My History

The fact that many teachers only require their students to memorize words or grammar rules is something I have never liked about traditional language teaching. They frequently fail to provide instructions on when and how to use the words, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. I think learning a language ought to be more useful and significant. Even seasoned educators occasionally struggle to assist students in using the language effectively. The true issue, in my opinion, is not just how we instruct but also how students comprehend the material and generate the results. My first experience working with children and teenagers was when I participated as an assistant monitor in a camp. It was a unique experience, which helped me to understand in part what it is like to work as a teacher and much more to transmit knowledge through a foreign language. It is very difficult to reach students, especially if they do not have a solid base of knowledge. However, through games the students were able to gradually learn some English expressions and to get along better. 

As I was studying the major of Pedagogia de los Idiomas Nacionales y Extranjeros, I became aware of different theories of teaching methods and inspiring authors that provide varied points of views focused on “how” students are learning. 

                                               

One of the many methods we discussed was the Montessori method developed by Maria Montessori, who argued that it is possible to make a positive impact on an infant’s life with the knowledge gained through experience. Indeed, students doing better in learning situations if they could find or discover things for themselves (Güzeltaş & Türkoğlu, 2024). I think that the Montessori method encourages students to become more independent learners. To done this, it is important for students to connect their learning with their life experiences and personal inclinations. 

                                                                  

I was also introduced to Noam Chomsky, who said that every person has the ability to acquire a language in a natural way. He argued that humans are born with a something called “universal grammar” in their brains (Dash, 2023). This made me think that we should not require students to learn everything through repetition and memorization, but rather help them discover the patterns and rules of the language through interaction and their personal experience.

                                                                 

Another key thinker is Miguel De Zubiría, a Colombian psychologist who emphasized emotional and social development in education. He put forward the idea that learning isn't only about information, it is also about feelings, relationships, and motivation (Carrillo, 2023) . His ideas solidified for me the notion that a successful language teacher must connect with their students, and help them feel confident, safe, and engaged with their learning. These ideas have influenced my own teaching philosophy since I consider that the points proposed by these authors are in line with the type of methodologies I want to use in the classroom and the teacher I want to become.