Looking back on this course
Comments(1) Looking back on what we have learned in this course, I feel there are two major themes with which I can most connect: how to integrate academic language into classes so our students can develop language literacy, and how to cater to the special needs of ELLs. During my short practicum I went to an English 11 class, and I was quite shocked to find out the entire class was about a simple grammatical pattern. What was even sadder was the fact some students scored not so well in the mini quiz at the end of the class. I honestly hope that class’s literacy is not representative of literacy of the entire school. Nonetheless, the necessity of enhancing students’ ability to think, write and discuss more academically cannot be emphasized enough. I also felt that although ELLs did get some attention, they simply weren’t receiving enough support which they needed so desperately. One thing I have in mind is that during my long practicum next year I may initiate a special club/tutoring session aimed at ELLs. They may come in whenever they have difficulty with any subject and I will provide as much help as I can. I will also try to get other teachers involved so there will always be some assistance provided.
First I would like to say this term went by super quick. I can’t believe this school is almost over. I agreed with you that the major themes for this course are: “how to intergrade academic language into classes so our students can develop language literacy, and how to cater to the special needs of ELLs.” I was not surprised to hear that that an English 11 class you observed was about a simple grammatical lesson and later on the students (most) scored low. In comparison to my personal experiences, one of the class I observed during my short term practicum was very much like your English 11 class. However, in my situation the students in the English 12 class was writing a academic essay, there were some students who were not able finish make it to the half-way point during a 80 min class. Later on, when the bell was able to go, there were some students still writing away. When the teacher asked the students to submit their essays, the students came up and said I did not finish half of my essay. I cannot simply assumed that those students were incapable of writing a full academic essay in 80 min. The fact of the matter is, it could simply be due to the topic. Thus, the topic was difficult to brainstorm and the like. Therefore, some of the students had difficulties generating ideas for the given essay topic. Or, it could also be that some of the students needed to work on their time management skills.