Teaching is one of the most rewarding and enriching careers when chosen by vocation. In teaching, vocation and personal motivation play an important role, since it is a profession that—through interactions with students in each class—presents new challenges, experiences and new learning. Therefore, the teacher must not only be prepared in the subject they teach, but must also have a comprehensive understanding of the humanities and methodological trends.
During my time as a graduate student at UBC, I have learned about the different methodologies in teaching a second language by observing and collaborating with more experienced teachers. Also, one of the most exciting courses I took was “Research and Methods in Second Language Learning and Teaching.” We discussed and learned the different methodologies and factors involved in learning a second language, such as the linguistic, cognitive, affective, cultural and practical factors. Finally, I realized that all these learning methodologies were tools that could be used intuitively, depending on the kind of student or the type of classroom (virtual or in person).
My philosophy of teaching developed gradually from more than six years of teaching Spanish as a second language and engagement with numerous students throughout. I taught Spanish for beginners and intermediate students, but as a PhD student in Hispanic studies, I can teach advanced Spanish without any problem.
First of all, I believe that it is very important to create a positive and engaging classroom atmosphere so students can feel safe and motivated to participate in the classroom. I always try to have a supportive and caring attitude toward students. When I ask questions in class, I try to make students feel comfortable; it is important that students feel that the teacher is in class to help them learn. I don’t push them to participate if they don’t want to.
I have also always had good empathy with people and especially with my students. I am a very understanding and tolerant teacher, and I like to maintain a relaxed class atmosphere. I am always willing to listen to each student. I know every person has their own way of learning, so I am always willing to help them.
At the beginning of the class, I always make a summary of the previous class. I think the review is an important key to maintain students’ interest, as concepts need to be reinforced before new ones are presented. For this, I always use Kahoot as a tool to summarize the previous vocabulary and grammar, and try to put on the board a series of questions that summarize the prior class, so that the students practice among themselves and then, in a relaxed atmosphere, can reply aloud.
During the pandemic, I have become more aware of the importance of technology, so now it is an important part of my teaching. I have found that it is one of the most effective tools for teaching and student learning.
I have learned to work with the many tools that Canvas offers. I am also familiar with Zoom, which is an excellent learning tool for virtual teaching. In addition to these platforms, I found that OneDrive, Blackboard and Kahoot are very good systems for peer interaction and feedback. The goal of using these tools in class is to stimulate students in learning and motivating the class.
It is my interest in class to give to the students a cultural context about Latin America and Spain. For example, I tend to use videos, short films, music and visual arts to introduce students to Hispanic culture. I believe using cultural elements in my lesson plans is instrumental in creating a positive and engaging classroom atmosphere. My cultural-technological approach to teaching enables my students to acquire language skills in a manner that keeps them interested and motivated.
Another important aspect of my teaching is to constantly use Spanish unless it is absolutely necessary to switch to English. I believe that establishing Spanish as the only language for classroom communication is key to its acquisition and retention by students. Students need to hear and use the language in order to eventually speak confidently the language. I see the language classroom as a space where language and culture are intertwined: language cannot be taught or learned independently of the culture within which it is embedded. That is why it is important to me to use Spanish all the time and thoroughly integrate culture into my lesson plans.
This philosophy of teaching and empathic approach to teaching reflect an important part of me as a teacher, as a member of society, and, at the same time, as an eternal student.