E. Pedagogical reflection I and II

Pedagogical reflection I


1.- Talk about a teacher who influenced you. What characteristics did he/she have?

My teacher when I was in Highschool. She is an excellent teacher and person, but unfortunately she is not working in Education now. Besides her great personality, she tought us several concepts that we studied at University, even that I am using for my classes.

2.- Why do you want to become a language teacher? And why English?

I always have been interested in teaching and language. Considering that my project of life was studying at university, I decided to study pedagogy, and related to English. It could be Spanish, but I think that is more useful to know other language. Linguistics is the same for any kind of language!

3.- What experiences and personal strengths do you bring to language teaching?

The experience of studying abroad, and to learn concepts that are not applied in Chile. To know other educational context and to have the possibility to compare the diferent realities.

4.- How do you see yourself in (please talk about your profesional life:
A.- 1 more year: Working in other school, or in the same that I am actually working, and trying to apply the concepts learnt in the process of becoming teacher.
B.- 15 more years: Having my master degree abroad, and working in a government instituion (ministry, university, etc)
C.- 30 more years: Teaching in "teacher training programs"

5.- What personal and profesional characteristics ahould a teacher of English have? Provide 3 of each.

One of the most important characteristics of a teacher of English is to be and expert in terms of language.
The other characterisctic is in relation to her/his vocation. That is important for the teacher, but also for those who receive the knowledge.
And the last one is connected to numbre 2. The motivation that teachers have, and how they motivate their students. But I think that it depends on the educational environment in which he/she is involved.

6.- What do you want to accomplish as a student teacher?

I would like that my students feel commited with their learning, specially English, and also involve the role of parents in the learning process of their children.


Pedagogical Reflection II


What do you think the cartoon provided below is illustrating? Why? Answer briefly.

It shows how close we are to the reality, and how we avoid those things that are happening around us. To watch TV for knowing the reality that is happening outside my house, is not to face bravely the real world and the complex situations that we (for example, as teachers) are involved in.
II. Reflective writing

• Taking into account the information you collected during the observation stage,

1. Reflect on the importance of the initial observation period in final practicum.

It is an important process in terms of knowing the environment in which we are going to work for a couple of months, but also is important for considering the different aspects that a school has, and the diversity of people that we are going to know. It is for taking into account the diversity and for realizing that we will have people in charge, that are waiting for our classes and in this period, I have realized that the decisions that I take can change the appreciation of the students for my subject.

2. Refer to the observed issues in assigned school, and explain if these issues caused a change on the expectations you had about this particular period.

I think that the main issue in the school is the lake of resources that can make harder the development of classes (computers, projectors, etc) in case that I have the idea of working with them. I know that in high school teachers have problems in terms of discipline, but I really don’t have real complex issues that have changed my expectations.

3. How did you feel? Provide one example you consider most relevant to support your answer.

I felt really well, because the teacher always included me in the classroom, and I have the advantage that my class is small, so is much easier to have a personalized treatment with the students. The another thing that made me feel very well was that the rest of teachers always let me participate in the official events of the school. That makes me feel part of the school and they have created a good environment for us (all the prospective teachers that are in the school)