As the TESOL Practicum Coordinator, it is always exciting to showcase our Touro TESOL Graduates Digital Portfolios for EDDN 680. Touro College’s TESOL and Bilingual Program goal is to train teachers to create effective, responsive learning environments where all students can thrive. Online courses are available, and students can transfer up to twelve credits from previous graduate-level study toward our requirements. Students pursuing an Advanced Certificate in TESOL may apply their credits toward the Master’s degree. Completion of the program makes you eligible for New York State certification as a TESOL teacher for PreK-12.
The learning theory behind ePortfolios
According to Basken (2008), ePortfolios “are a way to generate learning as well as document learning”. Both generating learning and documenting or recording learning are important, but the process of generating learning sometimes gets overlooked. ePortfolios generate learning because they provide an opportunity and virtual space for students to critically assess their academic work, to reflect on that work, and make connections among different courses, assignments, and other activities, such as work experience, extracurricular pursuits, volunteering opportunities, and more. ePortfolios are effective learning tools because they support students’ own knowledge construction, make otherwise invisible aspects of the learning process visible, and place agency in the hands of students, which fosters learners’ motivation. (Basken, P. (2008, April). Electronic portfolios may answer calls for more accountability. (Links to an external site.) The Chronicle of Higher Education.)
For non- ESL educators, I would like them to know that you cannot just know a student based on their test data. You have to know what cultural differences may be influencing their learning styles and habits. Educators need to continue to modify their instruction that fits the needs of every individual. It is important for non- ESL educators to really know the importance of understanding the cultural background of their students. It can build a connection and relationship with the teacher and student, where it forms a trusting and nurturing learning environment.
ANNIE QUACH, Graduate of the Touro College TESOL Program, Graduate School of Education
Please enjoy Ms. Quach’s e-portfolio and website.
Dr. J's Education Blog 