Rafael's Vlog #1 - Personal Introduction & Reflection

                                          

Rafael's Vlog #1

Personal Introduction & Reflection







Hello! I believe that creating this video and working on my Vlog encouraged me to think more critically about my own language experiences and how they connect to second language acquisition. As a student teacher/substitute I found it very easy to create this Vlog since I am accustomed to creating presentation for my students. However, one aspect that I always have trouble with is creating a video since it is always very hard to record and express your information without an audience present. Although it is a bit difficult for me I think it is a good experience and this project was able to help me with that challenge. 

Furthermore, this video helped me reflect on the ability to learn a new language and helped me understand the challenges and advantages of how age, environment, and motivation influence language development, especially in the classroom where the students are being exposed to a new language thanks to their peers. 

One of the most important things that often gets overlooked when learning/teaching a new language is that many students thrive on positive feedback. In my experience I have learned that giving a student negative feedback such as making fun of them or not having the patience to help them does not benefit the learner and instead sets them back. This project made me remember my time as a new English learner, and since English was my second language it was often difficult for me to learn since I would always receive negative feedback from my peers which then made me doubt myself. 

This Vlog made me reflect and understand the challenges that many students face while learning a new language. It helps develop a sense of identity since knowing two languages shapes your cultural background. Most of the time when I am speaking English I tend to be more formal and professional while speaking Spanish I like to be more relaxed since that is the language that I speak with my family. 

Comments

  1. ZBFebruary 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM

    I love how you connected your vlog experience to second language acquisition, particularly when you mentioned the reflection on age, environment, and motivation. I also agree about the positive feedback, which we constantly need to provide to the students who are learning another language because learning another language is kind of risky but rewarding. The risky part is often associated with the journey of learning; it takes time, effort, and courage. Thus, the second language learners would need a lot of support. Sometimes, they have fear and shame. What if they say something wrong or pronounce it wrong? Those are the obstacles and challenges for them. So, supportive responses and environments can significantly impact their confidence and willingness to go further in this language journey.

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    1. RafaelFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:48 AM

      Hello Zyon,

      Thank you for your comment and yes I do agree I think one of the most important things to for a teacher to do is to give the learner positive feedback whether right or wrong in order to provide a positive learning experience. Negative feedback not only affects their self-esteem, it also takes away their motivation to learn a second language.

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  2. Richard MedinaFebruary 8, 2026 at 4:22 PM

    Hi, Rafael! Your outlook on the success of learning a second language is accurate. I enjoyed reading how a person's environment plays a role on how they improve their language skills, especially amongst their peers, as I can relate to that part since English was my second language. The readings are adamant in regards to how having a social construct implements a huge impact in language developing skills. Feedback is another element that I have noticed that some overlook. A person that gives negative feedback to another because they made in error when they spoke the language that they are learning, only abates their confidence that may lead to them not wanting to speak it. That is why providing feedback in a positive manner (even if they made some errors) can reinforce their confidence.

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    1. RafaelFebruary 8, 2026 at 7:41 PM

      Hello Richard,

      Thank you for mentioning positive feedback, I also think it is important to provide the student with positive feedback in order to boost their confidence and encourage them to continue learning a new language. The environment also plays a huge role such as at home or in school where it is most common for students to learn a new language.

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