Second Language Methodology touches on the many concepts, strategies, and experiences to be had as a teacher in today’s growingly diverse society. I have learned that there are many factors that a teacher must consider when planning how to effectively teach, assess, and support English Language Learners in his or her learning. Students come into our classroom with a wide range of experience, exposure, knowledge and skills. As teachers we need to consider these differences and use them as tools for scaffolding new information that will eventually lead to the learning of English. Learning about student’s cultures is also a vital part of understanding how to effectively teach a second language. Using a student’s culture in a positive and constructive manner allows for students to feel welcomed, proud, and engaged in the material being put forth. This also means a teacher needs to be aware of cultural differences and make sure lines aren’t crossed to prevent misunderstandin...
I have known the individual I interviewed, Andrea, for my entry 2 for quite some time. Ever since I found out she was a DACA recipient I was always very curious as to how Andrea grew up in the public-school system. Some of the questions I have already asked before out of curiosity but never quite in depth as in the actual interview. Andrea’s first language was Spanish and wasn’t introduced to learning English until she came to the States which according to Wright (2015) makes her a “foreign born ELL” (p. 10). Her family settled into Spring Branch, a neighborhood that was predominantly Hispanic at the time and thus had majority ESL classes in the local elementary school. It wasn’t until she moved to Cypress, Texas when she was placed in a general education English classroom where she first recognized the language barrier she had with her peers and the curriculum. I believe Andrea’s situation of being fully submersed in English by the 4 th grade is something that...