|
Interview - Elia Vazquez-Montilla
What was your undergraduate major when you
started and when you graduated?
Initially, I graduated from the Department
of Education of the University of Puerto Rico. I went on to complete
my doctoral studies at the University of Florida in Curriculum
and Instruction and Multicultural Education.
When you think of professional mentors,
who had an influence on you?
There have been so many people that influenced
me throughout my life and my profession. However, I will always
remember one of my high school teachers, Mrs. Turul. This dynamic
woman, with her love for teaching and dedication, inspired me
to become one and to always look for those learning moments.
What philosophy or theory is most appealing
to you in your work?
Constructivism and Social Reconstructivism
What are some of your favorite hobbies or
special interests?
Reading is one of my favorite things to
do. I especially treasure a good book written in Spanish. I also
enjoy collecting children's books. When I am not reading, I enjoy
biking and sailing.
What is one of your favorite books or quotes?
"El verdalero valor del ser humano
radica en la esencia y no en la presencia." -Cervantes
The English translation "The true value of the human being
lies in the essence and formal existence, not in the appearance."
What are the courses which you typically
teach?
Undergraduate- Teaching Diverse Populations
Graduate (on-campus or distance learning) - Methods of Teaching
English to Speakers of Other Languages; Testing and Evaluation
for ESOL Teachers; Crosscultural Communication and Understanding
for Teachers; Curriculum and Materials Development in ESOL Programs;
Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition
I am also part of the Diversity of Human Experience Team in the
new integrated teacher education program.
What are your research interests?
I am interested in assessment, ESOL, and
teacher education practices.
What is one thing that you would like students
to know about you?
My intention is to share my experiences
and knowledge so that students feel empowered to produce their
best work. This is not a unilateral process because I am also
learning from them at the same time.
|
