 2 Methodology in Language Teaching
The best way I could interpret these two chapters into my own words and thoughts is simple: teaching philosophies.
The chapters addressed approaches, methods, techniques, applications, and so forth. As the book says, there is no correct way to teaching, no one method, and that it's a continually changing process. We have to learn about our students first in order to fully develop our ever changing teaching philosophy. Teachers are supposed to be flexible and teaching is in a sense like playdough -- it can be molded so many different ways and still ends up a unique shape. I think it is important that teachers understand that each student is different from the next, that their learning styles vary, and that nothing is ever set in stone and is subject to change.
It's simple -- our teaching philosophies may contain specific principles that we have learned about teaching, but we need to be flexible and open to change.
The chapters addressed approaches, methods, techniques, applications, and so forth. As the book says, there is no correct way to teaching, no one method, and that it's a continually changing process. We have to learn about our students first in order to fully develop our ever changing teaching philosophy. Teachers are supposed to be flexible and teaching is in a sense like playdough -- it can be molded so many different ways and still ends up a unique shape. I think it is important that teachers understand that each student is different from the next, that their learning styles vary, and that nothing is ever set in stone and is subject to change.
It's simple -- our teaching philosophies may contain specific principles that we have learned about teaching, but we need to be flexible and open to change.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
ENG 394 Made in America - Week 1
First, I'd like to begin by saying that I extremely enjoy this book already. The format and way the information is presented in a storylike form is ideal to me.
The first 2 chapters briefly dove into how the "newcomers" feel in the American culture and what the assimilation process entails to them. One of the major issues addressed was clothing -- it is difficult enough being an American student myself trying to dress "properly" and "to fit in." I could not even imagine the shock and difficulty the immigrant students faced coming to the U.S. The only correlation I can make is from my experience abroad, studying in Spain. I felt as though I had to dress nicer because my American clothes were not fashionable or nice enough. In terms of identity, I was tired of being recognized as an outsider, as an American. Many Spain natives had unpleasant thoughts towards my country. I worked hard to develop my speaking skills and adopt the habits of the natives. It was a relief to be able to speak English, but I hated the assumptions that the espanoles made towards all American girls.
I think it would be interesting to put all Americans through a study abroad program so that they could see what their immigrant peers are going through. How would they feel about having to "take off the turban." Giving up your heritage to be accepted by others is not an easy process. As a matter of fact, it should not have to be done. I like how the author introduced the notion of "staying who you are but trying to become American at the same time." In all honesty, is that possible? It is our job as future educators to try to make each and every individual feel comfortable with who they are and where they come from as well learn about their second way of life, the American culture.
The first 2 chapters briefly dove into how the "newcomers" feel in the American culture and what the assimilation process entails to them. One of the major issues addressed was clothing -- it is difficult enough being an American student myself trying to dress "properly" and "to fit in." I could not even imagine the shock and difficulty the immigrant students faced coming to the U.S. The only correlation I can make is from my experience abroad, studying in Spain. I felt as though I had to dress nicer because my American clothes were not fashionable or nice enough. In terms of identity, I was tired of being recognized as an outsider, as an American. Many Spain natives had unpleasant thoughts towards my country. I worked hard to develop my speaking skills and adopt the habits of the natives. It was a relief to be able to speak English, but I hated the assumptions that the espanoles made towards all American girls.
I think it would be interesting to put all Americans through a study abroad program so that they could see what their immigrant peers are going through. How would they feel about having to "take off the turban." Giving up your heritage to be accepted by others is not an easy process. As a matter of fact, it should not have to be done. I like how the author introduced the notion of "staying who you are but trying to become American at the same time." In all honesty, is that possible? It is our job as future educators to try to make each and every individual feel comfortable with who they are and where they come from as well learn about their second way of life, the American culture.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Our country -- the Salad Bowl.
I found both of the articles to be easy yet informative reads. Our country really is one big salad bowl, as the Diaz-Rico & Weed article describes. The article was filled with a lot of facts and numbers about the different populations here in America. I don't really know what to make of it, except to say, "I really had no idea we were that diverse." I knew that America has always been viewed as a melting pot, but really? Are we? Yeah, one could argue that we have meshed together, but after reading that history and Caucasians have dominated other cultures, especially minorities, I don't think much "melting" is going on there.
The most interesting portion of the Who Speaks English? article was the chart that displayed all of the different Englishes spoken around the world. It makes me, as an American, feel as though I have been living in my bubble for my whole life. I had NO idea there were that many varieties. I assumed there was American English, Australian English, and British English. No, not assumed, thought. I thought there were only those 3. So, with that assumption, does that mean that these 3 countries see themselves as better than other ENL countries that are not as well known? Does that make the English speaking population of the UK, Australian, and Britain better than ESL speakers that are perfectly competent? It makes you think..
The most interesting portion of the Who Speaks English? article was the chart that displayed all of the different Englishes spoken around the world. It makes me, as an American, feel as though I have been living in my bubble for my whole life. I had NO idea there were that many varieties. I assumed there was American English, Australian English, and British English. No, not assumed, thought. I thought there were only those 3. So, with that assumption, does that mean that these 3 countries see themselves as better than other ENL countries that are not as well known? Does that make the English speaking population of the UK, Australian, and Britain better than ESL speakers that are perfectly competent? It makes you think..
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