Dear members of the graduate admissions committee: My background as a language learner and my own knowledge as a language instructor is what motivates me to pursue a doctorate in Second Language Studies at Michigan State University. In this program, I will be able to expand my knowledge and experience to conduct useful research and encourage others to learn foreign languages. My interest in foreign languages and language acquisition began when I moved to Indiana to spend a year as a high school exchange student where I experienced first-hand the issues of acquiring a second language, mainly not being comprehensible. In my English courses in Italy the focus was mostly on writing and translation, while less importance was given to speaking.
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Being an international student at an American institution allowed me to share my culture and language, and interact with people who are also interested in linguistics. I met individuals who come from different backgrounds, especially in the Linguistics Department. I shared my office with American, Japanese and German graduate students and it has been refreshing to discuss language and cultural issues. I have learned not to judge people on first impression as well as appreciate and respect different cultures. At Indiana State University I increased my knowledge in linguistics and second language acquisition and I realized that I want to research the field of language testing, educational technology and …show more content…
When I first started teaching I was nervous, but working with faculty members helped me appreciate critical feedback and improve my work as an instructor and a curriculum designer. My goal has been to create student-centered classrooms where students are engaged with the language. I believe I successfully accomplished this goal with the use of authentic materials, valid assessments, and technology. I taught American students who come from disadvantaged situations and although it was challenging at times, I am happy to say that I made a positive impact in some specific cases. In the first Spanish course I taught, one student with mild cerebral palsy was having many problems learning the language. With strong determination
Being an international student at an American institution allowed me to share my culture and language, and interact with people who are also interested in linguistics. I met individuals who come from different backgrounds, especially in the Linguistics Department. I shared my office with American, Japanese and German graduate students and it has been refreshing to discuss language and cultural issues. I have learned not to judge people on first impression as well as appreciate and respect different cultures. At Indiana State University I increased my knowledge in linguistics and second language acquisition and I realized that I want to research the field of language testing, educational technology and …show more content…
When I first started teaching I was nervous, but working with faculty members helped me appreciate critical feedback and improve my work as an instructor and a curriculum designer. My goal has been to create student-centered classrooms where students are engaged with the language. I believe I successfully accomplished this goal with the use of authentic materials, valid assessments, and technology. I taught American students who come from disadvantaged situations and although it was challenging at times, I am happy to say that I made a positive impact in some specific cases. In the first Spanish course I taught, one student with mild cerebral palsy was having many problems learning the language. With strong determination