Thursday, September 13, 2018
Week 1 Classroom Observations - A Chance to Reflect
You've had the opportunity to spend 4 hours in UOLC classrooms. What have you found most interesting about your experience in UOLC classrooms so far? You no doubt had expectations about what UOLC classrooms would be like. Which of those expectations have been confirmed? And what, on the other hand, have you been surprised by?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Dear All,
ReplyDeleteI do really like every class I have observed so far, from intermediate class teaching about grammar rules of conditional sentences, reflective and critical thinking through English teaching, and to project-based learning class. Every class is very nice, very challenging for both students and teachers, and of course for English teachers, having a nursing background like us. I can apply the teaching strategies I have learned in my teaching, not merely in English, but in Nursing as well. However, I wonder how I can apply them for a big class of 130 nursing students, if I need to teach them. Nevertheless, I think I can share my knowledge and experiences from here to the English teachers at my college and work with them for the benefit of my students.
Sorry, it doesn't show my name because I logged in in different account from my cellphone. I am too tired from my cold. My nose is running alot.The above comment is mine. Wiriya/Khead
DeleteI want to expand more a little bit about my post.
DeleteThe teaching strategies I like in each class.
Intermediate class: in teaching about conditional sentences, the teacher gave a practice work sheet having type II conditional sentences for students to practice speaking in pair. For instance, "If you had one year to live, what would you like to do", "If you had four hands, what would your life be? " The paired students needed to ask and answer each other. In doing so many times, will help students remember the grammar better.
Upper intermediate Class: in teaching English with critical thinking, the teacher used pictures to stimulate students'thinking and discussion a lot and 10 minutes left at the end of class she let students do a silent writing. I asked how she graded the students'writing. She said that students should have 100 % accuracy and Abort 85-100 words.
Teaching Englisch through PBL: This class is a mixture of critical thinking, creative ideas, writing, speaking, reading, and teamwork. Absolutely nice to be applied with a large group and different levels of students.
P.S. I also like when the teacher wrote on the board before class got started, what is going to happen and what they are going to learn in that class to direct the classvteaching and learning.
Good night/Khead
Interesting reflections, Khead! The technique for teaching conditionals sounds cool. Giving the students questions such as these gives them the opportunity to speak from the heart and at the same time practise the structure they have been taught. Nice :-)
DeleteDear Khead,
DeleteI love your comment on PBL. :) I certainly agree with you that PBL gives us an idea of integrated skills in teaching. I will use this technique in my class when I get back to Thailand.
Best Regards,
Nami
I love PBL as well. This method mainly let students think critically and creativly.
DeleteI have been confronted with large classes in my college (100-200 students), too. Like other teachers, I applied many approaches, such as e-learning, project-based learning, and so on for a large class management. Some strategies worked well, but some didn't. Maybe depending on class situations and resources teachers have. I try to make my mind that it will take time for large classes and try to find new ways to accomplish my classes' goals. Do not give-up.
DeleteDear David,
DeleteYes, as the time passed by, I have learned that there are many wonderful ways we, as teachers, can apply to teach our students to be good in English related to grammar use, pronunication, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is very nice to be trained here :).
Dear Khead,
DeleteThanks a lot for sharing. I strongly agree with you that PBL gives us an idea of integrated various skills in teaching. However, I have found that it is quite difficult to apply this method of teaching in such a big class.
Best Regards,
Wi
That the teacher asked the students to do silent writing at the last ten minutes is good. The student had a bit time to collect words from talking with peers. I believed that they can here some words that were not in their minds from the others discussed with them prior. They could have more words collected before start writing.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear David and all,
Delete#1 What have I found most interesting about my experience in UOLC classrooms so far?
: Well, it was absolutely great to have a chance to observe all those amazing classes. Somehow, if I have to pick one class that I like most, I will go for “Project Learning” on September 14th, 2018. The learning climate was remarkably incredible!! During my 2 hour-observation, I could feel lots of positive energy giving out from both teachers and learners. I also love how the interaction between teacher-learner and learner-learner were created in the class. That was really impressive.
#2 I no doubt had expectations about what UOLC classrooms would be like?... Which of those expectations have been confirmed?
: This is really an interesting point to think about. :) Hmm, my expectations about UOLC classroom? Well, I was expecting that UOLC classroom would be fun and lively, and they are! :D I was thinking and very positive that teachers at UOLC must keep students engaged and motivated in the class, and they are!!. :D Additionally, I assumed that some techniques are likely to be used in the class such as making a lesson a game. By turning a lesson into a game will almost always make learning fun. To pay attention to students’ interests is also very likely to be carried out in the class. By taking time to ask students about what they would like to learn, I strongly believe that it helps inspiring and maximizing their learning engagement.
#3 And what, on the other hand, have I been surprised by?
: I would say…I have been surprised by seeing the reflecting writing getting done in the class. I do use reflective writing in my class too but I usually ask students to do it at home not in the class. This is very interesting indeed as I have noticed that by letting students to do their reflective writing in the class, it helps the students to cool down themselves after an intensive group activity in project learning as it leads them to understand their reactions to the process, and summarizes what they have accomplished with the groups.
Thanks very much for giving all us us a wonderful opportunity to observe all these classes!!
Best Regards,
Nami :)
Thanks for sharing, Nami. Good point regarding the use of reflective writing in class. Yes, I imagine, it does allow for a winding down and in being done immediately it allows for the capturing of more detailed and vivid recollections. :-)
DeleteThanks very much David for having been inspiring all of us. :)
DeleteI agree with you, Nami. These must be good for students. I also love the way teachers handle class and deal with each student.
DeleteI also like a project-based learning "Peace project", too. It was not only improving students' English and group working, but also teachers could touch students' gentle hearts and strong minds from their projects.
DeleteThanks for sharing, Nami. I certainly agree with you about using "reflective writing in the class". I think I will definitely use this technique with my students when going back home:)
DeleteHi Nami,
DeleteI also think that doing reflective thinking in class is good in terms of having time equally, being concentrate, and being recallable.
Hi David
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot while participating in UOLC classrooms. The most interesting experience is how professional English teachers teach their students in each level. I found that the teachers use many techniques, various materials and different teaching styles to encourage the students to learn English as a second language effectively as my expectations. I can apply those techniques for my nursing students both teaching English and nursing subjects. Moreover, I was surprised by a peace education project. In my opinion, this project represents what teachers teach and what students learn in harmony.
Regards,
Maturada
Interesting! Indeed teachers and students work alongside each other in the project-learning paradigm. They are more like co-conspirators than teachers and students. :-)
DeleteBTW It would be cool to hear about some of the particular techniques and materials that piqued your interest. In other words, give examples.
Thanks for your reply. The most interesting teaching technique I like is when teacher gave students many choices to learn. The students can choose which materials or tasks interest them. I will use this method in my class.
DeleteThanks for your response. In what lesson did you observe students choosing materials or tasks that interested them? Are you talking about the project classes?
DeleteDear Nam,
DeleteLikewise, the Peace Project Learning has surprised me and certainly inspired me. :) I really love the atmosphere and the interaction between the peers. I am positive that my nursing students will very much enjoy it when I apply this technique for teaching them.
Love,
Nami
Dear David,
DeleteThank you for your additional questions. Most of the students chose the reading task and they had a chance to have more discussion each other again. According to above comment, I talked about a pre-intermediate class. For the project, I really like the atmosphere as Nami wrote.
Regards,
Maturada
Interesting post! I really like the idea using the project-based learning in language teaching. The atmosphere and the interaction between peers and teachers can promote the students' learning, effectively. I think I can apply this project based learning with my nursing students.
DeleteI agree with you about peace project. I think it was an significant investment in terms of the number of teacher, students mixed, and time consumed. However, it's worth as we can see the great results regarding giving speeches in the international peace day cerebration.
DeleteDear David
ReplyDeleteIi is excellent time to observe four classrooms. I observed IELTS intermediate level and Collaboration teaching and learning. I found that all classrooms are wonderfully motivating and very positive. However, I am interested in one section in particular which I would like to talk about it.
1) My interesting classroom is “a peace education project”. I am interested in it because it is a very useful way to inspire students to make a creative activity, promotes teamwork at the same time. Moreover, collaborative teaching and learning create an environment where members destructively cooperate by sharing experiences and take on different roles. During group working, project learning provides students with the chance to enthusiastically help each other shape idea. I could feel lots of positive energy that everyone giving out between teacher and learner.
2) Surely, I was expecting that UOLC classroom would be active and fun. I really think native English teacher must keep students engaged and inspired in the class. I found that the teachers use many techniques, various materials and different teaching styles to encourage the students to learn English as a second language effectively as my expectations. Moreover, I feel wonderful learning climate.
3) I was surprised by a peace education project. In my opinion, this project represents perfect teaching and learning climate. After class, teachers get student write a reflecting writing with easy questions. This activity in project learning as it leads them to understand their reactions to the process, and summarize what they contribute and have perform with the groups.
Best Regards,
Thunya
Thanks for sharing, Thunya! Indeed the project-learning environment is an excellent context for students to interact, take on various roles and co-create. The opportunity for reflection is a useful aspect of the programme too, I agree.
