Reflection for Introduction to ESL Through out this course, I learned a great deal about of the importance of understanding

cultural differences, as well as strategies to utilize with both students and parents. The following paragraphs highlight different aspects of teaching in an ESL classroom that I have gained throughout this course. During this course, we touched upon bilingual and bicultural students. As I researched both topics, I found there were more pros than cons for bilingual programs and learning two languages. Throughout this course, I feel that I learned a great deal about the importance of learning and understanding the culture of my students. I believe it is necessary to get to know and understand my students and to be understanding of their views, needs, etc. It is also important to show students you care about their success and want to help them reach their highest potential. In regards to teaching ESL students, I researched a teaching approach that I believe would be beneficial in the classroom. Culturally responsive teaching is an approach that focuses on the use of cultural characteristics, experiences, and perspectives of ethnically diverse students as conduits for teaching them more effectively. As teachers, we need to possess a deeper understanding of multicultural education theory, research, and scholarship. In our classrooms, it is important for us to get to learn about our students cultures and interests. It is important to provide activities, decorations, etc. that all of our students can relate to. By providing choices and choosing a variety of academic task and activities, students can draw upon their own experiences, as well as their creativity and ideas. Next up, we dove into observing, planning, implementing, and managing instruction into the classroom. I believe this section tied in a lot with the language and culture aspect of our class because in order to observe, plan, implement, and manage instruction, we must incorporate our students languages and cultural differences. I gained a number of strategies from researching and learning from my classmates about specific ways to develop relationships with parents. A few examples that I found very helpful include creating a parent/teacher night, as well as developing a facebook page or community flyer. I also researched several websites that provided useful and positive strategies to utilize in the classroom. Websites such as Pinterest and the SAS portal website provide great ideas for the classroom. The SAS portal provides specific lessons to utilize, whereas Pinterest provides ideas for projects, classroom decorations, as well as visuals/manipulatives. In addition to researching and learning about different teaching approaches, I also learned a great deal about the responsibilities of an ESL teacher, as well as the challenges they may face. Some of the challenges we may face deal with communication with parents, as well as differing views on academics, etc. I think this week tied in a lot of different aspects of teaching ESL students and factors we must overcome. These factors range from communication to our own personal beliefs and/or experiences. It is important for us to recognize any bias or stereotypes we may have and to find positive ways to improve on them. Moving along, the next factor we researched and discussed was the assessment of our students. As I was researching assessments for ELL students, I came across several tips to consider when giving an assessment. The first tip I found helpful deals with

focusing on individual student growth, rather than comparing students with one another. A second tip I found helpful points out focusing on a students strength instead of their weaknesses. In addition to tips I came across, I also read about specific examples of assessment to use in the classroom. A few examples include physical demonstrations, K-W-L charts, oral presentations, and portfolios. I think these are great ways to assess students. Each assessment provides students with the opportunity to show their understanding by a variety of means, not just paper and pencil. I love the idea of using a portfolio because it shows the progress over a period of time and gives teacher, student, and parent concrete/visual growth. Portfolios are also helpful for parents because they can see the variety of work the student completes throughout the year. Lastly, we discussed professionalism in the world of ESL. I believe professionalism encompasses all areas of teaching. As an ESL teacher, it is important to get to know your students, as well as their parents. It is essential to learn and incorporate our students cultural differences, as well as providing parents with supports both within the school and community. As educators, we must work together with our students and parents to provide a learning environment where our students can reach their highest potential. We must provide opportunities for our students to apply what they are learning and inspire students to explore the world of learning. Student Profile: The student I profiled speaks Spanish. Prior to moving here, the student lived in Puerto Rico. I had the opportunity to review a project the student had to complete-the student created an online book that compared his experiences at his old school to his new school. The project he completed was an online book--using Book Creator on the IPad. It included pictures and descriptions. Some of the differences he noted were that at his old school he was able to chew gum and wear hats and at his new school he is not. Other differences included holidays and dress code. He started school here in 9th grade and is currently in 10th. Within a year, this student made significant progress and continues to make progress. During my observation, he spoke English well and did a great job reading in English. Also, he was a great help to another student. He would talk in Spanish to her when she needed clarification of a word or definition. The following paragraph discusses the design of instruction I would utilize with his student, as well as what strategies and supports would work best. For the design of instruction for this student, I would incorporate academic tasks that incorporate the use of technology, as well as partner or small group work. I would use a specific reading series with this student, focusing on one reading/language arts topic at a time. For example, one week I would spend on settings of the story, following character traits the next week. I would work on specific topics and continue to build on them. I would use a scaffolding strategy to work our way up the ladder. For science and social studies/history, I would incorporate them into my reading/language arts lesson when appropriate. I would also use technology for science and social studies/history projects and activities. For reading/language arts, as well as science and social studies, I would use visual examples and graphic organizers (concepts maps, sequencing) to help teach and reinforce topics. I would provide the student with the opportunity to work in small groups, brainstorming different ideas and provide them with hands-on activities to apply what they have learned. For math, I would build on his

