Developing Disciplinary Teaching Strategies
COURSE WORK
- ROM (Romance Languages) 803
Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching
With Bill VanPatten, FS14
- LLT (Language, Learning and Teaching) 841
Technology-mediated Language Learning and Teaching
With Senta Goetler, SS15
Description of the competency
ROM 803
A Foreign Language educator should have some knowledge related to the nature of language, its acquisition, the nature of communication, but also input and input enhancement. This knowledge is essential for teaching more efficiently through a pedagogy well adapted to second language learning. It helps in designing and facilitating learning of discipline-specific content, but also in planning (task oriented) course objectives. Further, this knowledge forces teachers to explore different teaching contexts, such as small groups and tutoring. ROM 803 addressed these specific issues that are essential for Foreign Language educator.
LLT 841
A Foreign Language educator should be aware of the benefits of technology. Learning/teaching with technology has been shown to be beneficial for students. For instance, it is efficient for life-long learning. It creates motivation among students and teachers, plays a role in students’ autonomy, and enables them to have access to more resources. Technology creates a more individualized environment with different SLA approaches, and generates personalized feedback. Moreover, a Foreign Language educator should be trained to use technology and have access to it in order to incorporate it in the classroom. For instance, an educator should know how to use multimedia, music and video technologies but also know basics on distance learning (or online learning) and hybrid (or blended) courses, solutions that have been demonstrated to be efficient in language learning. LLT 841 addressed these specific issues that are essential for Foreign Language educator.
Description and rationale
ROM 803
The syllabus explains that “this course examines the theoretical and applied (practical) aspects of contemporary approaches to language teaching focused on communicative language ability. Although this course is listed under the ROM rubric, it is not language specific. I would like to underscore that this course involves both theory and application. It is not a class on “methods” or on “methodology” per se and is not a course on how to teach your own language classes, but instead is a course that (1) provides the foundation for instructors to fashion a curriculum, and (2) provides the basics from which instructors can evaluate their own curricula, materials, assessment procedures, and goals.” The course ROM 803 was therefore a good way to develop disciplinary teaching strategies.
The presentation on Input in Language learning and teaching, developed by Dr. Bill VanPatten (my professor during Fall semester 2014) shows evidence of the importance of theories in language acquisition (slide 3 for example) and therefore in teaching (as shown in slides 8-10).
For this course, I had to write 6 essays which constitute very detailed principles for a teaching philosophy. I used some of them for mine, compiling everything I learned (which has been very difficult!). Though developing these essays I was able to better understand the articulation of theory and practice.
This semester, I had to follow the FRN 201 syllabus designed by my advisor in French. A goal activity was scheduled for every day. I designed my Power points according to this syllabus and the theories we worked on in ROM 803. My Chap12-Voc3 lesson demonstrates the essential role of input as well as the importance of having a goal activity that is communicative for every class.
LLT 841
The syllabus explains that “in this course we [explored] pedagogical, empirical, and theoretical issues regarding technology-enhanced language teaching and learning. Given the diverse audience in this course, the main goal of the course [was] to create comfort in teaching and learning with technology both on and offline and within and outside the classroom.” The course LLT 841 was thus a good way to get some awareness of the benefits of and training in technology. Through this course I learned to use a lot of tools.
Module 9 on Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), developed by Dr. Senta Goetler (my professor during Spring semester 2015) shows evidence of the use of technology within our LLT 841 class as well as in general. In particular slide 9 explains the advantages of CMC whereas the slide 12 invites us to explore how to create a blog by posting an article on it.
As one example, the different course shares (2 in the semester) were part of this training. Not only did I have to develop a video to explain a tool, why it can be useful and create a sample activity to demonstrate the advantages of the tool, but I have also played the role of a reviewer to analyze peers’ videos. After doing so, I reviewed my activity and produced a reflection on the course-share process.
This semester, along with my supervisor, we integrated a screenplay project into the syllabus. Students had to remake a scene of a film we saw in class. After writing the scenario, they had to film and edit their video before sharing it via mediaspace or youtube. As such students had to use a lot of different technologies in order to realize this project. An added bonus was they had a lot of fun in doing so!
Interpretation/Reflection on courses
ROM 803
What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?
This course has been really useful to get me started as a TA in French. Not only did I learn a lot about key concepts such as “input” and “communication”, I also regularly use this knowledge in my class preparations.
What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?
My initial training as a teacher in France emphasized on the importance of explicit grammar instruction in language learning. I still feel that it is important though not central. I would like to understand better the role of explicit grammar instruction in second language learning.
How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?
Every time I have to create a lesson plan, I always take into account those theories and apply the principles I have developed. They guide my teaching. Another example can be found in the Mentored Teaching experience.
LLT 841
What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?
With this course, not only did I learn a lot of tools that will be useful in my classes (or out of my classes, while giving homework, for example), I also learned that those tools can only be used if well integrated to the course itself. Technology in education should serve a goal. If it is not used that way, then it is not relevant.
What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?
I need to continually update myself with new technology, and differentiate useful and non-useful tools for my classes.
How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?
I am sure I will use more technologies in the future in my classes, as I have already started doing. My teaching philosophy shows this willingness.
