Philosophy of Education

Today’s society is one that deals with constant changes, a simple example of that is that today we go down one street and the next day they have changed the direction of that same street. This to me this is what’s happening in ESL education, the way children learned years ago is not the same way our students learn today. I have been working in the public system as an English teacher for the past 20 years and I have had to adapt my teaching strategies to the current times. As a responsible educator, I have also been obligated to constantly research the different existing methodology, so that I can meet todays, my students’ and my own expectations. In this paper I will approach my personal opinion on ESL education and the changing times.
In the 90’s ESL teaching was more structural and standardized whereas today we can apply a rainbow of teaching strategies to our courses. Our role as teachers is to guide that student in obtaining his or her main goal which is to acquire a second language. The constant technological advancements and this change has also been experimented by our students, nevertheless we must also take into consideration that due to globalization English has come to be a universal language and that it must be met at least in it’s the basic form if you want to compete in this fast changing world.
Students before would sit in a classroom and try to absorb what the teacher was giving us, but not today, technology has invaded our classrooms and has planned to stay! Video games, interactive programs, computers are just a few of the technological advancements that our students encounter daily. Thus a student can play with his video game alone our just simply connect his game to the web and play with other children from all over the planet and how do they communicate using the universal language which is English. So in order for us to meet the expectations of our students we must be aligned to the current technological changes. We must implement technology in our classrooms and become acquainted the latest technological trends so that we can meet our students expectations.
As for I teaching gives me an opening to continue may search for learning, so that I can face my students and teach them in a more secure and stimulating ambiance, Making sure that my teaching strategies are aligned with the current trends.

Free Writing Lesson Plan-EDUC566

Escuela de Estudios Profesionales
Programa Ahora
Universidad del Turabo
EDUC 566
Methods of Teaching a Second Language
Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan Title: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
vignette #12 Cathy the Queen of Cats

Concept / Topic to Teach: Friendship/ Racism

Standards Addressed: 12. 1 Listening/Speaking
12. 3 Reading
12. 1 Writing


General Goal(s): Upon completing an oral reading of the selected vignette the students will be able to:
1. Recreate the vignette in groups
2. Discuss the themes presented in this vignette
3. Work with a free writing exercise

Specific Objectives: 1. To have students read the selection for auditory comprehension
2. To have students discuss the themes presented in the vignettes.
3. To have students recreate the vignette # 12

Required Materials: 1. Copies of the Novel
2. Blank paper


Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): Students will have a class discussion on the meaning of
friendship.

Step-By-Step Procedures: 1. Students will have a passive discussion on what friendship.
2. Students will read the vignette out loud
3. Students will recreate the vignette (using humor)
4. Students will point out the themes in the vignette.
5. Students will participate if a free writing exercise.












Plan for Independent Practice: 1. students will search the web for further
Information on the Novel.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set): 1. Students will complete their free writing exercise based on their chosen topics.

Assessment Based on Objectives: 1. Students will make a drawing of the vignette

Adaptations
(For Students with Learning Disabilities): Sign language (interpreter)
will be available and grade of difficultness , will be evaluated for slow learners.


Extensions (For Gifted Students): Gifted children will research on further
Information on the novel.

Possible Connections to Other Subjects: Social Sciences, psychology