Taller de Práctica Docente 2018

Tutora: Aurelia Velázquez

Assignment 1: Didactics Diagnostic Questionnaire

Deadline: March 19, 2018

Please submit your file with the following name:

Arroyo – TPD –Didactics Diagnostic Questionnaire

Answer the following questions in about 75 words each.

1. From the previous Didactic courses you did, what teaching and learning theories,

and what approaches or methods support or will support your teaching? Why?

What authors will you consult during your practicum?

I will consult Vigotsky’s theory of learning taking account what the learner can do, what the learner can do
with the help from others and what the learner will attempt to do. According to Brian Tomlinson, I have to
mention Language Awareness Approach because learners discover language for themselves. Lastly,
Communicative Approach is of great importance because learners need to communicate real meaning
through language.

2. What is your perspective of lesson planning? From past experiences in Didactics,

what are your strengths and what are the aspects to improve?
I believe that lesson planning is a way of organizing what are the topics we want to teach and how to teach
them in the classroom. I think that I should be more creative in my activities and think how can adapt my
lesson plan according to my students’ needs. I know that if I can make a good planning it allows me for more
effective teaching.

3. What is your view of children and teenagers learning English at school?

In my opinion, children are learning sponges. They take information from everything around them, they learn
from things they see, hear and interact with. Also, they are curious about the world and love learning through
games for example. On the other hand, teenagers are developing as thinkers and they understand the
difference between the real and the imaginary. We have to hold their interests and motivate them all the time.

4. How much exposure to the L2 do you think it is necessary to include in your

classes? What are the sources of this exposure? Do you favour an English-only

perspective? Why?
Students need a lot of good exposure if they are to acquire a language. One or two hours a week is not
enough for successful acquisition, it may give students a taste of the new language, make them feel
comfortable and positive about language and motivate them with a lot of fun and new interesting tasks. We
have to consider that they show interest in real life situation.

5. What is the ultimate goal of teaching an L2 for you? What do we teach the

language for? What do learners need?

We have to know that language teaching is no longer seen as fixed structures and lexis contained in a
syllabus or a text book. It is seen as dynamic process so learners need to be themselves actively involved. In
this way, learners are able to explore the relationship between grammar and communicative aspect using
authentic material. In addition to this, they also become active explorers of language.

6. What are teaching strategies? How acquainted are you with them? Which ones do
you usually or would you apply?
Teaching strategies are methods that teachers use in order to help students learn contents and are able to
develop goals in the future. Teaching strategies identify the different available learning methods to enable
them to develop the right strategy to deal with the target group identified. I would apply Assessment in which
learning capabilities of students provides an important key in the development of a successful teaching
strategy.

7. What are classroom management strategies? How acquainted are you with them?

Which ones do you usually or would you apply? Does the seating arrangement

contribute to effective classroom management?

Classroom management strategies refer to all the skills and techniques that the teacher uses to keep students
organized, orderly, attentive, and interested in tasks. I would apply many strategies such as be kind but firm,
be prepared, be sure students have my attention, encourage tidiness, use fun activities (games, music for
example), guide students, always offer support and create a positive atmosphere in the classroom.

8. From a motivational perspective, how innovative should your lessons be? Why?

What do you think about the pedagogical use of ICT in and outside the classroom?
In my opinion, ICT is really interesting because nowadays students are interested and engaged in technology.
If we use technology we are giving opportunities to make teaching and learning more effective and
interesting. Students seem to be motivated in what they are studying and the lessons are fun and enjoyable in
terms of teaching same things but in new ways.

9. Do you have any experience teaching EFL? In what context? To what ages?
Fortunately, I could start teaching English at a private Institute this year. I’m teaching only kids,
they are 8- 9 years old. And, it’s a small group of 7 students. In this way, I can experience teaching
 EFL. They are very enthusiastic and I know that they need a certain amount of time to absorb the
language. I love teaching them because they are nice and we can play games.

10. What is your opinion as regards observation? How can you benefit from it? Have

you ever been observed while teaching?

In my opinion, observation is really important for classroom performance. Teachers’ observations are
essential for professional growth. Also, it’s a form of collaborative professional development so teachers can
exchange information, share ideas and use different techniques in order to improve teaching. In that way,
teachers have new visions in their teaching and for their professional development. In my case, the
headmistress of the institute observes my classes and then we discuss my performance.