I have learned a lot from this class. When the
class first started, I did not know what to expect because I felt that in other
classes those had gone over a few items on how to help and teach ELL students. Also,
with seeing some of the accommodations that some teachers from previous observations
have done for their students I felt as though I has an idea on what I could do
for future ELL students. However, now
gone through this course I see that there was much more to be learned that I could
have imagined. I have learned from other students and teachers their
experiences being taught or teaching a new language.
From what I have learned throughout this class is
has allowed me to see new ways on what I would like to incorporate in my
classroom when helping students learn. For example, when I was talking to Ms.
Nancy she had described how she had different words around the room for helping
students learning English which worked for her. Also, from interviewing an Ell student
when Abbas told me that when his teacher would pair him up with another student
and how that was helpful these show me simple procedures that I can use in my
teaching life to help ELL and non-ELL students succeed.
As far as this class has on impacting my teaching
philosophy, it has enhanced it. My teaching philosophy had always been wanting
to teach my students as bet of my ability with making them feel welcome and
comfortable. I want my class to feel as though they do not have to feel
unwelcome by me or others. From what Wright (2015) has said in the text is what
I feel teachers need to remember, “teachers need to know their students’
cultural backgrounds and how culture influences learning at school” (p.17).
Furthermore, I have learned that ELL students come
from all over and are at different levels with some being beginners at learning
English to others having more proficiency in English but needed help with
proper grammar. As a future teacher I see that “students differ in terms of
prior knowledge, academic proficiency, learning styles, and social background”
(Wright, 2015, p.264). It is important for teachers to try and learn who
students are and their overall background to get a better understanding and
possibly find ways to teach the students that have a connection with
themselves.
What I feel this class should go over more is about
additive bilingualism. Before taking this class, I did not know what additive
bilingualism was. When students are leaning a new language especially one that
will become their new dominate language it is important that they do not lose
their first language which is tied to their culture. As Wright (2015)
discussed, “additive bilingualism should be the form of bilingualism that
schools offer to their ELL students” (p.21). I think that if we as future
teachers are taught the benefit more of teaching children a new language, but
not losing their first will help them in their future.
Wright,
Wayne. (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory,
Policy, and Practice(2nded.). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon.
