CAPSTONE ELL Portfolio

Abstract

This ELL Portfolio demonstrates my philosophy of teaching and my proficiency in teaching English language learners (ELLs) according to the TESOL standards. In this portfolio, I review the artifacts I have accomplished in the two-year ELL program at Peabody College, and reflect upon them about their effectiveness in serving the increasingly diverse ELL population. The portfolio consists of three parts: (1) my philosophy of teaching, (2) a review of artifacts with regard to the TESOL standards, and (3) my reflection on challenges and implications for future teaching. In the first part, I discuss my overall teaching philosophy based on the theoretical framework of social constructivism, and how this theory shapes my view of culturally responsive teaching. In the second part, I discuss my interpretation of the TESOL standards, present relevant artifacts created during my program of studies, and explain how these artifacts prove my competency in the following seven domains of the TESOL standards: (1) Planning, (2) Instructing, (3) Assessing, (4) Identity and Context, (5) Learning, (6) Content, and (7) Commitment and Professionalism. Each domain is illustrated with an artifact and analyzed focusing particularly on learners and learning, learning environment, curriculum and assessment. In the third part, I discuss the challenges I am facing or about to face concerning teaching ELLs, and explain how I am going to overcome them. I look back on the time spent at Peabody College and reflect on the most important takeaway in terms of ELL education. More importantly, I envision my identity in the future classroom and the lifelong professional development as a teacher.