Kumar Chapter 2/Brown Chapter 3

This week, I focused on Kumar in Chapter 2. Kumar talks about traditional methods and understanding postmethod pedagogy in today's teaching world. Chapter two starts off by addressing the concept of method and how its generic set of theoretical principles and classroom techniques only offer a limited perspective on language learning and teaching. I believe that this is true when thinking about how future teachers prepare to enter the classroom. One can learn all of the methods and techniques they want but only with experience and a continuous growth and learning of the profession is where teachers will gain the necessary knowledge. 

Another good point that was discussed was the fact that current models of teacher education programs are struggling to fully prepare teachers to deal with all of the unpredictable needs, wants and situations. These needs, wants, and situations are extremely important for teachers to be ready to tackle. With the help of in-service and pre-service teacher education programs, teachers can work towards expanding their pedagogic knowledge. It is overwhelming to know that when I have my own classroom, I am not going to walk into the first day feeling like I am ready for everything. The education field is ever changing and we need to continue to stay up to date and work together to share the needs, wants and situations that we will face with one another. 

Kumar brings up the idea of postmethod pedagogy. This type of pedagogy allows us to go beyond and overcome the limitations of method-based pedagogy. The three dimensions of postmethod pedagogy are practicality, particularity and possibility. This framework will help teachers to become strategic thinkers and explorers in the classroom. Effort would be put into reflecting on the needs, wants and situations of learning and teaching. Also, teachers would stretch their knowledge, skill and attitude to stay informed and involved, which I believe is so important, especially today. Once again, I believe that Kumar has a very strong point in the fact that it is important how reflecting and staying involved in the field of education will benefit their overall knowledge of teaching. Also, being aware of the historical and societal issues that are affecting, L2 learning in particular. 

Although we cannot fully prepare for all of the unpredictables that come along with teaching, what can we do to better understand the jist of the needs, wants and situations that come along with learning and teaching?