English Language Learners Capstone Portfolio

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.