Despite the many challenges of learning a second language during COVID-19, many students like Senior Elsie Bednar have been very well supported. Bednar said, “Madam Tedder structured the class very well which makes a huge difference with virtual learning. I’ve also had more time to dedicate to the class, and the extra study time & slow pace makes a world of a difference. So language has been one class that transitioned to virtual learning very well!”
Online learning has hit hard on many classes at the high school, including world language.
Learning another language is a challenge at any time. One of the biggest reasons that students are successful at learning is because of interaction with the teacher. This has been taken almost completely away with the 2 x 3 schedule. Both students and teachers have had to rise to the occasion.
World Language teachers usually are very expressive to help their students understand what they are saying and learn.
Ms. Carmen Scoggins, one of our Spanish teachers, said, “My style has changed a little. I always have my students work in groups, so having to stay socially distant altered that. I miss seeing my desks in pods! I am also a very expressive person, especially since I teach Spanish. I find that I try to enunciate more and to speak as clearly as possible so my students can understand Spanish through my mask. I am usually a very hands-on teacher, constantly monitoring my students during class, but now I find myself staying more at the front of the classroom. I had to get creative with some of our hand-on activities, but I have grown a lot in thinking differently about how to teach certain concepts.”
Madame Heather Tedder, our French teacher, said, “I feel like I have become a lot more organized! Everything is on Canvas, and I have really had to become more intentional in which activities we do in class to make sure that students are able to hit their learning targets. I try to prioritize speaking and small group work on synchronous days vs asynchronous, when students can read infographics and watch videos. It is so important to me that students have a chance to talk to each other and just be together, so speaking assignments let them practice their French AND build friendships. I am also more flexible than ever and try to work with students, because you just never know what someone has going on outside of school.”
As Scoggins mentioned, students also rely on interaction with each other to help them become more proficient in the language they are learning. Virtual learning has had a large impact on that, as well as having to socially distance within the classroom. Social distancing makes it difficult to talk in groups and understand one another.
One of the key traits for teachers in general, but especially for language teachers, is being able to connect with students and build relationships.
Scoggins was asked how our current learning schedule has affected that ability. She said, “I pride myself on building student relationships, so it was super hard and frustrating in the fall when we were completely remote. Most students wouldn't turn on their cameras and that was challenging. Even when we returned to face to face instruction, I still couldn't really see my students because of their masks. It took some time, but I think we eventually bonded in the fall. So far this semester, it has been nice to be in school, but the weather has caused a few problems. We are starting to get into a groove though! I am learning more about my students and they are learning about me and my style of teaching.”
Overall, all of our teachers at Watauga High have been amazing and supportive to their students. The language teachers are wonderful examples of the dedication it takes to help students learn and grow to be better, especially during the pandemic.
Bednar said, “Teachers have been very supportive and patient this year, whenever I’ve had a few late assignments they always help me get back on track. They understand this year has tested all of our limits. Teachers have done a great job being clear about that, being supportive and patient.”
Written by: Kylie Broce
Comments