COURSE WORK
- ROM (Romance Languages) 803
Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching
With Bill VanPatten, FS14
- LLT (Language, Learning and Teaching) 841
Technology-mediated Language Learning and Teaching
With Senta Goetler, SS15
Description of the competency
ROM 803
A Foreign Language educator should have some knowledge related to the nature of language, its acquisition, the nature of communication, but also input and input enhancement. This knowledge is essential for teaching more efficiently through a pedagogy well adapted to second language learning. It helps in designing and facilitating learning of discipline-specific content, but also in planning (task oriented) course objectives. Further, this knowledge forces teachers to explore different teaching contexts, such as small groups and tutoring. ROM 803 addressed these specific issues that are essential for Foreign Language educator.
LLT 841
A Foreign Language educator should be aware of the benefits of technology. Learning/teaching with technology has been shown to be beneficial for students. For instance, it is efficient for life-long learning. It creates motivation among students and teachers, plays a role in students’ autonomy, and enables them to have access to more resources. Technology creates a more individualized environment with different SLA approaches, and generates personalized feedback. Moreover, a Foreign Language educator should be trained to use technology and have access to it in order to incorporate it in the classroom. For instance, an educator should know how to use multimedia, music and video technologies but also know basics on distance learning (or online learning) and hybrid (or blended) courses, solutions that have been demonstrated to be efficient in language learning. LLT 841 addressed these specific issues that are essential for Foreign Language educator.
Description and rationale
ROM 803
The syllabus explains that “this course examines the theoretical and applied (practical) aspects of contemporary approaches to language teaching focused on communicative language ability. Although this course is listed under the ROM rubric, it is not language specific. I would like to underscore that this course involves both theory and application. It is not a class on “methods” or on “methodology” per se and is not a course on how to teach your own language classes, but instead is a course that (1) provides the foundation for instructors to fashion a curriculum, and (2) provides the basics from which instructors can evaluate their own curricula, materials, assessment procedures, and goals.” The course ROM 803 was therefore a good way to develop disciplinary teaching strategies.
The presentation on Input in Language learning and teaching, developed by Dr. Bill VanPatten (my professor during Fall semester 2014) shows evidence of the importance of theories in language acquisition (slide 3 for example) and therefore in teaching (as shown in slides 8-10).
For this course, I had to write 6 essays which constitute very detailed principles for a teaching philosophy. I used some of them for mine, compiling everything I learned (which has been very difficult!). Though developing these essays I was able to better understand the articulation of theory and practice.
This semester, I had to follow the FRN 201 syllabus designed by my advisor in French. A goal activity was scheduled for every day. I designed my Power points according to this syllabus and the theories we worked on in ROM 803. My Chap12-Voc3 lesson demonstrates the essential role of input as well as the importance of having a goal activity that is communicative for every class.
LLT 841
The syllabus explains that “in this course we [explored] pedagogical, empirical, and theoretical issues regarding technology-enhanced language teaching and learning. Given the diverse audience in this course, the main goal of the course [was] to create comfort in teaching and learning with technology both on and offline and within and outside the classroom.” The course LLT 841 was thus a good way to get some awareness of the benefits of and training in technology. Through this course I learned to use a lot of tools.
Module 9 on Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), developed by Dr. Senta Goetler (my professor during Spring semester 2015) shows evidence of the use of technology within our LLT 841 class as well as in general. In particular slide 9 explains the advantages of CMC whereas the slide 12 invites us to explore how to create a blog by posting an article on it.
As one example, the different course shares (2 in the semester) were part of this training. Not only did I have to develop a video to explain a tool, why it can be useful and create a sample activity to demonstrate the advantages of the tool, but I have also played the role of a reviewer to analyze peers’ videos. After doing so, I reviewed my activity and produced a reflection on the course-share process.
This semester, along with my supervisor, we integrated a screenplay project into the syllabus. Students had to remake a scene of a film we saw in class. After writing the scenario, they had to film and edit their video before sharing it via mediaspace or youtube. As such students had to use a lot of different technologies in order to realize this project. An added bonus was they had a lot of fun in doing so!
Interpretation/Reflection on courses
ROM 803
What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?
This course has been really useful to get me started as a TA in French. Not only did I learn a lot about key concepts such as “input” and “communication”, I also regularly use this knowledge in my class preparations.
What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?
My initial training as a teacher in France emphasized on the importance of explicit grammar instruction in language learning. I still feel that it is important though not central. I would like to understand better the role of explicit grammar instruction in second language learning.
How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?
Every time I have to create a lesson plan, I always take into account those theories and apply the principles I have developed. They guide my teaching. Another example can be found in the Mentored Teaching experience.
LLT 841
What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?
With this course, not only did I learn a lot of tools that will be useful in my classes (or out of my classes, while giving homework, for example), I also learned that those tools can only be used if well integrated to the course itself. Technology in education should serve a goal. If it is not used that way, then it is not relevant.
What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?
I need to continually update myself with new technology, and differentiate useful and non-useful tools for my classes.
How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?
I am sure I will use more technologies in the future in my classes, as I have already started doing. My teaching philosophy shows this willingness.