English Language Learners Capstone Portfolio
Zhi, Xiao
:
2017-03-01
Abstract
This portfolio is a demonstration of my philosophy and proficiency in English language teaching.
It consists of three parts: 1) my philosophy of teaching, 2) my understanding of the TESOL
standards illustrated with artifacts, and 3) my reflection on teaching applications. In the first part,
I begin by discussing the overarching learning theories that support my future teaching, and
transit to more specific frameworks in language learning and teaching practice. In the second
part, I discuss my understanding of the eight TESOL domains: Planning, Instructing, Assessing,
Identity and Context, Language Proficiency, Learning, Content, and Commitment and
professionalism. The artifacts I use to support my professional knowledge are the works that I
have done during my two-year study in the English Language Learners program at Peabody
College. In analyzing the relevance between the artifact and the domain, I address it from four
aspects: 1) learners and learning, 2) the learning environment, 3) curriculum and 4) assessment.
As I bridge between theories and practice in the final parts, I talk about teaching implications
especially for English language teaching in China, and bring up obstacles and challenges that I
may encounter in my future teaching. Although I provide a general solution to some of them,
there are still some concerns about the implementation of CLT in China that are left open-ended.
Along with my interest in pronunciation learning, I identify directions for my continued
professional development in the future.