Zen and the Art of TESOL education
In the tense present be mindful
In the perfect future be an objective observer.
Progress is presently occurring.
It’s simple just stay present.
YAAAAAk I’m officially a word and grammar nerd as well as a TESOL certified teacher, I’m a certified word nerd. I just (excuse the inelegance) dumped my 45 page portfolio onto a PDF file, which required its own kind of education. I was required to curate my experiences as a Student Teacher through observation and self-evaluation, which happens to be the best way for me to process anything at all.
INTRO:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” is a trite summary. But I use it to begin because through my training in the TESOL program I can immediately identify it as Irreg. Past Simple. One of my guilty secrets as a writer is that I never had formal grammar training. One of my objectives in signing up for the program was to get a handle on grammar, and while I still have a fair amount of self-edification ahead of me, I am imprinted with the wonder and joy of the English language it’s gorgeous nuance and its ability to communicate a thought/idea/feeling on the minutest level.
Through the rigorous 12-week course I not only became accustomed to the ins and outs of the English language, I learned how to transmit my enthusiasm in a productive way. The outstanding concept that I take away from the TESOL program is making the Students learning experience should be the highest priority of the ESL teacher. I will be imprinted by the empathy and respect for the students I witnessed in my classroom observations. As well as the importance of engaging students by animating the lessons with activities that jump off the page, this is what makes language activation instinctive.
Then the practicum; lesson plans, classroom observations, SLA case studies, student teaching observations and evaluations, materials, PowerPoint not included. Basically words, lots of words and nice sprinkling of images for reinforcement. Takeaway: I need to work on my tech app skills.
And where else but in Academia can you declare your philosophy?
Here’s mine:
I believe in self-expression, I believe in joyful discovery, I believe in art and beauty and good food. I believe there are few things more marvelous than a perfect sentence. I believe kindness makes the world go round, and that every person has a story. I believe enthusiasm is contagious. And I now believe when you combine creativity, enthusiasm, and empathy with TESOL principles learning will occur. I strive to create a dynamic learning environment for my students through art, music, food and creative free expression.
To be able to communicate effectively i.e. get what you want/need to navigate the environment with confidence and clarity is a skill, if not a superpower. I would like to empower my learners with the ability to communicate effectively and clearly.
This requires listening, observing, and engaging with the Learners to know what they each need. My innate curiosity led me to an observer’s outlook which is a quality to build upon in assisting me with this goal. My proclivity towards creative expression is what drives my lessons - whether it being an Otis Redding song to describe Present Progressive, or a tray of cookies to described Past Perfect “I baked you these cookies yesterday”. My love of the English language and all its kooky transfigurations, which I believe are the hallmarks of a vibrant, living language, inspires me to share the ins and outs of the vernacular to its most effective and successful ends with my students.
I will recount the final PowerPoint: Pres.Prog Presentation:
Chopping the garlic. (2 cloves)
Slicing Brussels sprouts (1lb.)
Throwing in garlic into sizzling oil. (1 -2 tbsp.)
Throwing in the brussels sprouts and green beans :
Shplashing with stock.
Stir-frying until done.
Do you like fresh veggies with crunch?
or
Do you like your veggies soft-cooked?
There were chocolate chip cookies involved too, how could I resist the sensory aid of describing the present progressive we are eating chocolate chip cookies and drinking hot cocoa - we are celebrating. I used the Nestle Toll House recipe which is on the back of the pack so I won’t recoun
Exit Ticket Ending.
