Master the language of instruction.
Communicate appropriately in the language of instruction, both orally and in writing, in all contexts associated with the performance of duties.
Third Field Experience: Georges P. Vanier Elementary School
Aug to Dec 2022
During my third field placement, I worked on developing my skills in communicating clear instructions to my students. This is something I have struggled with in the past, as I have noticed that after explanations, my students seem lost or do not get to work very quickly. This is why I have worked on creating instructions and explanations that are coherently communicated to students, both orally and in writing. As an example, I have integrated the use of PowerPoint to accompany any explanation or set of steps I want students to follow. I have segmented the steps and integrated pictograms that are easy to comprehend for second language learners. It has been a struggle to always find images that can help convey an oral message or idea, but I am confident that I have developed that skill and I will continue to in the future, as I discover more tools.
As expressed above, I have not shied away from using different modes of language expression to support my students’ development of their language competencies. I have created dance and gesture routines with the students to help them remember grammar rules and verb conjugation. I also use a lot of gestures and imitations to convey meaning of a word or a sentence. I use the posters around the classroom to remind students to use modeled target language or vocabulary words.
Other than through written feedback on assignments, I offer students a lot of verbal feedback in the classroom. When interacting with students in a whole group discussion or one-on-one with them, I take the time to encourage students to express themselves, even if they are not confident in their answer or their way of expressing an idea. I encourage them to make mistakes and I offer direct feedback to correct mistakes. In addition, when possible, I repeat the correct form of a mistaken word or expression later in the period or during the day, so that the student can reinforce their understanding.
Finally, I assure that I master the English language at all times in the classroom. I give my students a solid model to learn from. Even though I can make mistakes sometimes, I correct myself explicitly in front of the students.