Learn, Explore, Communicate
Teaching is not limited to imparting knowledge but should also seek to change perspectives, to guide and mentor.
Philosophy of Teaching
Good teaching cannot be measured by testing, nor can it be quantified. The goal in my pedagogy is to help students think critically and question. I challenge them beyond what they think they will be able to accomplish, but within what my experience tells me they can achieve through effort. The result, when it works, is that students feel a sense of accomplishment and choose to challenge themselves either by continuing to study Spanish, or by exploring a new field. If they grow, if they overcome their fears, if they seek to continue to learn at least in part because of what I have taught, then I am successful even if they do not advance to higher-level courses in my field.
Learning a language requires a long-term commitment to acquiring vocabulary, refining communication skills, improving the application of grammatical structures, and regularly reading and writing at progressively more challenging levels. A course in another language is an important step in a lifelong process that will not only improve students' language ability, but will also enrich their personal and professional lives. If students are invested and excited about learning, they will make connections and be inspired to apply what they learn in the language classroom to other classes and outside the academy. Participation in research projects, Service Learning, study abroad, club activities, and other hands-on applications of language make learning more exciting and immediate. These activities help students see their own progress and understand the importance of the things they are learning. Daily classes have to involve interaction. Students must practice the four basic skills in each class. For this reason, my students (at every level) talk, write on the board, play games, have debates, perform skits, and create collaborative compositions. Students learn by applying concepts to concrete situations. Lectures are rare and always interactive, and the responsibility of learning is placed on the student. Grammar points and cultural or literary readings are studied outside the classroom so that class time can be dedicated to discussion and practice. Technology can frequently enhance learning by extending class time beyond the classroom. When students have access to voice boards, grammar practice, blogs, videos, or video chats in which they can apply what they've learned, not only do they begin to develop a greater sense of comfort with the language, but they also learn to navigate the various cultures. They develop more respect and understanding of the diversity of the Spanish speaking world when they are able to connect with people in other countries through the use of technology. Technology can also help organize a student's studies and create more opportunities for practice with difficult concepts. This can also be accomplished through community service projects that build upon what students have learned in the classroom. Many times service can be a way to increase student interest in the continuing study of a language, since it gives them evidence of their own progress and illustrates in a tangible way the possibilities for the future. The root of my philosophy of teaching is action--it is essential to do, and not simply to passively listen.
Learning a language requires a long-term commitment to acquiring vocabulary, refining communication skills, improving the application of grammatical structures, and regularly reading and writing at progressively more challenging levels. A course in another language is an important step in a lifelong process that will not only improve students' language ability, but will also enrich their personal and professional lives. If students are invested and excited about learning, they will make connections and be inspired to apply what they learn in the language classroom to other classes and outside the academy. Participation in research projects, Service Learning, study abroad, club activities, and other hands-on applications of language make learning more exciting and immediate. These activities help students see their own progress and understand the importance of the things they are learning. Daily classes have to involve interaction. Students must practice the four basic skills in each class. For this reason, my students (at every level) talk, write on the board, play games, have debates, perform skits, and create collaborative compositions. Students learn by applying concepts to concrete situations. Lectures are rare and always interactive, and the responsibility of learning is placed on the student. Grammar points and cultural or literary readings are studied outside the classroom so that class time can be dedicated to discussion and practice. Technology can frequently enhance learning by extending class time beyond the classroom. When students have access to voice boards, grammar practice, blogs, videos, or video chats in which they can apply what they've learned, not only do they begin to develop a greater sense of comfort with the language, but they also learn to navigate the various cultures. They develop more respect and understanding of the diversity of the Spanish speaking world when they are able to connect with people in other countries through the use of technology. Technology can also help organize a student's studies and create more opportunities for practice with difficult concepts. This can also be accomplished through community service projects that build upon what students have learned in the classroom. Many times service can be a way to increase student interest in the continuing study of a language, since it gives them evidence of their own progress and illustrates in a tangible way the possibilities for the future. The root of my philosophy of teaching is action--it is essential to do, and not simply to passively listen.
