Education is a life long process. It begins in the home, continues at school, applies to work, and expands during retirement if one chooses. Educational philosophies evolve over time. Researchers develop new theories and expand existing ideas. Teachers change their philosophies as they gain experience and work in different settings.
I entered the field of education in order to make a positive impact in the world. I wanted to leave my part of the world a better place. I enjoy interacting with people, and I especially appreciate the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children. I believe one of the responsibilities of teachers is to help students discover their inner motivation for learning that can inspire them to continue to learn their whole life. I am certified to teach science and world languages, and although I love science, I decided that I wanted to teach world languages. The actual language is important, but even more significant is the idea of tolerance that accompanies learning a new language and culture. The study of a world language includes culture and through the study of different cultures I believe we can learn tolerance within our own society and between societies.
I believe that all children are capable of learning, and that as an educator I should respect Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. I strive to create a safe environment in which my students feel a sense of belonging to a community. From there we can make connections to the local community, within the United States, and across borders. The integration of technology in the school setting has opened the world to language teachers and students. I think technology and the internet offer unprecedented access to the world and the development of global awareness and cultural competence.
When I began teaching I was inspired by Helena Curtain’s articles and books on teaching in the target language. This ideal can be a challenge when students become frustrated by a lack of comprehension. Although I still strive to use the target language as much as possible, I also recognize the importance of making students feel comfortable and accessing more cultural information using English at certain times. Technology can offer more authentic learning experiences in the target language that are more accessible to students through the visual and audio supports.
Students are connected via technology. They are comfortable with technology, and they will need flexibility in order to adapt to rapidly changing technology. Students today are curious about the world they encounter and the worlds that lie beyond their communities. They will have more opportunities than previous generations to study abroad. They will also need higher levels of cultural competence in order to function and thrive in the global economy that becomes more interconnected each year.
I strive to inspire my students to respect each other and people from different societies. I hope they will develop an appreciation for other cultures and a desire to connect with the world. I aim to model these qualities and to remain an inquisitive learner myself.
This quote from over twelve hundred years ago still applies today:
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
“Avoir une autre langue, c’est posséder une seconde âme.”
—Charlemagne, King of the Franks
I entered the field of education in order to make a positive impact in the world. I wanted to leave my part of the world a better place. I enjoy interacting with people, and I especially appreciate the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children. I believe one of the responsibilities of teachers is to help students discover their inner motivation for learning that can inspire them to continue to learn their whole life. I am certified to teach science and world languages, and although I love science, I decided that I wanted to teach world languages. The actual language is important, but even more significant is the idea of tolerance that accompanies learning a new language and culture. The study of a world language includes culture and through the study of different cultures I believe we can learn tolerance within our own society and between societies.
I believe that all children are capable of learning, and that as an educator I should respect Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. I strive to create a safe environment in which my students feel a sense of belonging to a community. From there we can make connections to the local community, within the United States, and across borders. The integration of technology in the school setting has opened the world to language teachers and students. I think technology and the internet offer unprecedented access to the world and the development of global awareness and cultural competence.
When I began teaching I was inspired by Helena Curtain’s articles and books on teaching in the target language. This ideal can be a challenge when students become frustrated by a lack of comprehension. Although I still strive to use the target language as much as possible, I also recognize the importance of making students feel comfortable and accessing more cultural information using English at certain times. Technology can offer more authentic learning experiences in the target language that are more accessible to students through the visual and audio supports.
Students are connected via technology. They are comfortable with technology, and they will need flexibility in order to adapt to rapidly changing technology. Students today are curious about the world they encounter and the worlds that lie beyond their communities. They will have more opportunities than previous generations to study abroad. They will also need higher levels of cultural competence in order to function and thrive in the global economy that becomes more interconnected each year.
I strive to inspire my students to respect each other and people from different societies. I hope they will develop an appreciation for other cultures and a desire to connect with the world. I aim to model these qualities and to remain an inquisitive learner myself.
This quote from over twelve hundred years ago still applies today:
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
“Avoir une autre langue, c’est posséder une seconde âme.”
—Charlemagne, King of the Franks