I met with Alberto for the first time this evening. Katie and I went together this time to create a plan. He seemed very eager to meet us and came prepared with a notebook and a basic English textbook he has been using to teach himself. He said that his three children have been helping him learn English. When we started talking I noticed right away that he seems extremely unconfident speaking English. He has only been working at TCU for four months. He previously worked at Chili's for fourteen years. Alberto said he was happy that he decided to work at TCU because it will open up opportunities.
Katie and I came to the conclusion that Alberto would get the most out of a mix between building his basic English skills and preparing for his citizenship test. He grew up in Mexico and can apply for citizenship in one year. Along with that he does a lot of horticulture work around TCU so, he is wanting to learn the basic vocabulary that goes along with that.
Alberto is eager to learn, attentive, and determined. I am looking forward to working with him. For next week I am going to make notecards of basic vocabulary for him to sound out and bring pictures for him to identify objects in.
4 comments:
I think that it was a really good idea for you to both meet with Alberto together. I feel like having two different "lessons" or meetings going on could possibly get confusing. If confidence is an issue maybe you should spend 15 or 20 minutes each meeting just conversing to build up his confidence.
Hi Catherine, Thanks for the nice description of your first meeting with Alberto. I know that a first meeting is not always easy, and I am grateful that you met with him. Your description was really good. Alberto seems eager and willing, and I think you both will learn a lot. The note cards sound like a great idea. Thanks for the description and good effort. Dan W.
I think it is a great idea to tag-team meeting with Alberto. It sounds like you both a great system working so far. I also like the idea of using notecards to help him with vocabulary. I also agree with Kate's comment about talking with Alberto for about 15 minutes each meeting to build up his confidence.
I think you are already off to a great start and have a good idea of how to help Alberto. It seems that he knows what he wants to focus on and you and your other person seem to know how to start preparing and helping him learn. It was a good idea to meet him together, probably less awkward and then you and your other person were on the same page, so you don't repeat lessons. I liked your post =)
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