Five beliefs inform my teaching:

a) A student-centered language classroom is superior to a teacher-centered one.
b) Language is better learned through a communicative approach.
c) Students have different learning styles.
d) Students should learn both to understand and to value languages and cultures which are foreign to their own.
e) Technology-based language instruction is essential for improving language learning.
 

a) I favor a student-centered over a teacher-centered classroom, one in which I function primarily as a model and guide, not as an authoritarian figure.  Consequently, in my elementary classes I encourage the active production of language and activities in which students may communicate with each other in Spanish, rather than having to respond solely to me.  I am aware that there is a delicate balance between student and teacher control, and that this balance is continually shifting---for example, it is sometimes necessary in elementary classes to exert more control over student production of language, in particular when reinforcing correct grammar usage.  However, locating this balance is what I continually strive for.

b) Like many other language teachers, I believe in a communicative approach, primarily because language learning is not a solitary but a social activity which calls for a continual interaction between the learner and others.  Therefore, I devote much class time at the elementary levels to group activities in which students work with each other, either in pairs, small groups, or as one large group in which everyone has the opportunity to communicate with his/her peers.  This allows me to move around the class and either participate or attend to specific difficulties which an individual or group might have.

c) Students of foreign languages have very different learning styles, and I believe that every student needs to identify and use specific learning strategies which are appropriate for her/him.  To cite only two examples, some students may learn better through word association: one of my students remembered the Spanish word for “breakfast” (“desayuno”) by associating the “uno” in “desayuno” with the “first” meal of the day.  On the other hand, students who are more visually oriented often learn better by playing “pictionary” and working with images.

d) Cultural competence is an essential part of learning a language.  The purpose of language learning is not only to enable one to communicate with peoples of other cultures, but also to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of these cultures.

e) I integrate technology into all of my classes, including the use of e-mail, BLACKBOARD, video, and the internet.  I am an enthusiastic supporter of technology in language teaching for two main reasons: a) technology is an invaluable aid for students during the many hours spent outside the classroom, and b) technology offers both students and teachers a rapid and efficient way of organizing and presenting information, in addition to meeting the need of today’s students for visual stimulation.