Power of Language

Brooke Rosa-Peterson

ENG 420

Professor Gonzalez

15 December 2019

1
 There is a famous Chinese proverb that states to learn a language is to have one more

window from which to look at the world. For well-educated children of the future, language is so

important because it provides a pathway between people. It is the guide to communication

which is a major key to success in multiple aspects of life. Language is a critical skill every

student needs to survive and succeed in the 21st century. It is imperative as educators we place

focus on the important aspects of learning that will travel with students as they go through their

journey in obtaining knowledge that they are able to access the skills required to be successful in

multiple areas in life. Learning is not just about understanding subjects that are taught but

understanding the skills needed to be able to retain the information learned and apply what they

learn through language. Again, as educators, it is important we focus “more thoughtfully into a

student-centered classroom where learners can engage in high interest content that is relevant,

useful, and promotes innovation” (Davila).

As a future educator, it is my belief that literacy is not enough. My focus as an educator

will surround assisting students in developing problem-solving skills, along with collaborative

and creative learning, and communication. I hope to allow students the freedom to be

themselves, working closely with others to really zone in on developing the skills necessary to be

successful behind school. Language acquisition is imperative to communicative success, but it is

also my belief that “the more we focus on students’ ability to devise effective solutions to real-

world problems, the more successful those students will become” (Watanabe-Crockett).

Utilizing and implementing relatable strategies within my classroom as a 21-century educator

will be a key element in creating a learning environment conducive to knowledge acquisition.

Teaching literacy is so important because it gives students the skills to be able to

comprehend multiple subjects that are taught. When it comes to teaching literacy to our future

2
learners, creating engaging lessons that include the use of technology to assist with the

development of language skills at their level is essential to their success. When developing these

lessons, I would like to include how each of the topics being taught relate to real-life and how

they can be applied outside of school, using modes of communication students have become

most familiar with. It is all too often that I see people from older generations fail to apply the

language skills they have developed to today’s modes of communication such as text messages

and emails. Allowing students access to these outlets while learning will help prepare them for

their futures. Starting with the basic skills of language development including phonology and

the sounds of words and letters, morphology and the way in which words are formed and most

importantly grammar and syntax so that other’s are able to understand the message one is trying

to convey will be the foundation for teaching literacy to my students. Consistently reviewing

these skills and re-teaching for understanding will be an important part of ensuring the successful

comprehension of what is being taught. By continuing to implement lessons that cover these

areas, I will be able to assess the needs of my students to direct my teaching and make them

more efficient learners who retain the important skills necessary to be successful.

As an educator it will always be my main priority to prepare my students for the future

and put forth my best effort in providing them with the tools they will need to identify their gifts

and be able to present them to the world. Because today’s world is far more complicated and

complex than it was many years ago, it is important that we as educators understand “if today’s

students want to compete in this global society, they must also be proficient communicators,

creators, critical thinkers, and collaborators” (National Education Association). It is readily

understood that in order to be proficient communicators, creators, critical thinkers and

collaborators, one must have the foundational skills associated with language as they are the

3
same skills that give us the ability to understand one another through written and spoken word. I

inspire to not only implement the learning of these skills through lessons developed for the

classroom but to be an example of these skills in every interaction involving my students and I. I

understand that “the teaching critical thinking and problem solving, communication,

collaboration, and creativity and innovation are not new concepts for educators. In fact, they are

the basis of great teaching, and most teachers aspire to teach in a manner that incorporates these

strategies” (National Education Association) and continue to assess myself as an educator to

make sure I am not only keeping up with the changes in society but including my students in

these changes and providing them with a quality education that doesn’t focus on the core

subjects of learning but lifelong learning.

4
 References:

Davila, S. (2017, June 28). 21st century skills and the English language classroom. Retrieved

from https://www.english.com/blog/21st-century-skills/.

National Education Association. (n.d.) Preparing 21st-Century students for a Global Society.

Retrieved December 14, 2019, from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/A-Guide-to-Four-

Cs.pdf

Watanabe-Crockett, L. (n.d.). The Critical 21st Century Skills Every Student Needs and Why.

Retrieved December 13, 2019, from https://www.wabisabilearning.com/blog/skills-

every-student-needs.