Timaj Yusuf
SDLC 105
08/29/16
Reflection Paper #1
My language learning experience began in seventh grade when I enrolled in beginning Spanish. One thing I really enjoyed about learning new languages was the ability to apply it to new situations outside of the classroom. I remember when I went to the hair salon owned by a Spanish speaker, and how accomplished I felt when I caught on to words and phrases that were used in discussion between the hair stylists. Although I did not fully understand the context of their discussion, I was able to pick out certain words that sounded familiar and have a vague understanding about the topic of conversation.
There was not much that I disliked about learning Spanish aside from the frustration I felt when trying to construct sentences and making mistakes (which I soon learned was nothing to be ashamed of). One of my favorite parts of the class were the weekly oral exams, where I was able to test out my speaking skills in different scenarios and have a discussion with my teacher. I liked that my teacher was able to give me instant feedback, and I was able to gauge whether or not I used correct grammar or vocabulary based on my teacher’s facial expressions or body language. Unlike taking written tests, oral exams showed me what it was like to converse with a Spanish speaker, and I was better able to assess myself on what I knew already and what I needed to work on, whether it was expanding my vocabulary or improving pronunciation.
After taking the Multiple Intelligences survey (the learning styles survey link did not work), I discovered that I my highest level of intelligence is intrapersonal (85%) with verbal/linguistic following closely behind (75%). I’m not very surprised with the results, since I work best alone, am introverted, and very introspective. In addition, my favorite class in high school was English, and I have always been drawn to words and books ever since I was a child. Even though I wasn’t able to take the learning styles survey, based on the FIRE model, I assume that I am a rational learner. Although I sometimes like to follow rules and patterns when learning new things, I learn best when introduced to larger concepts and given concrete examples that display that concept. In return, I can generate my own examples that fit the same concept. When working with Minkyung, we played creative open-ended games to practice sentence structure. One of the games we played was bingo where we worked on constructing sentences using 16 verbs in a 4 by 4 bingo board. I generated my own sentences, asking Minkyung questions using descriptive verbs about what was in the room. In this way of learning, I was able to be flexible and the freedom to come up with my own ideas. I was also able to use cause-and-effect thinking when, recognizing certain patterns in the sentence structure. For example, if Minkyung posted a question to me in the formal tone, I would know that I have to respond accordingly. In addition, games like bingo allowed me to think outside of the box instead of merely completing worksheets, like a primarily factual learner would prefer. In the future, I should expand my learning activities with more fun games that encompass other skills (for example, listening) such as guess the verb, where Minkyung will describe a verb in Korean without stating it explicitly. This will allow me the same creative freedom to come up with my own ideas and analysis, while at the same time becoming familiar with verbs I can pull out and use in conversation.
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