"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." — Ralph Nichols
I chose this quote because it is important as educators of second language learners to remember how isolating and frustrating it can feel to lack language skills. It is not easy for our students to learn to understand and be understood, but they are willing to learn we just have to help them. We need to find ways to help them make connections, give them plenty of opportunities for practice, and praise them even for their modest achievements. Natural instinct when we don't understand is to be quiet and to hide. We need to help students step away from that instinct so they can develop the skills they need as quickly as possible.
In reading this chapter on assessing listening I thought a lot about my students and the many dictations, dialogues, films, and radio broadcasts to which I have exposed them and with which I have assessed them. More than that though, I couldn't help being reminded of my own language learning both as a student and during my time studying abroad. My teacher and high school and my professor in college spoke only French to the class so I felt confident going abroad that I would at least be able to understand. I remember being surprised at how quickly everyone seemed to spoke and how confused I was when I heard slang or vernacular terms. I remember never wanting to answer the landline at my host family's house because I was afraid that the caller would want to leave a message and- my greatest fear- their phone number. As insignificant as it may have seemed, the day I picked up the phone and took down a message and phone number without having to ask for numerous repetitions was a huge milestone for me there. We need to celebrate our student's milestones even if they may seem insignificant.
When I write an assessment, I try to put myself in the place of the student and be sensitive to their insecurities. I try to give them an opportunity to show off their strengths even if I also have to assess their weaknesses.
I also had to do a lot of dictation when I was studying Japanese. While studying Japanese, we learned very formal language. I think that is one reason why I cannot really understand regular every day conversations and Japanese movies a lot of the time.
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