Global Learning Courses
Awareness. Perspective. Engagement.
COM 3461
Intercultural Communication
Spring 2015
Through this course, I was able to immerse myself in learning about the importance of communicating effectively across cultures. This provided me with many opportunities to work in group assignments and projects with students who were from different cultures, which added another level of understanding on how one can collaborate successfully beyond different viewpoints.
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My most meaningful project for this course was an out of class assignment called "Intercultural Experience-Global Engagement". This learning experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone by diving into an unfamiliar culture for an afternoon and later on reflecting about the experience. In the end, I was grateful for the quality time spent with my neighbors from China while they were going about their daily afternoon routines with their children. As I learned about their customs and traditions, I realized how little I knew about their culture as a whole. As a result, I am now more conscious about ensuring that I take time to get to know my neighbors, especially those who come from different cultures than myself.
TSL 3080
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Principles and Practices I
Spring 2016
As an Early Childhood Education student, this course was part of a group of courses designed to prepare me for the role of an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher in any diverse community across the U.S.
Throughout the course, I practiced how to implement evidence based teaching strategies which support second language acquisition and literacy skills in all ELLs. Additionally, I reinforced the importance of prescribing to culturally responsive teaching best practices. Thus, I will create a learning environment conducive to the academic success and social-emotional wellbeing of ALL my students.
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It is through learning experiences as these, I have a better understanding of the challenges many minority children experience in their learning as they adapt to a new culture and learn to navigate the education system at an early age. Consequently, I have become most mindful and intentional about meeting the student's needs while fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusivity.
LAE 4405
Children's Literature
Fall 2016
Being one of my favorite courses, I gained a deeper appreciation for children's literature as to how it can address global issues from different perspectives in a way that children from all ages can understand and relate. Through the process of learning about different authors from around the world, I became familiar with their important "mission" to spread awareness about the multiple challenges affecting communities around the globe.
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In the end, it all goes back to the art form of "storytelling". Specially, these ones aim to have a meaningful impact in the minds of little ones around the world where they can see themselves capable of impacting change and creating new realities for themselves...and thanks to the power of a children's book. As a future educator, this will influence the way I will present the stories to my students.
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