College - Author 1

College of Liberal Arts

Department - Author 1

Modern Languages and Literatures Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BA in Modern Languages and Literatures

Date

6-2016

Primary Advisor

Karen Muñoz Christian

Abstract/Summary

This project attempts to outline my experience teaching English in the San Luis Obispo County Jail as part of a seven-week internship. It will outline various teaching methods that I found useful in one-on-one settings. I will discuss the flexibility required to work within the limitations imposed by the jail, as well as linguistic and cultural obstacles associated with teaching a native Spanish speaker. Lastly, I intend to advocate for the implementation of more jail programs that can be accessed by non-native English speakers.

Although this project's core is founded in seven weeks of ninety-minute instructional sessions, it will also reflect hours of research on teaching methods, cultural relativity and lesson planning. For security reasons, the inmate's full name and specific details regarding his criminal offense and personal life will not be disclosed. However, this project will provide examples of lessons and homework that were given during instruction.

The goal of providing English lessons is to equip the inmate with the tools necessary to succeed in professional conversation after being released from the county jail. A successful re- integration in society will hopefully aid in preventing a future return to jail. This project will reflect the way in which being an MLL major has prepared me to use my knowledge of foreign languages to teach English in a culturally sensitive manner.

COinS