Podcasting

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**Español for New Learners ** Welcome to Español for New Learners! This is the first podcast for students wishing to find more information on topics discussed in the classroom; students can also listen to further review lessons on their own time. Why is a podcast like this necessary? All teachers have a philosophy or a basic belief about how students should be taught. In this introductory podcast, I’d like to tell you my educational philosophy and connect that philosophy with this podcast. Teachers are the backbone of the classroom. Whether they are directing every detail or giving students the choice to learn in the way that best fits their needs, it is through the teacher that the flow of information is guided. The classroom; however, does not exist in a void; it is part of a school, which is in turn part of a community. For that reason, it is vital that teachers introduce students to a core curriculum that can help them find their own place in society. This doesn’t mean that teachers are solely the proponents of the status quo. Paulo Freire, author of //The Pedagogy of the Oppressed,// was an educator who believed that students need to understand the distribution of power in society and the way workers could attain power for themselves. As a teacher, I understand both the need for a core curriculum and the need for connecting the classroom to the events occurring in the rest of the world. Standardized testing is necessary to verify learning but, just as important, is the teacher’s love of their subject and of humanity as a whole. As a Spanish teacher, I offer students the ability to learn not only a new language but a new culture. Learning about a new culture opens a new window from which to view the world and, to me, that can generate an unexpected love for learning. In addition, the Spanish language is becoming more dominant in the United States and as Spanish speakers; students will fit in better with those around them. Whatever the subject, teaching is the most important profession in the world today and I am very excited to be part of it. I continually strive to be the best teacher I can be by learning new methods of teaching as well as utilizing the methods that have worked well in the past. My excitement with teaching will influence students to love learning. That’s a long statement, and of course I don’t expect you to have memorized every word I said. Here are the key points. 1. I think teachers hold the information that students seek to gain. The reason for this podcast is to give students another outlet from which to attain everything I can teach about Spanish. I also think that students should be in charge of their education, and during class I would appreciate input as to what the students would like to hear on the podcast. 2. I think there are certain subjects in which all students should be well versed. While I //do// think that it is vital for everyone to be able to speak two languages, I understand that Spanish is not one of those subjects. However, for those who //have// decided to learn Spanish, I applaud you for choosing a language that is becoming so important in the United States today. Through this podcast, I hope to help with any questions you might have. 3. Everybody deserves to have the same opportunity to learn. This podcast is available online so that it can be heard at home, in a public library or at school. All students have access to the internet, and therefore have access to further their learning. Now that we understand that, we can begin learning Spanish! We’ll be here next time with our first lesson. See you then! Hasta Luego!