My name is Josanne. I am taking an on-line Teacher Certificate Program in English as a Second Language. The courses I will be taking are Thinking about Theory & Understanding the Language Skills. This blog has been created to jot down my thoughts and feelings regarding the material in these courses. Also this journal will help me track my progression in learning the teaching skills and theories. I believe in life-long learning and hope I can translate my reflections here into the classroom for teaching adults English as a second language in the future.
"Let ignorance talk as it will, learning has it's value." Jean de La Fontaine
As in the article "Principles of Adult Learning" by Stephen Lieb, I agree with the key principle that an effective instructor recognizes the value of adults prior experience in learning. Everyone brings some knowledge or insight to the table. I find when the tone in the classroom is respectful of everyone's life experiences learning takes place and not always necessarily from the teacher. I believe learning is to take chances and to try the unknown. I feel people learn better when they have the freedom to express themselves without the anxiety of making mistakes and appearing foolish to others. I can see how this could translate to an ESL class where fear or shyness of speaking with an accent could inhibit one's learning a language. I can see where it would be the role of the facilitator to remove such barriers in a classroom.
As a learner I am very goal-oriented and must feel the need that what I am learning has relevance. This applies to me both in my profession and on a personal level. For instance with this course I have a goal in mind, I would like to teach English abroad.
In my profession we are now learning how to use Blackberries on the job. The goal of the corporation is quite clear, that all employees learn this technology. The 1 day training session introduced employees to the technical procedures to be put in use. To assist with the learning we were given job aids. I learnt from the instructors and also fellow workers in the day session. However I learnt even more on my own following the job aids, because I was working more on my own pace. I even further transfered my learning on the job when with fellow colleagues, we continued the learning process through trial and error. It is relevant that I learn these skills for my profession and that I remain of value within the corporation.
Hi Joseanne. I am a fellow student enrolled in the course at UW. I also agree that, as you say, "an effective instructor recognizes the value of adults' prior experience in learning". As you so aptly reflect, learning doesn't always happen as a result of teacher behaviors. In fact, as adults, we often frequently learn independently or among our colleagues. You also noted that you experienced that in your work training.
ReplyDeleteIt is essential that we keep this point in mind as we learn to be effective teachers of English as another language. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer