Blog #1

Do you see any connections between the practices identified in this framework and FL methods and theory (based on the reading from Omaggio Hadley)? Please elaborate. (1-2 paragraphs)

          Yes I do see a similarity between community language learning and Environment E2. Both of these center in making the student feel safe in the classroom. In community language learning the teacher plays the role of consoler, she only steps into the conversation when the student is having trouble with the language. Just like in the environment part of TELL the teacher sets rules and routines to maintain a safe and friendly environment. I believe that the students should feel safe to make mistakes because that is also a good way to learn a new language.

What resonates with you? How do the practices identified in this framework compare to your own beliefs about best practices in foreign language teaching? (1-2 paragraphs)

The part that resonates with me the most is performance and feedback. I believe that this is an essential part of learning and teaching. Students cannot learn from their mistakes if they did not know why they made those mistakes. I believe it’s the teacher’s duty to give productive feedback to their student’s and not just a letter grade on their work. Students are more likely to not make the same mistake twice if they know why they are making that mistake.

How do these practices compare to your experiences as a learner of a foreign language? (1-2 paragraphs)

          I have been impacted by most of these practices as a learner in many different ways. One way was that every time I walked into my classroom I knew it was a place were I could make mistakes and that would have been fine. My teacher made it her duty to have a safe and exciting environment for my peers and I to learn. Instead of giving us a letter grade on our homework she would give us feedback and see if we could figure out why we made the mistakes we did and then we had time to fix the mistakes and get a better grade on the assignment.

What questions/concerns do you have?

          My only concern is that my students that are native speakers will see and tell me when I make mistakes. My question is if it’s ok to use more than just one method?

Also comment on your goals for this teacher-assisting semester. 

My goal for this semester is to create a connection with my students. I also want to see what methods I work better with so that by the time I start teaching I know what mixture of methods I would want to use.