Learning from Another Writer: Selections from Student Portfolio: Maria Thompson, Philosophy as Autobiography

Maria Thompson was required to compile an extensive professional portfolio, completing her work for her Linguistically Diverse Education Program in the School of Education and Human Development. Her portfolio included discussions of five content areas, a list of references, and appendices with artifacts, teaching plans, and materials designed to demonstrate that she met the required standards for teachers.

Maria Thompson Selections from Student Portfolio

Philosophy as Autobiography

In many ways I live the American dream, but I was not always so fortunate. Prior to acquiring an American last name, I was a typical mid-twentieth-century first-generation immigrant — struggling and poor. Predictably, breaking the chains of poverty proved very difficult. Luckily, through a strong network of social support from family and friends, an extraordinary degree of perseverance, an ability to set goals, and a realistic acceptance of weakness coupled with an attitude of building on strengths, I took control of my life and became the first in my family to achieve my long-term educational goals. Needless to say, the journey toward academic success has been a long and arduous process. …

Pedagogical Approach

… In conclusion, I believe that language acquisition is a gradual process. Yet in our current push for standardization and high-stakes testing for measuring achievement, educators are required to bridge the gap between native and non-native speakers at a fast pace. This push means I must work diligently to draw upon researched “best practices” to make content comprehensible and language acquisition attainable.

Questions to Start You Thinking

Meaning

  1. Question

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Writing Strategies

  1. Question

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  2. Question

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