Contact Information
Email: katebarba10@gmail.com
Phone: (267) 261-4551
Learning Outcome 4
"Students will demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultures both within
and outside the United States, and knowledge of the role English has played and plays in
the world."
For this learning outcome, I chose to focus on the role that English has played and plays in the world. The MA/TESL class Introduction to Sociolinguistics taught me the importance of English as a global language but also to recognize that there are many versions of English that are accepted. Even within the United States, there are various ways that the English language is spoken and as a teacher, it is my responsibility to expose the students to the different types of English that they might encounter.
One way that I was able to introduce the different ways of speaking English in the United States while working in Ecuador was to invite fellow Peace Corps volunteers to come speak at my school. Volunteers come from all parts of the United States including states such as Texas, Alaska, Maryland, and California. One friend from Texas came to my school and spoke to the students in a southern accent which is very different from what they were accustomed to hearing from me. I also included words and audio recordings from the United Kingdom and Australia to expose the students to more ways of speaking English. With a language as vast and widespread as English, it is important to teach that all forms of the language are important and should be valued.
The English language is particularly important for the English teachers as well as the students in my school. Ecuador is a popular tourist destination for English speakers and the ability to speak English is a valuable skill that many employers in the country are seeking. The two videos below are from an English teacher and a student in my school who discuss the importance that English has in their own personal lives.
A Teacher's Prospective
A Student's Prosepective