In my interview I decided to interview a close friend
her name is Monica. I have known her for several years. I thought she would be
a great person for my interview. She was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Her
parents are from El Salvador. She grew up speaking Spanish for the beginning of
her childhood. She was in a bilingual class during her early elementary years. She
was able to learn English quickly without struggling as much. Her siblings
would speak to her in English as it helped her learn the language quickly.
According to Wright (2015), Vygotsky’s theory people learn from interactions
and collaborations. This goes with the importance of communicating with peers. This
helped Monica as well as her teachers provided tons of hands-on-activities to
learn. Learning about the students’ background is important and it would hep
the students education as the teacher would have more information about the students
(Wright 2015).
I was able to learn so much from her story as we have different
background we were able to share our stories. We both learned English in a different
environment. As we talked we were able to point out some things that stood out
to both of us while learning English. Monica
and I both had similar views on how an education for ELL should be a priority
just like any other mainstream classroom. When the school system fails to
provide an education, the students are the ones who suffers. The No Child Left
Behind supports the bilingual and non-bilingual education, but the disadvantage
is that there are no strict rules. As far as how teaching goes in classroom teaching
the students native language is optional (Wright 2015).
Hi Verenice!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching your interview video with your friend Monica. She got the hang of Spanish quickly growing up by each grade level she was advancing in English. It is true that in the education system there are always improvements. Each student is unique and if one strategy works for one student it might not work for the other. That’s why teachers always have to go to trainings to figure out the best accommodations for students and students always learn best with their peers. Wright states that, “social activity and knowledge is constructed through interaction and collaboration with others” (2015, p. 57). That’s great advice that she said because everybody does learn by making mistakes.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Hi Linda!
DeleteI agree that everybody learns through making mistakes. I also agree that teachers often have to attend meetings and training in order to learn the different ways they can help their students. My mentor teacher emphasizes that ELLs should have as many opportunities to interact as possible. Wright (2015) also states that, “children’s language develops primarily from interactions (conversations) in social settings, especially in a supportive interactive environment” (pg. 57). Social interactions are not only beneficial for learning English, but also lessens the fear in ELLs and makes them feel comfortable.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition.
Hello Linda,
DeleteI agree teachers should always be opened to teach new and different ways of learning. ELL students should have the same opportunities as Non-ELL. At times education does not provide the same opportunities as the school has to have a certain amount of students who are ELL. Monica was able to learn quickly as she had a great support form her family. Thankfully she was encouraged by her teachers to speak and get her out of her shell. Monica was able to excel learning English was through her social life and hands on activities.
Hi Kanwal!
DeleteYes, I agree with you that ELL students interact with other children in order for them to start getting out of there shell. Especially the teachers should also understand that the students need social interactions between the students like Wright states that “learners need opportunities to interact with other speakers and reach mutual comprehension" (2015, p.53).
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition.
Hello Verenice!
DeleteYes, your friend Monica had a great support from her family because they wanted her to succeed in the English language. That meant that her parents had to work with her at home in order to grasp the language. Just like Wright states that about 90% of instruction taught in the home language and the other 10% taught through sheltered English instruction (Wright, 2015, p. 96-97).
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition.
Hello Kanwal,
ReplyDeleteAt times students are afraid of making a mistake. As they think that they will get laughed at. Students should have several opportunities to be able to interact and learn new vocabulary words when they are with their friends. When students have that bond with new friends it makes them comfortable to be able explore a new language. Learning a new language is best to learned by interacting just like you mentioned. Monica was able to learn through her siblings interactions.
Hi Verenice!
DeleteI think that ELLs especially are afraid of making a mistake because it can be so easy to be ridiculed by their peers. As educators, we should make sure that our classroom is a safe environment for them to learn. There should also be mention of Vygotzky's theory in that students should be made aware that we learn from each other, and ELLs can learn a great deal from us, according to Vygotzky's theory (Wright, 2015). I think it is important to make our students feel safe and make sure that the native English speakers understand that we all learn English at one time or another, but when we learn it can vary from family to family.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Calson, 2015. Print. Second Edition
DeleteHello Vere,
DeleteI think the problem with students fearing making a mistake comes from their past or their current teacher. As future educators, we must embrace the learning process especially the journey of learning a difficult language, like English. Mistakes should be embraced because all students need to know that we are human and we learn more when we make mistakes or learn from other peoples mistakes. It is when teachers scold their students for getting things wrong that ignites a fear of failure because of the consequences. I love that you shared the benefits of students working together, not only because it is more enjoyable but it enables students to explore a new language. Good luck in teaching! :)
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition