Teaching that impacts is not head to head, but heart to heart.
-Howard Hendricks
I find that learning Spanish is more than just teaching the language. I believe that my students need to learn all corners of Spanish. They learn the history, the grammar, the culture and how using the language can help them in the future. They learn in a strongly scaffold and welcoming environment where all materials are provided near immediate feedback and questions are welcomed. All that is learned is continually repeated and build upon for better recall and understanding. When I teach a lesson, I never just one separate component. Lessons will always give my students the ability to strengthen their cultural competence, proficiency, and most importantly their excitement to learn. If I know students are interested in a sport, TV show or a book, I add them somehow to the work. I also make sure to always provide as much cheer and praise as possible.
For a more in depth understanding of my teaching ideals, please select the Teaching Philosophy button. To view my teaching, please click the Classroom Video button.
How do I promote proficiency? I believe that language can be achieved through a combination of communicative competence and scaffolding. All of my lessons mold and grow into each other in order to extend knowledge. These lessons also discuss sociolinguistic, grammatical, strategic, and discourse competence.
How do I engage and motivate learners? I believe that language learning is the most possible when the students feel welcome, safe, and happy. I try to make my class interesting and fun for them, while also making sure they know that they are listened to and respected. I am a strong fighter for the idea that everyone learns differently and at different paces. Because of this, I allow students to somewhat work at their own pace.
How do I teach grammar and vocabulary? In many language classes I use key verbs and themes in order to strengthen understandings. I also focus on repetition and using the materials in as authentic formats as possible.
How do I raise intercultural awareness? In the past, I taught culture as knowledge about different countries. Now, I ensure that each lesson that I teach, causes deep thought and ties to authentic cultural focuses. Each lesson has authentic materials and time for the students to absorb Hispanic cultures and learn how they can relate them to their lives.