This week's topic is a reflection on accommodations for individual learners in the host nation. In the United States, if you are studying to become a teacher, the word "differentiation" is one of the most popular terminology you will hear. What this word indicates is that a teacher should realize and make adjustments in every lesson because there are many different types of learners. Each individual learns in a unique way, at a unique pace, etc. Therefore, using many different types of teaching methods (visual, auditory, body-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal) makes for the teacher to better reach his or her students.
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| Class Book - English 3 de Primaria (note the fact that they call the bathroom a toilet...hehe) |
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| Class Book - English 3 de Primaria |
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| 5 de Primaria Science Book |
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| 5 de Primaria Science Book |
Since my students' native tongue is Spanish, and I am teaching them English Language and/or Science, I've learned and applied many different methods to my lessons. Repetition, visuals, translations, chants, songs, pictures, movements and more have all been a part of my daily lessons. The curriculum (mainly textbooks and workbooks) do a good job at providing picture clues and English reinforcement. However, I've done some lessons that are not a part of the curriculum, for example, my Thanksgiving lessons. I took what I observed my first week and applied it to my own lessons. The teachers here are great at making sure the students understand what they are doing. It's really important to not only learn the English, but comprehend the material as well. However, if you think about it, young students at home are all English language learners! They're still learning a lot about how to read, write and spell. Side note: English is much harder because of the bizarre spelling patterns. In Spanish, words are written just like they sound. In English...pshh...almost never!
Of course, accommodations also include helping students who are below level. Now, let me make note that it is so hard to ask questions like these to teachers because of the language barrier. I feel as though I do not receive all of the information entirely! However, the teachers tutor students individually if they need help. Some students leave the classroom to receive learning support with a specialist. Being that this is a private school, there are not many students who need an extreme amount of extra support. Nonetheless, the teaching style is a little bit more "old school" in my opinion. It's pretty much whole group instruction and individual activities a majority of the time. One thing I do love though is how much students get to color. They color on the tests, they draw in their class notes, etc. I love that version of expression and I feel like that is being lost in the US because of the focus on reading and writing. Also, it's common for students to be held back a grade if they do not pass. Education is important to many students and their families, so school is to be taken very seriously. This is refreshing.
To wrap it up, the accommodations for learners here in Spain do exist. On the other hand, I don't believe they are as extreme as the accommodations made for students in the United States. That may be due to the fact I am in a private, small town school. Seeing different types of learners has really broadened my knowledge for how to accommodate in different ways.
Lessons Taught This Week:
- Cono 2: Sports & Health
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