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Teaching
My passion for teaching started when I was in elementary school. Learning how to teach has been long journey of deep reflection for more than twenty years.
I have found that no one single methodology can be used to promote the acquisition of a new language. Learning outcomes can be determined by many different factors, and a language teacher needs to have an integrated view across different disciplines to understand and facilitate language acquisition.
I advocate the exclusive use of the target language (input) in the classroom, and a content-driven learner-centered class setting.
I enjoy the creative side of my job, how to promote active linguistic interactions inside and outside the classroom using the target language, and how to unfold different contexts that will appeal to my students desires and need of communication (output).
My first goal is to create a classroom culture where everyone feels welcomed, engaged and valued. One of my favorite ESL teachers often said “Students learn best when they personally connect with their instructor and feel comfortable and culturally accepted in their class.” I cannot agree more. Language learning blooms inside real social interactions.
In my classes we follow a very defined syllabus and a predictable calendar, and we have a balanced use of oral and writen production and interpretation. We also have room for stories and humor. Each class is like a tour to another culture where different scenarios provide a context for the students to interact and accomplish their negotiation of meaning.
I advocate the use of authentic, real life contents produced by native speakers like online newspapers, streaming audio, online tv,etc. I challenge my students to became self learners by providing resources that they can independently explore and enjoy ( like a virtual visit to a restaurant in Buenos Aires, to a museum in Madrid, to a concert in Colombia, a view of the weather channel in Costa Rica).
Vocabulary and grammar are introduced inductively and reinforced through daily homework. Fluent speaking is a personal goal for the students. My background as a speech pathologist comes alive here, mediating the acquisition of new phonemes.
I work to foster growth in oral and written skills related to each student's particular interest and strengths. From different approaches and methodologies, real-life content, on-line resources, and the help of language learning technologies, I hope to inspire and to challenge my students to love this journey of their new language adquisition.
More than ten percent of the students in my courses have pursued Spanish studies abroad. All of them mentioned their experience in the classroom as a motivational factor.
My unique experience as a language therapist, teacher and mother of three bilingual children has enabled me to engage students with different pace in their language learning experience, as well as to enjoy teaching a wide expectrum of classes, from begginers to more advance courses.
Syllabus Example
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