Artifact Reflection

Artifact Title: TESOL Minor Coursework

Date: Spring 2013-Fall 2014
Artifact Description:
This artifact shows all of the coursework I completed at UW-Platteville for my minor in
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). I have included my transcripts
showing that I passed all of the classes necessary, and now I am eligible for licensure in this
area as well.
Alignment:
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment:
This experience best aligns with Standard 3: The teacher understands how pupils differ in
their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction
to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.
This experience aligns with Standard 3 because during my TESOL courses I learned
all about different types of students who do not speak English as their first language and how
that can be a very large barrier to their learning in school. Even if I do not know how to speak
the students primary language, I can use different techniques to differentiate my lessons and
accommodate the student so that he or she can succeed in my classroom.
I am more competent in this standard now because I have the knowledge to recognize
what stops students from learning and implement different techniques to help all of my
students who may not be able to learn like the other students who speak the language.
UW-Platteville Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Alignment
This artifact best aligns with KSD1.b : The candidate displays knowledge of the typical
developmental characteristics, learning styles, skills, interests, developmental backgrounds,
and cultural heritages of students and is always aware of the broad ranges and variety
present for each of these student characteristics and lifestyles.
This artifact aligns with KSD1.b because I learned all about different students who
may not be able to learn in the traditional style and how I can help them. Teachers cannot just
teach to one type of student. More and more schools are becoming more diverse and the more
teachers know about all the different types of learners there are, the more successful our
educational system will be.
I am more competent now because I know how to help students who may have
barriers to their learning. I know how to recognize when a student may not understand
something and how I can help that student. Even if I am not an ESL teacher, I can use
techniques to simplify how I word my instruction and make it more clear for all my students.
Secondary KSDs:
KS1.d: Demonstrates Knowledge of Resources
KSD3.e: Demonstrates Flexibility and Responsiveness

KSD4.e: Grows and Develops Professionally

Reflection:
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
I learned that teaching is not a stagnant profession. Just like I did not learn the same way all
my peers did while I was in school, neither do the my future students. It is crucial that I offer
accommodations for all my students when they need them, and it is necessary that I am
constantly teaching in a way that can be beneficial to all different learners.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience:
I learned about all the different things that can stand in the way of a students learning and
how difficult it can be for someone in a traditional classroom. It is my job to seek out those
obstacles and recognize them so I can address them and find a way to help the student.
Students are sometimes embarrassed to admit they cannot understand something so it is vital
to know when a student needs help, and offer assistance whenever possible.