Secondary final reflection
- 1. 1 InstitutodeFormaciónDocenteContinua LenguasVivas Bariloche(A-052) Profesorado deInglés–Opciónpedagógicaadistancia. Materia:TallerdePrácticaDocente Tutora:Aurelia Velázquez Estudiante:CelesteCortés Tema:ReflexiónFinalNivelSecundario IdevelopedmySecondaryPracticumPeriodatapublicschoolcalledJ.M.Sobral whichislocated in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. There were 20 teens in this group. Neither of them attend to a private institute. That´s why I´m proud of how hard they worked during this period.
- 2. 2 Thinking back: What was the original aim of this project/experience? The original aims of this practicum were: - Continue working on the topics proposed by the local observer: Read a short story called HalloweenHorrorandkeeponrevisingthe Simple PresentTense presentedinthe Unit6 of the book used in class (Sign Up!). -Provide learners the possibility to learn a second language differently. That´s presenting the language communicatively by using authentic material and resources such as videos, songs, stories, flashcards, power points, games, etc. Were the objectives, activities and the use of resources coherent with a pedagogical perspective? I thinkthattheaims, theactivities andtheuse ofresources were appropriatedregardingthatthis groupof learners haveonly 120´per week. As a consequence, I believe it was valuableto present studentsavariety ofexercises reinforced withvisualsupportandbody languagewiththepurpose to help them understand and produce the language. Was it significant for learners? Why/ why not?
- 3. 3 I think so! Studentswere openly sensitivetothe lessonsproposed. Mostofthemgoteasy involvedwith the exercises and resources presented. Inaddition, I couldobservedthatmany of thelearners really appreciated my way of teachingand the resources used to motivate them. I was able to perceive a sense of achievement in their attitude towards learning and that was amazing. What specific skills/ knowledge/attributes were necessary to develop this teaching experience? As adolescence is a complicated period, I think that one of the most significant aspects to considerwasto stablishawarm atmosphere inorderto convene them. Ithinkithelpme to set the mood of the class. To my fortune, these adolescents were fabulous! They were very respectful and accepted the ideas proposed and my way of teaching. Furthermore, I think it was crucial to know about the agreements of the language area since they were useful to plan my classes. In addition, I believe that it was necessary to present the language regarding meaningful and authentic resources in order to focus on the different learning styles, likes and needs. As these students have a really basic level of English it was meaningful for them to use the appropriate lexicon supporting it with visual aids, videos,flashcards, games, bodylanguage as strategies to help them understand the language. Other strategies that aided learners work successfullywiththe languagewere:askingstudentstomake predictions,brainstormideas,use their background knowledge or letting them use their phones to search for information. Besides, it was important to be aware of different classroom management strategies withthe purpose to help learners benefit from the lessons. Moreover, it was important to know about methodologies and approaches that best suit for learners at this stage. To sum up, as I mentioned in my other reflections I´m convinced that teaching is a matter of passion.It´s a key ingredientthatall educationsshouldcarry on because learnersrealize when you teach with your heart. What did I learn from this experience? This experience taught me two important things. On the one hand, I learnt that students can give their best if educators are empathic and accompany them to achieve the goals. On the other hand, I definitely learnt about the kind of person I want to be and the kind of educatorI want to become.I considerwe shouldneverforget tobe humble andopen- minded to learn from every single situation, no matter whether it is a pleasant or a disgusting one.
- 4. 4 Thinking forward: If I had the chance to develop this experience/project again, what chances would I make? If I had the chance to developthisexperience again,Ithink I wouldchange nothing!I´m proud of the nice groupof humanbeings Ihad the possibilitytomeet. They couldhave beenreluctant to accept me and my way of teaching.However, Ilovedhow they facedeverychallenge.Iwas glad to see how motivated they worked most of the time. How might this experience/project influence my future goals? Actually, this experience taught me that there is always a way to teach a language, no matter howbasic students´levelis. We onlyneedtobe resourceful,creativeandattentivetolearners´ needs, interests and likes. How might this experience/project affect my pedagogical experience? I think this experience might help me visualize the kind of educator I pretend to become. Thinking inward: Why was this experience/project meaningful to me? In think this project was significant for me because: - Firstof all,itwasa real challenge todevelopmylessonscompletelyinEnglish inagroup of teenswithverylow-level.However,itwasapleasuretoobservehow hardtheywork to achieve the goals.(Yesterday,before leavingItoldthemIwasproudof theirpositive attitude towardslearning.)Ibelieve thatthe approaches,materialsandresourcesused and the rapport stablished were meaningful to help them believe in themselves. - Besides, I think that stablishing a warm atmosphere in the classroom is one of the key conceptseducatorsneedtoconsiderinordertomotivatestudents tolearn. Fortunately, I was able to prove this once more.
- 5. 5 - In addition, it was an intense period since it was the last stage of my practicum term. This periodmeantthat was nearer to get the goal.But, most importantly,once more I wasable toprove myself thatI´ve chosenthe rightcarrier.Isimplylovebeinginsidethe classroomsince I not onlyhelplearners toimprove theirknowledge,buttheyalsogive me the possibility to learn about different thigs. - Last, but not least, this experience was important for me to reaffirm my ideas about teaching. What are my personal believes regarding this experience? Without a shadow of a doubt, this experience helped me reflect about how pleasurable our teaching results can be if we are convinced that our students can do things even better than theydid before.Ithinkthat educatorsshouldalwaystrust on our learners´capacitiesalthough it´s a great challenge! Am I satisfied with the way I develop this practice? Why/why not? Honestly, the results of this period were even better that I thought. Not many times before,I had the possibility to meet a group of adolescent students who were willing to improve their knowledge.Ican´texplainyouwithwords,the extraordinaryfeelingIhadwhenIlookedattheir happy faces because they were able to develop the tasks properly. This,indicated me that my job was well focus, too. What differences had this experience made in my intellectual, personal or ethical development? This experience aided me think about the power of our words and acts. How did I feel during this experience? Actually, I´m pleased with the possibility I had to work with this group. Although they were talkative, learners worked really enthusiastically and hard. I loved their critical way to discuss about the topics we were dealing with. However, I can´t deny that the local observer´s attitude was unpleasant for me. I think she wasn´t able toseparate the motherand the teacher(Her sonwas one of my students) andthat brought some complications when I called his attention. Anyway,I´ll keepinmyheartthe worthythingsthatmake me grow,asmytutoralwayssuggests me. Thinking outward: What is my view regarding this topic, problem or situation? Are there any alternative viewpoints? I strongly believe that being a teacher is a matter of passion that not every person is able to carry on.
- 6. 6 However,Ithink educatorshaveintheirhandsthe powertohelplearners become criticalabout different lives situations. That´s whyI thinkthat theyhave the responsibilitytoneverstoplearning andtrynew thingsin spite of the results. Thanks my dear teacher for your support and guidance during this period. Thanks for your useful pieces of advice that helped me grow as a person and as an educator, too. Thanks for your patience and your kindness!