How did Nydia Bejarano address student engagement issues?

By developing a system called "Teaching English without teaching English."

What topics are discussed in Nydia Bejarano's classroom?

Current events like the Syrian refugee crisis and Puerto Rico's economic situation.

By prioritizing content over form and allowing students to express their ideas freely.

Cognitive dissonance and the need to challenge societal narratives.

Fostering curiosity and questioning in students.

Nydia Bejarano developed a teaching method focused on critical thinking skills rather than traditional English grammar instruction, emphasizing questioning ideas and fostering deep thinking through discussions on current events.
Bejarano prioritizes content over form in writing, encouraging students to express themselves freely before correcting grammar, and advocates for challenging societal narratives, fostering curiosity, and embracing questioning as essential for growth and maturity.

How did Nydia Bejarano address student engagement issues?
By developing a system called "Teaching English without teaching English."
What topics are discussed in Nydia Bejarano's classroom?
Current events like the Syrian refugee crisis and Puerto Rico's economic situation.
How does Nydia Bejarano approach writing in her classes?
By prioritizing content over form and allowing students to express their ideas freely.
What concept does Nydia Bejarano discuss with her students?
Cognitive dissonance and the need to challenge societal narratives.
What does Nydia Bejarano advocate for in her teaching approach?
Fostering curiosity and questioning in students.

00:00

Nydia Bejarano started teaching undergraduate English courses at the University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus, around 20 years ago.
She became frustrated with her students' inability to engage in conversations despite excelling in written tests on English grammar.
Bejarano developed a system called "Teaching English without teaching English" to address this issue.
She divided her class into three stages, starting with teaching critical thinking skills through a BS detector.
The BS detector helps students ask specific questions, detect logical fallacies, and develop deep thinking skills.
Bejarano emphasizes the importance of questioning ideas and being open to changing opinions.
In the classroom, students engage in discussions on current events like the Syrian refugee crisis and Puerto Rico's economic situation.
Bejarano sets ground rules against personal attacks and encourages questioning ideas.
She creates a comfortable atmosphere for students to make mistakes in language learning.
Bejarano focuses on content over form in writing, allowing students to express their ideas freely before correcting grammar.

15:01

Emphasizes the importance of content over form in writing, using Stephen King and Isabel Allende as examples of successful writers who prioritize passion and storytelling over grammar perfection.
Discusses the concept of cognitive dissonance and the need to challenge societal narratives, encouraging students to ask questions and think critically rather than succumb to prejudice.
Advocates for fostering curiosity and questioning in students, highlighting the value of constantly asking questions and not fearing those who question, as growth and maturity stem from the ability to challenge beliefs and seek understanding.