“Bright Smile”: A Reflective Narrative of Language Teaching in the Midwest

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Listening for Voice: Translanguaging, Identity, and Narrative in Teaching

Abstract

This reflective narrative explores a one-month summer enrichment program for rural, low-income high school students in the Midwest U.S. The study focuses on creating a joyful, affirming learning environment where students could see themselves reflected through cross-cultural engagement. The guiding question is: How can teacher identity, culturally responsive pedagogy, and intentional relational practices influence student motivation and engagement in a short-term, intensive language learning context? Drawing on reflective journaling, classroom artifacts, and student feedback, three themes emerged: (1) Reimagining curriculum through cultural motivation and readiness, (2) Emotional labor and the turning point of connection, and (3) Making progress visible through joyful, tangible milestones. Findings highlight the impact of relational trust, intentional design, and inclusive pedagogy on student engagement.

Author

• Younglong Kim, Oklahoma State University