Autobiography...Teaching and Learning Experience
S H A R O N J O H N S O N
A life time experience as an English Language Learner…
My great-grandparents were from the West Indies who came to Panama with the sole purpose of working in the Construction of the Panama Canal. Therefore, my grandparents and parents first language was English having the opportunity also of studying at the former Panama Canal Zone schools.
In my early years, I understood English and was able to communicate but only did so when needed. I did all my talking in Spanish, I felt English was a language to speak with my grandparents as there was no other option. Later on, I spent time at my cousin’s house and the only language accepted and spoken at her home was English. In a short period of time, even before attending formal school; I was not shy at all to do so. At the age of 11, I spent three (3) months in the USA during my school vacation with my cousins who only spoke English and it was quite an experience. I was very happy to be able to communicate with them and I learned new words, slangs and part of the American culture. I returned to Panama, enrolled in 6th grade and decided to study Bilingual Commerce in which I received a Diploma in 11th grade at the age of 16.
Throughout my years in High School I enjoyed having core subjects in English and I always remember Mr. Jones who was my English Teacher in 10th and 11th grade. He never spoke a word in Spanish and if you dare ask a question in Spanish he would ask you to pause, think and formulate your question in English. It was a good experience for my classmates who were making an effort to learn the language but at the same time afraid to make mistakes. Mr. Jones said many of you are fluent in English some aren’t that fluent but, one thing is truth: there is always room for improvement. It was motivating to know that we all had to communicate in English during class and for group assignments which allowed collaborative learning.
My children are currently
A life time experience as an English Language Learner…
My great-grandparents were from the West Indies who came to Panama with the sole purpose of working in the Construction of the Panama Canal. Therefore, my grandparents and parents first language was English having the opportunity also of studying at the former Panama Canal Zone schools.
In my early years, I understood English and was able to communicate but only did so when needed. I did all my talking in Spanish, I felt English was a language to speak with my grandparents as there was no other option. Later on, I spent time at my cousin’s house and the only language accepted and spoken at her home was English. In a short period of time, even before attending formal school; I was not shy at all to do so. At the age of 11, I spent three (3) months in the USA during my school vacation with my cousins who only spoke English and it was quite an experience. I was very happy to be able to communicate with them and I learned new words, slangs and part of the American culture. I returned to Panama, enrolled in 6th grade and decided to study Bilingual Commerce in which I received a Diploma in 11th grade at the age of 16.
Throughout my years in High School I enjoyed having core subjects in English and I always remember Mr. Jones who was my English Teacher in 10th and 11th grade. He never spoke a word in Spanish and if you dare ask a question in Spanish he would ask you to pause, think and formulate your question in English. It was a good experience for my classmates who were making an effort to learn the language but at the same time afraid to make mistakes. Mr. Jones said many of you are fluent in English some aren’t that fluent but, one thing is truth: there is always room for improvement. It was motivating to know that we all had to communicate in English during class and for group assignments which allowed collaborative learning.
My children are currently