Look
through the list on page 491 and choose 2-3 characteristics that you
think are either very important or less important. Discuss your opinion
on them.
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For me, I think that one of the most important characteristics of a good ESL teacher is that they understand the linguistic system of English phonoology, grammar, and discourse. I say this because in the time that I have worked with my conversation english partener and many others who I have tried to help with their english, I have seen that I am of most help to them when I know the deeper reasons for why that sound is hard for them to make and how they can shape their mouth to make that sound for example. I sometimes explain briefly some similarities and differences to my Spanish speaking conversation partner that I have seen from taking both Spanish and English Linguistics and she seems to really like the extra information.
ReplyDeleteOn the social side I think that it is also very important that the teacher enjoys people and is not socially awkward. I know that for me, having teachers that seemed uncomfortable made the class uncomfortable and not feel very open to talk.
I think all of the "good language-teaching characteristics" on the list are extremely important. To have an efficient and well-run classroom, a teacher really needs to possess at least parts of each of these characteristics. However, I feel like the importance of two of these characteristics stand out from the rest: Interpersonal Skills and Personal Qualities. You could be the most organized, intelligent, and well qualified and competent teacher in the world but if you're not patient, committed to your students, and flexible when things go awry then you're not going to have a very successful classroom.
ReplyDeleteInterpersonal skills include enthusiasm, patience, warmth, cultural sensitivity, and openness. These qualities are essential in a successful classroom. No matter how great your lesson plan is or how much knowledge and expertise of the language you have, if you're not enthusiastic while you teach said lesson plan, your students won't hear a word you're saying. If you're not patient with your students while they're learning what you teach, they're not going to get as much out of the lesson as they could. The more open you are with your students, the more your students will be able to learn in an encouraging and non-intimidating environment. The technical and pedagogical aspects of the class are irrelevant if you don't create a friendly atmosphere in which students can learn well.
Personal qualities include organization, dependability, commitment, and flexibility. If, as a teacher, you aren't completely committed and engaged with your students then don't expect them to provide their full attention to you. It doesn't matter what you're teaching if your students are willing to pay attention to you. Also, I feel the most important thing to remember in the classroom is to be flexible. The classroom is an ever changing mess of chaos. Things will always happen out of our control and the only way to deal with it efficiently is to be flexible.
I agree completely with Abby. All of the items on this list of characteristics are extremely important and must be taken into consideration when running a class. I am not very good with technical knowledge and I know that that is something I am going to have to work on. However, without having strong grammar skills or having a great grasp on language-learning principles, I feel I did a pretty good job with my past ESL program.
ReplyDeleteI think after all my travels with the Navy, I have been exposed to a fair share of cultures. I agree with one of the first things that was talked about in the beginning of this class which is to make a comfortable learning environment for all the students. Interpersonal skill characteristics seem to aim at creating such an environment. As Abby stated, all the expertise of language will not matter if the students are uncomfortable or bored with everything you are saying. One should let them know that asking questions is a good thing and that as a language teacher, you should be patient with their mistakes and able to work with them after class.
Personal quality characteristics like organization is a must for a language teacher. There is a lot going on when one is teaching a language course. Not being organized will only make life harder on the teacher. It is impossible to be ready for everything when teaching so being flexible when things go awry makes sense. I also think an inquisitive mind that is willing to try new teaching methods should be considered an important characteristic.
2. Comprehensively grasps basic principles of language learning and teaching. Since all of my observation and teaching time has been spent in a community center, I have seen firsthand what happens when volunteers have no understanding of either of these things. To say that it is a problem is an understatement - it completely handicaps them in teaching appropriately, and they are unable to even recognize the most basic needs of their students. Without this knowledge an ESL teacher is just not really a teacher at all.
ReplyDelete10. Monitors lessons as they unfold and makes effective mid-lesson alterations. As a new teacher, I have found this to be extremely challenging, but I've also realized its importance. If we are determined to stick to our lesson plan and never make adjustments based on the in-class situations that pop up, chances are we are going to frustrate our students, leave them behind, or at the very least not be as effective in meeting their learning needs. I think one of the best characteristics of the great teachers I know is their ability to adjust within the moment and to perceive what they should change to be more effective.
19. Is aware of cross-cultural differences and is sensitive to students' cultural tradition. Cross-cultural awareness is one of the foundational building blocks of ESL teaching (and any teaching, really). Without it, we will instantly alienate our students and we risk offending them enormously, completely by accident. Cultural insensitivity is just an extremely fast way to shut down an ESL class, and can inhibit students' ability and willingness to learn.