beliefs & Practices

I believe that proficiency is gained mainly through communicating with others in the target language (native and non-native speakers) and that accuracy can be reinforced but should not be the main focus of a classroom.

I believe that allowing students some autonomy in their learning experience is one of the best ways to motivate learners. I have also found that students crave real-world connections or applications of the material gives students a reason to self-motivate.

In many language classes this is the focus of the entire curriculum. While I agree that these are important aspects of language learning, I have found that accuracy in grammar and vocabulary can be achieved without specifically drilling students using conjugation charts or vocabulary quizzes.

In the past, I taught culture as knowledge about different countries. Since my experience in the MAFLT program I give more value to making connections between cultures to show not just differences but similarities in the human condition. I have found that interacting in the culture when possible gives students a chance to learn to empathize with and learn from other cultures.