FBA Section 13: Reflection

In this class, the most important thing I learned about language is that
nonlinguistic representations will set pictures, smells, experiences in the minds of ELLs
that can be readily accessible to them, in the case of activating prior knowledge and
also linking and understanding new material.
Course Six also provided me with an opportunity to think deeply about culture, as I
did in Course Two. In studying ways to support parents/families, I am reminded how the
cultural differences may dictate to what extent support may happen. Being aware of and
respecting the cultural norms of the ELLs will increase the likelihood of targeting
effective methods to reach parents and families, from student progress to community
events.
Observing classes in Course Six allowed me to further look at planning,
implementation, and instruction in the classrooms. I could see some very effective
methods and also some areas that need improvement. This course used a text that
provided very helpful, to me indispensable, materials that will help me begin lessons,
implement them, and assess them. I appreciated very much step-by-step instructions on
how to adapt materials and learning goals to every stage of language acquisition.
Assessment in Course Six, for me, focused on homework assessment and
reinforcing effort and providing recognition. I thought more about the uses for homework
and what to expect from the students. Providing relevant feedback on homework can
become part of a lesson (reviewing and explaining that feedback, that is). I have also
learned that recognition for achievement and effort can be separate and that sometimes
the best thing a teacher can do is give a hearty good job! This is something I need to
remember more consistently for all my students.
I am reminded in Course Six that being professional includes being an advocate for
students. It goes without saying that the moral and professional practices of teachers
must always be appropriate and non-controversial. Therefore, being professional is
more about identifying and taking on duties that foster the ELL in the classroom.