strengths. I would have this student engage in math centers regularly, assessing the areas of strengths and concerns. I would also incorporate the use of visuals and manipulatives for students. This student would be able to use number lines, hundreds charts, manipulatives, such as clocks, place value charts, etc. When this student participates in his regular education classroom for these content areas, I would support this student by providing him with different means of completing certain assignments and assessments. I would provide regular education teachers with visuals and specific strategies that are effective for the students. I would provide extended time when needed and provide an alternative activity if the student was having difficulty completing an academic task. I would also provide participation rubrics to encourage positive participation in the regular education classroom. Lastly, I would provide the student with opportunities to engage in social interaction with peers. By incorporating small group and/or partner activities and interactive games, the student will be able to communicate with his peers. Providing a time for reflection and discussion are also positive ways to incorporate social interaction among students. Classroom Observation: For my field-based assignment, I made the decision to develop a website with all of my information. After completing my ESL observation and seeing all the different ways to utilize technology in the classroom I wanted to develop my assignment using technology. I think providing students with the opportunity to utilize technology to complete academic tasks and to express their thoughts/feelings is an effective strategy. During my classroom observations, I learned a great deal about using technology, rubrics, and classroom management. My classroom observation at both the elementary and secondary level provided me with a variety of teaching strategies and supports to utilize. Based on what I gained from my classroom observation at the elementary level, I would create (or find) a weekly check sheet that I would send home at the end of the week. I would create (or find) one that displays a lot of visuals and is easy for parents to understand. I would also assign homework activities that would focus on student and parent involvement. I would develop activities that students and parents can work together. For strategies and supports at the elementary level, I would provide students with learning centers, small group instruction and activities, as well as one-on-one instruction (when needed). I would incorporate the use of technology, using a smartboard if one was available and using computers for learning centers, as well as independent learning time. I would individualize my instruction, providing activities that fit the specific needs of my students. In addition to the supports I would provide in my classroom, I would provide supports when my students were in the regular education classroom. I would modify activities and instruction when appropriate. I would also assign a peer buddy to help my student follow along in class, etc. For social opportunities, I would provide time in my classroom for students to interact by participating in games and activities that focus on talking to one another (Example: Guess Who). At the secondary level I would provide many of the same services and supports, just on a higher level. I would provide students with the opportunity to engage in learning centers, as well as small group and one-on-one. At the secondary level, I would incorporate technology for both instruction and academic projects and activities. I would also incorporate technology to help modify assignments in the regular education

classroom. For example, if a student had to write a five paragraph assignment for social studies, but was not ready to write in such detail, I would provide an alternative assignment, such as a timeline or online book, etc. For social opportunities, I would incorporate small group work and offer time for brainstorming at the beginning, as well as time for reflection at the completion of projects. I would also provide students with free time activities to choose from that promote positive interaction among each other. For parent communication, I would call parents frequently, as well as send emails and notes home when appropriate. In addition, for both the elementary and secondary level, I would provide a Meet the Teacher night, as well as informational nights throughout the year if parents have questions, concerns. Lastly, to incorporate community involvement, I would bring in representatives in from the community based on what we are learning to present presentations/discussions. I would also set up several community outings, based on topics/material we are engaging in. For example, I think it would be a positive experience for students if they had the opportunity to attend a play. I would also research cultural events relevant to my students to see if I would be able to take them or provide the information to their parents. Furthermore, to help create a motivating and comfortable learning environment for my students, I would want to learn as much as I could about each of my students cultures. I think it is important to know the similarities and differences in order to develop appropriate lesson plans and activities for my students to engage in.