Week 2: Methods

I found myself smiling at the beginning of chapter one. I was really intrigued when I read those first couple of sentences regarding the profession of being a teacher. After reading the first chapter, I realized that although I am in a TESOL class, I can apply anything I learn in regard to language learning and teaching even to my main passion of Spanish teaching. "For as long as you continue to teach, you will never run out of new questions, new possibilities, new ways of looking at your students, and new ways of looking at yourself" (p. 2, Brown). This particular quote sums up the chapter for me. I believe that this type of thinking is shown through out the observation and analysis of Ms. Lee's ESL class. I believe that this is a powerful preliminary chapter to read for the class. As we'll all on our way to becoming future language educators. I will hold these thoughts, ideas, and advisable words close to my heart.

The second chapter in Brown was a great review of the different pedogogic methods. Reading about each one, their history of how they came about, and an in-depth analysis of what the methods entail really help give students an idea to the kind of methods they'd want to use in their own classroom. My question is: Which is the most effective? I feel as though this question might be a difficult one to answer because all teachers have their own way of doing things, teaching things, and seeing things. But I am curious to see what is out there regarding the different methods. Is there one that is more favored over another? Why is the least used method, the least used one? What are some new and upcoming methods that will ultimately shape the methodologies that already exist through extensive history?

Although there are so many questions, I believe it's been said that the most structured and popular of methods is the Grammar Translation Method. Even though I can see why this would be the favored choice, I see there being a better one. How can we teach in a way that incorporates a mix of all the methods? Having the structure but also the freedom and flexible structures of others seems like a pretty valid idea. I'm interested in seeing what it can do.

Intro Blog

My name's Dinah Kontos and I am in my last semester of classes here at Illinois State University. I am a Spanish Education major for the secondary level, along with a middle school endorsement. I am also finishing up for my certificate in TESOL.

Ultimately, I would like to work in a high school teaching Spanish as a foreign language. I've always loved the language along with all the cultures and countries associated with it. Growing up in a household where a lot of Spanish and Greek were spoken, it encouraged me to go for a TESOL certificate as well. Both my parents are foreign, so it's interesting when the topic of English comes up. I've also worked with my mom in her elementary school bilingual program. There are several children from grades 1-5 whose L1 is Spanish. Working with these kids, connecting with them, and even their parents made me want to study this for my future profession as an educator.

I would like to work in North Suburbs of Chicago, as that was the setting in which I, myself went to school. However, I wouldn't mind working in the city of Chicago for a few years as well. I believe working in the city will help me gain confidence in my discipline of students, and being able to work in diverse settings.

My goal as an educator is to help students move through the difficult times they may come over, and help students find their passion in education. I hope to be a teacher of inspiration and motivation. School can be hard for some, and I know I've had teachers in the past who have made a great impact on my life. I hope to be the same to my students, no matter the age, level, or language.