EFL Capstone Portfolio: Han Xiao, Spring 2019

Abstract

This EFL portfolio is a demonstration of the expertise I have gained through the English Language Learners program at Vanderbilt University to become a qualified language teacher for students who learn English as a second/foreign language. The portfolio includes three parts: teaching philosophy, professional knowledge areas, implications and future considerations. I begin with my own philosophy of teaching which is established upon educational and linguistic theories such as caring, culturally responsive teaching, zone of proximal development that are most influential to me through the two years of study. Under the framework of my teaching philosophy, I then demonstrate my understanding of the four professional knowledge areas – learner, the learning context, curriculum, and assessment – which covers six TESOL domains by analyzing the work I have done at Peabody College. Finally, I reflect on my teaching experience in the past academic year, stating my belief of the role a teacher should play in the classroom, challenges I have met, progress I have made, and plans for future improvements as a language teacher.