My Teaching and Learning Approach

The context in which I was taught was based on Behaviourism. Some songs and games were included yet drills and the memorization of words were used most of the time. I could survive! and my will to learn was intact.

Even though I learn English under the light of the conception that the teacher was the one who imparted knowledge and we, students were empty recipients; different educational approaches and theories were introduced to modify this vision and fortunately my training as a teacher was quite different.

I play confidence in Vygotsky’s theory in which he states that the process of ‘making meaning’ by students cannot take place without the role of social interaction in cognition development. In this sense, I also adhere to the communicative approach in which language learning occurs within providing students meaningful contexts to produce real communication. To achieve this, a student- centered learning environment is necessary and a teacher that facilitates as many and varied opportunities of learning for students, taking into account their interests, motivations and learning styles is requested. This is the challenge I have as a teacher at the moment of planning my lessons.

I also consider that each student is unique, so they deserve respect to their learning pace, praise for their achievements and let them know that mistakes are part of their learning process.

The use of technology has helped me not only to be updated to the innovations but also enhance my students motivations to learn, connecting them with their every day life.

Colleen Wilcox states that teaching is the greatest act of optimism, and I totally agree with it. I would also add that it is an act of love to our students. Teaching requires trust in ourselves and hope in achieving our aims.

All in all, a good teacher is the one who is permanently learning, keeping an open mind to accept different perspectives an adapt to our world in constant change. This is the way to obtain our students’ appreciation and respect.