Capstone English Language Learners Portfolio

Abstract

This capstone portfolio demonstrates my professional knowledge and teaching competence of how to best serve English language learners (ELL) to help them improve their English ability and also learn together with them. I analyze my past two-year work and reflect upon the knowledge and practice that a qualified ELL teacher needs to possess in order to support students’ learning and maximize their potentials. The portfolio contains three parts: 1) statement of teaching philosophy 2) Analysis of artifacts 3) implication for future teaching. In the first part, I synthesize across Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development theory, Jim Cummin’s language interdependence theory, and culturally responsive teaching approach. Combining with my understanding of language teaching and learning, I discuss how these theories and frameworks influence me to build my own teaching philosophy and belief. In the second part, I reflect on the artifacts that I have created during my two-year study in Peabody College, and align them with the TESOL standards to show my competence as an ELL teacher in different domains. In each domain, I specifically focus on learners, learning environment, curriculum, and assessment. In the third section, I reflect upon my two-tear learning experience in ELL program and identify my direction for my future teaching and continued professional development.