TESOL Methods: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking EDUC X 435.01

This course explored a vast array of concepts including basic interpersonal communications (BIC), cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP), the stages of language acquisition, learning methods from Techniques & Principles in Language Teaching, Bloom’s taxonomy and Fidel Charts.

The section of the class that resonated most with me was the stages of learning: (1) Silent period, (2) Early production, (3) Beginning speech, (4) Intermediate speech and (5) Advanced fluency. This segment helped me better understand the new language learners with whom I interact.

From the Discussions:

Can you think of a successful teacher in middle or high school?

My most successful teacher in high school taught world history. The thing I most remember about him is that he seemed to have a love for the subject matter and was able to inspire students to respect and enjoy the subject as much as he did. He also had high expectations.

Think back to when you were in school, do you remember a teacher ever evaluating you through a portfolio?

The only times I recall being evaluated via methods similar to a portfolio occurred when I was in grade school. The teacher used keep a notebook in which the students would write paragraphs/short stores in response to “What if” prompts she would give us over the course of the year. One of my assignments in eigth grade was to compile and identify a collection of leaves and seeds over the course of a season and turn them in at the end of the year.

What ways do you remember being assessed?

Homework (2) Tests/quizzes (3) Class participation (4) Presentations(group and individual (5)Reports and term papers.