Reflection

As an aspiring ESL teacher, the international student teaching experience was priceless. I taught language in a school that not only highly values bilingualism but considers it a necessity in today's society. 

The way language is taught at Santa Isabel was only something I had read theories about or discussed in my linguistics classes, but seeing it in action was a priceless experience altogether. Different teachers within the grades teach act as though they can only speak the language they teach, even though all teachers are trilingual. This forces the students to only speak that language (English) with the English teacher in the English classroom. I really love that idea, and it is applied well here. I don't think it would translate perfectly into the American school system due to how its currently run. 

I love love love linguistics, so I was so excited to listen to every single conversation. I was fascinated with watching and listening to students comprehend new information being taught in a foreign language and processing the concepts into their native language also. They have a unique community where they conversate in Spanish and academically learn with Spanish, English, and Catalan. Some students thrive in immersion while others still struggle. Some students people a different language at home and are polygots, with drifting accents. I noticed a lot about how students learn, like watching my mouth carefully and silently miming along in order to understand. Students understood simple explanations of English words better than the direct translation into Spanish. Using a slight Spanish accent to pronounce words can help eliminate the confusing American accent I have that isn't necessary for their academic goals. 

Seeing the perspective of a different culture gives me insight to how my future students may perceive my classroom. When a student emigrates or comes from a family of a different culture, they may not understand my specific expectations of the classroom or lifestyle choices. Now that I have experienced the "fish out of water" in a safe environment, I know how new Americans may feel entering the USA. I can be more aware of culture shock and guiding students in a way that is helpful and efficient.