Learners

"The ability to develop an understanding of the multilingual/multicultural contexts within which adult English language learners live and work and the role of learning and using English in an increasingly globalized world"

For the sociology-based course, APLNG804, the focus was on culture and the implications for the classroom. I spent time learning about how culture and globalization have evolved through history and their effect on national and educational policies. I created several visual interpretations for exploring concepts related to culture and making culture meaningful through VoiceThread software. I reflected on ways to integrate culture as content in the classroom. I developed strategies to be a more culturally-responsive teacher. I also spent a lot of time on the Teaching Tolerance website, hosted by the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

Excerpts from Reflective Tasks:

 --“Some of my students have expressed that they don’t understand why English is more important than their language. This can be an even bigger problem if ELLs were relocated to the U.S. without their consent (ex: parents’ choice), or they are being taught English in their native country (ex: teaching in China). It’s so important to continually let the students know that their culture and language is equally important.”

--“Teachers should be made aware of how students are positioned in the classroom. I know the focus is on ELLs, but I believe this should just be practical teaching advice. Position others the way you want to be positioned. Students should feel included, respected, and part of something they have a say in. By teachers constantly reflecting on their lesson plans, thinking about how to be culturally inclusive, and evaluating how their individual, social, national, and global identities affect their classroom pedagogies.”  

--“Talking about other cultures is simple, staying conscious of what you and others are saying can be the challenging part.”

--“I think the final point here, is that regardless of the student, they should be encouraged to work hard towards success, even if this means some level of reward; however, that student should not be given a false sense of self-esteem. It will only cause more problems and let-down in the future.”

Samples of Coursework Demonstrating Mastery of the Goal:

Voice Thread Artifacts
1. My Cultural Bag
2. On the Fringe
3. English Language Texts
4. Positive Effects
Major Assignments
1. Critical Cultural Analysis Written Reflection
2. Critical Cultural Analysis Presentation (Voice Thread) 

Wearing a han bok (traditional Korean dress)