Jacqueline Martin Reflection

I thought the questions that Soo posed the other week about whether to give our international students
American names or not was interesting and one that I hadn’t thought of before.  When I first started taking French classes our teacher would say our name with a French accent.  This was easy for my name because it’s already French.  I thought it was kind of fun and really helped us get into the spirit of the class.  Granted, we didn’t receive a totally different name, just different pronunciations.  If I had a Chinese student in an ESL classroom in America I would have one class near the beginning of the semester and have each of the students pick an American name.  Then I would probably ask them which name they would prefer to be called.  This allows them to create an American name but choose to keep their given name if they so choose.  If they decide to keep their Chinese name it is up to me, then to practice the pronunciation.  I would appreciate it if an international teacher put effort into correctly pronouncing my name so I will do the same for them.

Along the same lines as that, I think it would be interesting and exciting to bring American culture into an international classroom.  I always loved it when in French or Spanish class we would eat exotic foods that are specifically known for in French and Spanish speaking countries.  Also listening to music or watching TV shows that appropriately and accurately portray American culture would be fun for the students.  One idea would be to celebrate July Fourth or Thanksgiving.  You could bring in hot dogs and hamburgers, and a turkey on those respective days.  I think the students would appreciate it, too if they were allowed to show you some of their culture.  For example, for Chinese new year the students could bring in traditional Chinese foods and games that they eat and partake in during that time so they feel that their culture is being appreciated too.