(a work in progress)
The goal of education is to raise up generations who:
The goal of education is to raise up generations who:
§ use critical thinking and logical reasoning skills to process information, make sense of the world around them and make wise evaluations and decisions
§ are able to view the world from multiple perspectives, stepping outside their own boundaries to question, challenge, and refine the way they think
§ communicate and express themselves effectively and creatively
§ understand, appreciate, and celebrate the value of knowledge, of the world in which we live, and, most importantly, of every human being
Great teaching comes from a commitment to both excellence and compassion.
§ Excellence in teaching requires that a teacher go beyond mastery in the subject he or she is teaching.
§ Sustained excellence in teaching requires a commitment to sustained learning and refining knowledge and skills, both in the subject area and in pedagogical practice.
§ Excellence in teaching is motivated by compassion for students – a vested interest in their success and well-being and a willingness to step into their shoes and view the classroom and the world from their perspective.
The classroom must be a place where:
§ Students have a sense of security that allows them to risk being wrong and not be afraid of being ridiculed or rejected for their mistakes.
§ Students are expected to think, ask questions, and challenge the teacher in appropriate ways as they become actively involved in their own learning.
§ Students know they are expected to work hard and do their best and can expect their teachers to do the same.
§ Both students and teachers are confident that every child can succeed.
§ The joy of learning is celebrated continuously.
I am passionate about language teaching because:
§ Languages are our primary means of interacting with each other.
§ Learning a language is a way of putting oneself in the role of another.
§ Learning a language is an experience that promotes the development of character traits such as cultural sensitivity, open-mindedness, humility, patience, and persistence.
§ Learning a language requires an individual to listen more attentively and think more carefully before speaking, promoting habits of thoughtful communication in any language.
§ Processing forms and structures in language allows for the cultivation of critical thinking and logical reasoning skills which refine the learner’s ability to express himself or herself accurately, effectively, and in a variety of ways.
§ Connecting deeply with cultures besides our own is essential to becoming a well-informed global citizen.
