Welcome to the thinchalkline. In this small corner of the digital universe, I hope to offer some perspectives on effective world language teaching and to offer encouragement, support and occasionally some food for further professional reflection.
Of course, the opinions expressed here are based on about forty years of teaching experience. Those experiences and the context in which those experiences occurred have shaped my perspectives but, I also realize that they limit them. Your experience and situation may be very different. It’s possible that nothing I say will resonate with you. That neither nullifies your reality nor my perspective. Both can coexist as truth. It’s also possible that despite our differences, great and small, there will be ideas offered or suggestions proffered that will be helpful or, at least adaptable to your unique teaching world. If I can help you identify a possible problem and begin to seek a solution that will work for you, the time invested in this blog will have been worthwhile.
So, what is this experience of which I speak? Over the years, I have taught Vocal Music Grades 1-8; Middle School Science Grades 6-8; Elementary Grades 4-6 (mostly sixth), High School Spanish Grades 8-12; Community College Spanish 101, 102, 103, Undergraduate Spanish 300, Methods and Materials for Foreign Language Teaching, Workshop in Spanish and a Graduate level FLES Methods Course. All except the first two were in public school settings. In future postings, I’m sure I’ll talk more about the communities in which I’ve lived and taught….and learned.
Oh, yes, the origin and meaning of “thinchalkline”….
Among my former students are many fine folks involved in law-enforcement. They serve in many capacities as police officers, sheriff deputies, and courtroom officers. I admire these men and women greatly and they serve with character and honor. Law enforcement often refer to themselves as a “thin blue line” protecting civilized society from those who have no respect for the law or for the rights of others. I believe that the teachers of this country form a different kind of line, a thin chalk line, if you will. Public school teachers across the country endeavor to promote common values of democratic citizenship, rational thinking, effective communication and cooperative problem solving. For world language teachers, we help to realize this democratic vision by helping students gaining communicative proficiency and intercultural competence in other languages. The thin chalk line of dedicated teachers offers another line of protection for our citizens – protection from the cost and consequences of ignorance.
The opinions I offer here are my own. I’ll give credit where credit is due when those opinions were profoundly influenced or shaped by others. I’m not here to debate or discuss. If what you read here inspires thought or triggers a creative inspiration that will work in your setting, then great. My time will have been well spent. If you find nothing here of interest, I bid you well. Move on.
Welcome to the thinchalkline! 