Capstone ESL Portfolio

Abstract

This ESL Portfolio demonstrates my understanding of how to become a qualified teacher to best serve culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) English language learners (ELL). I reflect upon the theoretical knowledge that I have learned during the two years’ study at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University and also my practical teaching experiences. With the reflection, I develop my vision of teaching that help ELLs achieve academic success. This Portfolio consists of three parts: 1) philosophy of teaching, 2) TESOL standards for ESL/EFL teachers and 3) implications, challenges, and final reflections. In the first part, I state my philosophy of teaching under the theoretical framework of Vygotsky’s sociocultural view of learning. In the second part, I address the TESOL standards in seven domains, which are planning, instructing, assessing, identity and context, learning, content, and commitment and professionalism. For each domain, I demonstrate my understanding by explaining and evidences from the artifacts that I created for my course work. In the last part, I present my ideal vision of my future classroom, identity the challenges I will meet in real teaching, and also how I will make efforts to meet the challenges. This Portfolio not only shows my understanding of the knowledge I have gained through course work, but also my passion and efforts to become a successful ELL teacher.