Cheryl Sohns Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching foreign languages comes from my own personal experience as a

native, student, tutor, and instructor. I decided to return to school, I decided to keep learn more
about how to teach my native language and culture. I have always been interested in teaching
others and in how to teach others. I also believe teaching is a life-long learning process and
regardless of ones years of experience, there is always room for improvement. Teaching is about
mutual respect. This has guided me to actively consider the methods used by my own teachers
as well as to monitor the progress of students I helped or taught. I found myself immersed in my
own language and culture. When I became an instructor in the Interpreter Program, I found that
the 5 Cs, Direct Method, Natural Approach, and Cooperative Language learning are what I am
using for my teaching philosophy. My teacher philosophy is 5 Cs is Communication, Cultures,
Connections, Comparison, and, Community, the Direct Method, Natural Approach, and
Cooperative Language Learning. I will briefly explain the application of the Five Cs in learning
ASL.

Communication: Students develop interactive and conversational skills by using the

target language (ASL) in class. As a result, they develop receptive and expressive skills.

Culture: When students learn ASL, they gain knowledge and understanding of the Deaf
culture, their social behaviors and customs/traditions.

Connections. Students language learning is reinforced by making connections with the

language (ASL) and Deaf Culture in various situations and recognizing the distinctive
viewpoints of Deaf people.

Comparison: Students understand the nature of language when making comparison of

ASL and their own culture.

Direct Method: It creates an immersive environment for students where the target
language is used in its entirety. The use of this particular tool allows for instructors and
students to engage in conversations where complex language features can be seen and are
often drawn upon from learners actual experiences, making the language learning
process much more relevant.

I consider teaching ASL my passion in the way William Yeats describes Education is not
the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire. Ultimately, I would like students to leave my
courses with a continue respect and passion for learning ASL. I know not all of my students
take ASL courses plan to work in the field but I hope I can light the fire of their belief to
respect and work in the field of Deaf community.
My philosophy of teaching - Pennsylvania State University. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/d/w/dwc161/files/philosophy.htm
Teaching Philosophy - Sharon Borkowski - Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.sharonborkowski.com/teaching-philosophy.html