Unit 10 – Looking to the Future

 

Looking to the Past

This course has taught me that there is a lot more to teaching than I thought. Previously I would find material to teach and I would teach it. I realize now, how much more complex teaching is if you wish to be effective and relevant.

My conception of the role of the student has changed. The need to let the students decide, at least to some degree, what they want to learn and the role of significant interaction of the students with each other and with the teacher to enhance their learning experience.

As a teacher, I can enhance the learning experience by enabling student interaction. As a teacher, I can be more than a Controller or Director of the class or course. I can be a Guide, a Manager, or a Facilitator allowing for a more interactive environment. Focusing less on Display questions and more on Referential questions to facilitate open-ended discussion and interaction between the students will enhance the students learning experience. Scheduling less Manipulative tasks and supporting Communicative tasks gives more power to the students to control their own learning experience. Even the classroom organization is important as part of the learning environment. By allowing for small group work or pairs can set a positive climate for learning. Small groups allow for a more secure space for students to express themselves and feel free to make mistakes in the process of learning. Small groups also enable more practice time for students as they can practice, correct, and assess each other in their groups.

Looking to the Future

I look forward to improving my abilities as a teacher to enhance the students learning experience. By growing as a teacher, I can fulfill my goals and the goals of my students.

Short-Term Goals

• Try to learn how to use one new technology each semester (4 months).
• Grow my PLN network.
• Attend more TESL courses.

Long-Term Goals

• Become involved in the local ESL association.
• Attend an ESL conference and maybe even present.