Ariana Terebelo Reflection 3

     There are some concepts that I have been learning in my TE 150 class that I think could be very applicable to this class, and my future as an ESL teacher. First, we learned about Statistical Learning. This is when you learn something based on the frequency in which you see it, hear it or are told it. It is a process of learning that does not require thinking. In other words, it is a “dumb process”. I think that when teaching an ESL class, especially younger grades, this could be utilized. When teaching something that may be hard for students to grasp on to, it may be beneficial to, throughout a period of time, keep repeating the main points, keep showing them things relating to it, and exposing them to the information without them thinking that they are learning it. This type of learning happens through repetition, therefore, by repeating things to the class, they may unintentionally learn the information. 

     Second, we recently discussed the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic learning. Pretty much, intrinsic learning is when the student learns for themselves. They do something because they find it interesting, beneficial to them or because they like it. Extrinsic learning is when the student learns something for a reward. For example, they only study for the test to get a good grade, or they only do their homework to get a sticker. It is best for students to learn intrinsically because they will remember the information more and are doing it for their own benefit. I think that when teaching an ESL class, it is very important to try and promote this type of learning. I think that to do this, it is important for the teacher to have a clear understanding of the student’s interests, background, etc. Therefore, they will be able to incorporate these things into lessons that may otherwise seem boring. This will allow the ESL students to really grasp the information and learn in a more efficient way.

     Lastly, we talked about embodied cognition. In this, knowing is linked to moving through and seeing the physical world. We learn better when we are exposed to things. For an ESL class, many of them have never been exposed to many of the things that may be taught or talked about in the classroom, and many of them may know very little english, and be new to America. Therefore, I think that it is very important to take field trips, watch videos, do activities, etc. that will expose the students to things an allow them to actively participate and understand. According to embodied cognition, by doing this, learning and knowledge will come more easily. In TE 150 there are many learning and teaching ideas and concepts that could be effectively utilized in an ESL classroom.