My Philosophy

It is popularly known that English is an international language and that learning it opens doors to new job and educational opportunities. However, it is not only possibilities that learning a new language give us, but it also contributes to learners´ personal growth.  It has been said that being able to speak a second language helps students to develop their self confidence and it also improves the understanding of the world in which we live. In other words, learning a second language gives students a great sense of personal achievement and fulfilment.

As I expressed before, I try to favour the Communicative Approach in every lesson plan I prepare. Following Adamson´s ideas, I consider that the goal of language teaching is to help learners to communicate in the target language. Although it is not an easy task, every morning, I do my best in order to achieve this goal.

According to the authors Larsen and Freeman, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) implies understanding the target language as a vehicle for classroom communication and not just as an object of study; as a consequence, the communicative competence is the goal of teaching.

In addition, these authors suggest that authentic language should be introduced and presented in context. For this purpose, I choose a context, such as a dialogue, a video, a song or a text to introduce new topics.  Choosing a context is not an easy task since it must be according to students ‘interests.

Besides, according to the authors, following this model implies giving students the opportunity to express ideas and opinions. I try to give my students this possibility. For example, during my practicum, I provided them with a text about vegetarianism and after some activities of comprehension; they had to give their own opinions about this eating habit.

Following this approach implies a particular way of understanding errors and mistakes, too. They are seen as a vital part of the process of learning, therefore, if students make mistakes is because they are learning!

Finally, I try to develop learner centred lesson plans. Consequently, students and I are active participants of our classes and we are equally responsible of the process of learning.

Autonomy is a key element in this way of approaching learning. Developing learners´ autonomy is part of teachers’ role. For this purpose, students of my class are involved in taking decisions and they contribute to the class with their own ideas. All the activities are developed according to their needs and interests. What is more, learners cooperate with each other and they have the possibility of giving pair feedback. This opportunity allows them to increase their autonomy.

Regarding my role as teacher, I consider myself as a guide for my students; I provide directions, not instructions.

To sum up, this approach to learn English implies that students take responsibility for their own learning and it also implies working in an autonomous way. Therefore, as part of my role, I encourage them to work independently and I rely on their abilities and  their capacity to use the available resources. However, I always let them know that I am there to help them when necessary, that they are not alone in the adventure of learning!