This digital portfolio contains the documentation necessary for my Master's degree in Applied Linguistics at Georgia State University. It includes my reports and reflections on the program requirements, examples of personally designed classroom materials, a sample of my in-class teaching, and anything a potential employer would need to know about my development as an ESL/EFL instructor. The sections of my portfolio are: the student permission form, this reflective overview, my CV, six classroom-based experience summaries and reflections, a sample video of my teaching, ten professional development reflections, samples of my lessons and classroom materials, my master's paper and research, and a small number of other works from my time in the program.

 

     The work I completed for the MA program has been extremely beneficial in connecting linguistic theory to teaching practices. I came into this program with a BA in Applied Linguistics, my TEFL certificate and over a year's worth of teaching experience. However, even with that background, I was most excited to get back into the research that is readily available in a university setting. I was quite surprised to find that focusing solely on theoretical research wasn't enough for me anymore. Through my courses, classrooms, and professional development activities I have discovered the importance of connecting research and theory to teaching methods and practices. I believe this realization has allowed me to better use my knowledge of languages and how languages are learned to help my students develop their language skills more effectively.

 

     It is my hope that through the materials in my portfolio, viewers can trace my progress through the MA program and clearly see the passion I have for this field. I have enjoyed my time at GSU immensely and have put a lot of effort into this portfolio and all its pieces. What I have learned throughout my coursework, my professional development activities, and in my classroom has had a tremendous effect on my personal growth and my teaching. I hope this growth and development is evident in my work, and I look forward to my future as an ESL/EFL professional.