Page 164 - LA ENSEÑANZA APRENDIZAJE DE LENGUAS

LA ENSEÑANZA APRENDIZAJE DE LENGUAS:
164 UNA MIRADA DESDE EL SURESTE MEXICANO

CONCLUSIONS

The main aim of this study was to take a critical look at the challenges which PSTs faced during

the service learning component of SLTE in resource poor environments and how these con-
tributed to the shaping of their emerging teacher identity. The themes identified in this study

included conflict between expectations & reality, readiness for work as EFL teachers, coping

strategies, personal perceptions of EFL teacher roles, issues with classroom management,

issues with didactic resource design, transformation in teacher identities, and, how context

influences teacher learning.

This study joins the growing body of research regarding second language teacher identity

as a means of understanding why teachers act as they do and how they learn and progress

(Kiely & Askham, 2012) and demonstrates the crucial role of service learning in the identity

construction of PSTs. Prior experiences as learners and practicum experiences enabled PSTs
to bridge the theory practice gap and develop their practical theories about teaching which

shape teacher identity. This allows PSTs to identify what makes a good teacher. However, dea-

ling with the complexities present in disadvantaged schools in Mexico (Sandoval Flores, 2009;

Martínez, 2014) is challenging, especially for novice teachers. Teacher identity is not a single

identity but a collection of sub-identities which reflects how an individual sees him/herself, how

others see him/her and how he/she would like to see him/herself in the future (ideal self).

This study recognizes that complex sociocultural and institutional forces shape identity
construction. The lack of resources in disadvantaged contexts implies that PSTs have to exert

agency and develop reflective skills to cope with the challenges they face. By sharing experien-

ces and reflections with peers within CoP, PSTs are enabled to offer peers emotional support

and alternatives of practice. This investigation represents the first attempt in Mexico to draw

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas