To begin, I learned a second language in high school, many, many years ago. I took the class for fun because I think French is a rich and romantic language. I never looked at learning a second language the way I do now. After reading people’s stories, conducting interviews, and reading the text, I understand that learning a second language can be extremely difficult and terrifying for some students. I understand that the process can be hard for many students and that it is sad that many students lose their native language speaking skills. Additionally, I have realized that there is a science to learning a second language. By understanding theories, hypothesis, how the mind learns and communicates a new language, I believe it will make me an effective teacher and has helped in my student teaching. I have learned that ELL students need dedicated support, a rich learning environment with multiple forms of learning materials, and environment where they can feel comfortable to be themselves and safe to make mistakes. Overall, I think the course has been extremely productive. I have discovered ideas, points of view, and concepts that I did not even know existed.

                I have only developed a blog one other time in my life and I am not very comfortable putting my thoughts and ideas on display for the world to see. However, after the initial blog, I grew more accustom to the idea. This process has really pushed me out of my comfort zone. By creating this blog, I have discovered many wonderful things about how people learn and the tools they use in everyday life to help them learn a second language. For instance, many students say that they watch TV shows with captions to help them learn English. It never crossed my mind to do that and I think it is amazing that something so simple can be so beneficial. From my interviews I have learned that those who want to succeed have an intrinsic motivation factor within them that truly pushes them to strive for success in developing a second language. I think to be successful in any situation you must be uncomfortable. It forces an individual to grow, change, and learn. I one hundred believe this activity contributed to sense of community. At times we feel a lone but being able to read others’ ideas, stories, and opinions I realize that we do have things in common and it builds a connection.

                

          My teaching philosophy has not changed. I still believe that everyone deserves the opportunity and right to an education and that everyone should be treated equally. The only difference is that I probably feel even stronger about this idea. I have a bilingual math class and I see the struggle the students go through, daily. They need extra time, things read to them, directions in multiple forms, and they just need a strong support system. At first, when I watched my mentor teacher teach this brilliant group of individuals, I did not understand why there were so many resources provided to this one class. Now I do. I have gotten to know this group very well and I can see immediately which one needs that extra boost of confidence, which one needs a word problem read to them, or which one needs a word problem written in large print and needs the problem worked step by step. It is not that they are behind they just need a strong support system to embrace their learning needs. The text has given excellent examples of how ELL student think, learn, and absorb knowledge. If they do not feel like they are in a safe and supportive learning environment then they probably will not feel comfortable communicating. Overall, this course has been enriching and enlightening.

               

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Mendoza. She teaches fourth grade ELA. I learned so much about her, what she went through to learn a second language, and how here experiences affect students in her class. One thing that really stood out to me was her motivation for learning a second language. She was already ten years old and had been living in Mexico her entire, therefore I can only imagine how hard it was for her to learn a second language. While we were discussing motivation she told me she was intrinsically motivated to learn. There are several reasons why a person is intrinsically motivated to learn a new language. According to Ortega, those reasons are "stimulation, where a student feels a high when hearing or speaking a foreign language, self-accomplishment to surpass one's self and grasp a difficult concept, or for the sheer satisfaction of more knowledge" (Ortega, 2009, p. 176). I believe Mrs. Mendoza's intrinsic motivation is due to self accomplishment and more knowledge. She told me she had to learn to understand therefor she wanted to understand.

After going into more detail about what motivates a student, I asked Mrs. Mendoza how aptitude, intelligence and ability affect her students' learning and lesson planning. I really liked her explanation when she used her bilingual class as an example.. She clearly stated "I have high expectations for my students." This could be do to the fact that she may have experienced or felt some of the things her students feel now. She may also think, if I can do it so can you. According to Ortega, "context and life experiences can contribute to shaping and even changing such abilities, motivations and predispositions" (Ortega, 2009, p. 145). I believe her previous experiences in acquiring a second language have given her the power of empathy. She is able to see what motivates her students and how to teach them grow in learning.


Here is the link to my interview: Interview with Mrs. Mendoza

Entry 2: Interview with Ana Gonzalez

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Ana Gonzalez. She is a former ELL student and after interviewing her, I was able to gain some perspective on how it feels to be an ELL student and the process in which they learn a new language. I discovered that it was an extremely intimidating experience for her and it took more than one school to find the support that she needed to learn a second language. I believe that a rich and supportive learning environment for second language acquisition will directly affect the outcome and success of the student. According to Ortega, “there are five environmental ingredients that contribute to optimal learning which are acculturated attitudes, input that can be comprehended, negotiated interaction, pushed output, and a capacity to attend the language code” (Ortega, 2009, p.79). This means that she was given the opportunity to learn about customs and beliefs about a new culture, she was able to understand what was being taught, and she was given the opportunity to communicate with peers that were experiencing the same thing. It is critical that students are given the space and place to grow and practice their new skills without feeling pressure or intimidation. Lastly, after listening to Ana’s story, I learned that acquiring a second language is not just about practicing grammar in school and reciting words with your teacher. Learning a new language should not just come from the teacher’s point of view. We have to look through the eyes of the student to make language acquisition successful. According to Ortega, what matters in the L2 environment is how the student does or does not process the data, what they do and do not make of it, and how they live and experience that environment (Ortega, 2009, p. 80). As a future educator, I will remember this and try to help my ELL students feel as though are in a secure and welcoming learning environment.

Here is the link to my interview.    Interview

Entry 1: Self Introduction

Hello and Bonjour! My name is Anna Snowden. I am Senior at the University of Houston and will be earning a degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Nutrition. I have a passion for learning and helping others learn and achieve their goals. My teaching philosophy is one that puts the needs of all students first, I believe everyone has a right to an education and that students have an equal opportunity to learn.

Here is the link to my video. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhYPtbCjoJy9bFrF5j_UNfQBYel8C66N/view?usp=sharing