Javier Ceballos

Teaching Grammar: Most of the time, I plan my lessons based on grammar with the misconception  that there is just one way to present the rules in class. I tend to give students the rules and examples in order to help them to recognize what is right or wrong.  I realize that the use of examples and students' participation  could be one of the most effective ways to teach grammar. In this case, I must be aware about the importance to elicit information from the students and  give them the opportunity to be part of their own learning process.  We also have to take in consideration that teachers should not include too many or different rules in one session because it could make students feel stressed.  Grammar rules are important aspect to acquire a new language;nevertheless, what really makes students master in those rule is the practice of these rules in real life. Based on this, teachers should think of what is the most appropriate way to present the g...

Second Language Acquisition: Even though, SLA is a topic we have seen before we never start learning about this amazing process to acquire a new language. During this class, I had the opportunity to review all those methods and theories from Noam Chomsky, Krashen, Skinner,etc. It is interesting to know that we are probably using most of these methods unconsciously.  I think that the Communicative Approach is one of the most outstanding and effective to help students in the use of the target language; however, it could be a good idea to combine it with another method very useful like TPR. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses but they are good guides to plan a lesson based on our students' need.I also reinforced important concepts such as i+1 and affective filter.  I need to keep in mind the theory behind to understand a little bit more what is going on in our students' brain.

True Colors:  As human beings, we live our lives based on what is important and necessary to have a happy life. As teachers, our point of view about others' needs must change redicaly. True colors is not just about my preferences and personality but  how I can identify the preferences and personality of my students. Every single student has his/her own learning strategies and point of view about specific areas in life.  This is an useful tool to identify who our students are and why they behave the way they do it. If it is our concern, we will be able to avoid lots of situations that could affect the teaching and learning process in the classroom. It makes me  think about people' differences and the importance of respect others' point of view.

1.  Becoming a reflective teacher:  During my years as a teacher, I usually start my first class with a certain diagnostic in order to evaluate my students' level. However, I have to accept that evaluation , observation and reflection are less frequent through the whole year. It is very common that my concentration and interest is focused on finish a lesson plan rather than a reflection about how meaningful and effective the lesson could be.  Becoming a reflective teacher is not an easy task but it is essential to offer our students what they really need to acquire the target language. I have to observe and know my students' learning preferences because it will help me to choose the most appropriate methods and techniques.

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