These last few months have most definitely been a challenge for me. I started this program in January and completed the first 3 courses at the same time. Followed by this culminating course and a whirlwind practicum, the program almost feels too short ;) ! I learned an amazing amount of new information about how languages are acquired, how we learn first and second (or fifth!) languages, and how adults learn in general. I learned so many new strategies about teaching reading, writing, listening and speaking. Although I had some experience in EFL in Egypt, I was surprised how much I didn't know!
The teaching of grammar in a task-based, communicative way is perhaps the most challenging thing I have learned through these courses, but is one of the first things I want to try in the classroom! Because it places language in context, I anticipate learners will find it very rewarding.
Completing my practicum was very demanding. I needed to finish it quickly because I was only in Winnipeg for a short time and everyone did their very best to accommodate me. Being in the classroom again was like a spark of energy. I learned a lot from my supervisor and sponsor teachers and I'm sure I will take those lessons forward with me as I begin working with language learners - hopefully in the very near future!
I may have said this before, but it deserves to be said again here: THANK YOU to all my classmates throughout the four courses and to Kaleigh and Terena, who, each in their own way, helped make my experience smooth and valuable!
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