A note about Jan. 26th

During our last class period we managed to have some interesting discussions about researching in the TESL field. Brian's presentation helped to highlight the fact that most of us need to learn by experience and experience only. That's not to say that a class like ours isn't useful, but it shows that much of the information we cover must be applicable in a classroom in order for it to enhance our teaching abilities. I have realized this as I have gone about my private tutoring this semester as well. During and after each of my lessons I take some time to assess myself and I try to notice if my student is in fact learning. This can sometimes be hard because their language ability cannot miraculously improve overnight, but it can improve steadily over time and I feel that this accumulation of feedback is crucial to how I will alter my teaching style and technique for future classes with other students (and possibly with the same students).

This concern with needs analysis is what lead me to my current topic of research. I think that since this kind of analysis is extremely useful then I should become as aware of it as I possibly can so that I can have a flexible and creative approach in my teaching from class to class. Stephanie and Nate joined me in this project during the end of our last class period and I believe that we will be able to discover several approaches that will only help to enhance our teaching skills.