When I am asked how the MA TESOL program at the Pennsylvania State University influenced me as a teacher, I usually answer that it changed my perspective on teaching. This broad answer sparks more specific questions: In what way has it changed your perspective? How has this change happened?
If I were to select three key words which encapsulate my experience of participating in the MA TESOL program, I would select the following verbs:
Engage
I engaged in creating materials which I used in my teaching. This process helped me realize how important it is to consider social, cultural, and political factors which have impact on the process of teaching and learning. I also had an opportunity to conduct a research project on gesture and engage in a team teaching project in cooperation with my classmates. Therefore, I have the ability to:
design and evaluate instructional materials, technology, media, and other resources that meet the specific instructional and language related needs and abilities of students
demonstrate understanding of the complex social, cultural, political, and institutional factors that affect language teaching and student learning
collaborate with others
learn
During the program I realized that in order to develop I need to be curious about my students, their learning, and my teaching. The courses which I took showed me that in order to nurture my curiosity I need to reflect on my teaching. Reflection and analysis of my beliefs have deepened my understanding of teaching and significantly enhanced its quality. In this part I will provide evidence that I have the ability to:
reflect on, critically analyze, and evaluate my own teaching practices
Empower
Participating in the program provided me with a sense of empowerment. It equipped me with tools and knowledge which make me a very competent and self-confident teacher. It also developed in me an attitude of collaboration and willingness to share knowledge and experiences with other teachers. Therefore, I am able to
participate knowledgeably in the teaching field (English as a Second Language)
demonstrate knowledge of research and research methods for studying language teaching and learning
How to write an argumentative essay? - Team Teaching Project completed with two classmates: Bookyung and Haotang.
Where do our teaching beliefs come from? What experiences shape them? This poster illustrates how personal and professional aspects of life influenced this teacher's beliefs and values.
What kind of teacher do I want to become? What type of teacher do I aspire to be? I created a box which represents a teacher who does only what is expected of him. Obviously, it is not the teacher I would like to be.
I aspire to develop my own understanding of teaching and be constantly curious about my students and my teaching.