Language Tutoring
My first experience working with ESL learners was as part of my ENG484 Teaching English and Pedagogical Grammar class, when I tutored a Colombian student with his ESL writing and speaking classes. During our meetings throughout the spring semester, we helped each other with writing conventions normal in each of our cultures. The discussions we had were important because we were able to share things about our cultures, like what movies or songs are popular now in our countries.
I tutored two ESL students the following semester; one student was from Nepal and the other from South Korea. This time, we focused on discourse: speaking and pronunciation. To focus on these skills, I used activities that would be engaging for both individuals. We did things like watch short video clips and describe them to each other. One activity was that one student had to shut his eyes when putting together a puzzle and the other student had to give directions on how to put it together. This is more challenging than it sounds, trust me!
Both experiences in tutoring ESL students have made me really excited to work with language learners in the future and possibly teaching English abroad in a Spanish speaking country.
BEHIND the LESSONS
I lowered students’ affective filters by fostering community within the tutoring setting and motivating students through enjoyable yet challenging language tasks. There are so many perspectives to hear, and I want to be there to listen. People have a right to share their voices, and I hope to prepare individuals who listen to others and take action when necessary. A sense of community and belonging is so important to foster in a world language classroom setting, by creating a comfortable space for students to share their experiences and voice their opinions about the world in which we live. The individuals who come together in the classroom come from diverse backgrounds and are each a unique learner. I look forward to promoting cultural understanding and respect toward all in my future language classes.
I tutored two ESL students the following semester; one student was from Nepal and the other from South Korea. This time, we focused on discourse: speaking and pronunciation. To focus on these skills, I used activities that would be engaging for both individuals. We did things like watch short video clips and describe them to each other. One activity was that one student had to shut his eyes when putting together a puzzle and the other student had to give directions on how to put it together. This is more challenging than it sounds, trust me!
Both experiences in tutoring ESL students have made me really excited to work with language learners in the future and possibly teaching English abroad in a Spanish speaking country.
BEHIND the LESSONS
I lowered students’ affective filters by fostering community within the tutoring setting and motivating students through enjoyable yet challenging language tasks. There are so many perspectives to hear, and I want to be there to listen. People have a right to share their voices, and I hope to prepare individuals who listen to others and take action when necessary. A sense of community and belonging is so important to foster in a world language classroom setting, by creating a comfortable space for students to share their experiences and voice their opinions about the world in which we live. The individuals who come together in the classroom come from diverse backgrounds and are each a unique learner. I look forward to promoting cultural understanding and respect toward all in my future language classes.