Out of all tasks proposed, to me it was of great importance to be able to figure out confidently the aim of the course project which, in my case, will be a course plan as I won´t be teaching groups up to the the end of February, when summer vacation ends in Brazil. It´s motivating how the whole process so far has taken place. First describing a group (week 2), then reading a complete course project report and having Sean´s feedback and further guidance on the meaning of project and plan (weeks 3 & 4). To me weeks 3 & 4 steps were fundamental. Being able to visualize the whole process and having a step by step template have helped make a choice with which I feel extremely comfortable with. I decided to use a coursebook whose components allow for extra time practices, as this is an issue I´ll have to take into consideration in my teaching reality - the fact teachers are expected to cover the books activities.
Back to my course plan's choices so far -it's as if while shopping you happen to find the exact piece you were looking for in many aspects - usefulness , beauty, size, price. To sum it up, a rewarding experience so far.
While reading the proposed articles for the week, two main points I'm carrying on with me for the journey.
First, from Krajka's paper "Using the Internet in ESL Writing Instruction" - http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Krajka-WritingUsingNet.html : From my teaching experience, the most commom genres worked with are: a letter to a friend, formal letter and argumentative essays. Related to the letter to a friend, one of the ideas proposed - of connecting to e pals via European Schoolnet - http://www.eun.org/. I would definitely offer it to students as a possibility, but the interests of students vary. What I've been noticing in students I work with is that they spend either a month abroad or from 6 months to a year. And they're usually stay with families. So, they're really interested in preparing a neat letter with their presentation. So, what I mean is - all ideas are worth it. But only the teacher can feel the pulse of the context they're connected to.
Second, from "Using Internet-Based Children's Literature to Teach EFL (2007), by Larry J. Mikulecky".
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Mikulecky-OnlineChildrensLit.htmlI'm really refreshed by the principles shared - specially the one on the importance of learners having command of 95% of structures for extensive reading as a means of consolidating structures and also building up strong reading muscles. It was then, emphasized the important role of children´s stories for this process. I'm very used to non fiction reading comperhension activities. I'm now more attentive for the facts there are various ways to approach reading skills development.
When it comes to the week tasks for nicenet posts - I decided to explore one site only for the time being: "Lauri's ESL Website - grammar, vocabulary, listening exercises. http://fog.ccsf.edu/~lfried/ ". While planning the two one-to-one classes I have at the moment I made use of the site. As ABCD objectives are new to me, I aim at keeping it very simple. I have already used the plans and benefited from both.
And now, I feel ready for week 5.
Best,
Juliana - EFL and online blended teaching - Brazil.
Hi Juliana,
ReplyDeleteParents and teachers in my country complain that students' language ability is getting worse year after year. I think it is because students do not read enough. Developing students' interests in reading is crucial to their success. Very often students choose a reading text that is too difficult for them and that discouraged them from reading, so the links in "Using Internet-Based Children's Literature to Teach EFL" are very useful guide for teachers and students.
Best,
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteTks for your comments that definitely reinforce this aim of keeping the passion for reading alive. Specially the attitude of reading for pleasure. These days, maybe due to the fact the compulsory readers don´t allow for much flexibility. I mean, they´re previously chosen by the school academic department and when parents buy the coursebook kit they come along. So, I notice there´s an attitude of making sure students read at least the compulsory which is followed by an assessment. I observe from my teaching practice that the use of extensive reading a powerful learning tool and a wise attittude for life can be enhanced.
Kind regards,
Juliana