DeleteDear Thunya,
DeleteI totally agree with you about the expectation on UOLC classes to be lively and fun! Yes, and they have been fun for me even I am just a observer in those classes. :)
Love,
Nami
Hi Thunya,
DeleteI couldn't agree more what you said. I also feel active and fun when I observe the UOCL.
Thanks a lot for sharing. I strongly agree most UOLC classes using teaching techniques that encourage the students to be active and have fun. When I observed the classes, I also had fun and wanted to participate in the class activities.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear David,
ReplyDeleteThis is a good opportunity for us to record what we observed in the classroom.
For me, my experiences based on 3-time observations are as follows:
1. 11th September 2018, 15.00-16.00 o'clock.
IELTS class, upper intermediate level
This is my first observation and I had not been so familiar with the Kiwi's accent yet. I found that using games (throwing a ball to each student as a signal that it is their turn to speak) is interesting. The teacher also used a song to lead in. However, this is not surprising as I also used these techniques when I taught English.
What surprised me most was when the teacher asked one of the students to answer in Japanese first and then English. The student was surprised and seemed to be shy at the beginning. Then she was giggling and starting to speak in both languages.
The teacher later told us (observers) that she wanted the students to feel more comfortable, so she thought that speaking own language will relief tension and they will think better. As a previously English student some years ago, I think so too.
She also asked students to talk in pairs and she observed closely. Later, she wrote down some sentences that the students used correctly or wrongly. She corrected it after that. I think this method helps students to fix their difficulty in English at once and they can remember well.
I was impressed that the teacher was nice and friendly. She also introduced us to the book used in her class.
2. 12nd September 2018, 10.00-11.00 o'clock.
GE class, Elementary level
In this class, the teacher used various activities and games. For example, the first exercise was that the teacher wrote some vocabularies about home on the board. The students had to guess a word from its definition given at a time. This is a competition between small groups of students. It worked well as all students had to come out to guess the word.
Another game that I like was that the teacher gave a set of vocabularies and pictures to students. The challenging part was that the letters of each vocabulary was not in the right order. The students then had a triple task to arrange the letters to be the right vocabulary, to match them with the right picture and to write them on the board.
What I found most interesting was about the teacher. Though she was pregnant, she was very energetic. She moved around the class smiling and trying to encourage every student to participate. I liked the way she dealt with one of the students who did not want to join pair conversation. She also used some phrases like "Good idea but try again", "Similar but not that one", or "interesting". I think these phrases encouraged students to try harder.
3. 14th September 2018, 11.00-13.00 o'clock.
GE class, Upper-intermediate level
After learning about PEACE project, I was curious to know how to do it. Having a chance to join this class greatly enhanced my view.
In this class, I like the atmosphere that all teachers created. I also like interaction and participation of all students. Although different groups had different styles of team work, they had clear goal and knew what to do. Another trigger would have been the approaching presentation day. I think reflective writing after class was a good idea as their memory were still fresh.
I think enthusiasm of all teachers are crucial to create dynamic in class. The teaching team also showed how to work cooperatively which is a good model for team work. This is not surprising, but very impressive for me.
I am looking forward to joining their poster presentation, if possible.
Best wishes and night night!
Suparpit (Nok, 1K)
Thanks for sharing, Nok. You capture very vividly the variety of English language teaching techniques you were exposed to. In going into this level of detail in your reflections, I think you'll be able to more easily retain your observations for future reference.
DeleteThank you so much for your comment. I hope so too!
DeleteNo worries.
DeleteDear Nok,
DeleteWhat a great and informative comments indeed. :) All classes you were observing sound really interesting. I like all techniques that teachers used in their classes, especially using game to help learners in elementary level to improve their English language skills.
Best Regards,
Nami
I agree with you, Nok. One of the methods is the use of games which can encourage students to understand English actively.
DeleteThanks a lot for sharing. I certainly agree with you, Nami and Nam about using games to help the students for effective English learning.
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteAccording to observations, I found most teachers have done structred teaching process. Those teachers use differents techniques to lead the students in to the lessons. Some activies such quizes or questions give students opportunities free to answers. I like it because the students can carry on the content with less fear. Some teachers used pictures, and team competition, to lead in. It seems less structures but the students are comfortable to learn as a result.
I have anticipate before I observe as the teachers prefer to give students opportunities to particiate as much as they can. I found the teachers divided students in to small groups. The student can learn in a group and discuss with friends. They can also learn from the teacher simutaneously. From the evidence of observation I wonder how can I apply those teaching teachniques in in large scale of classroom. It will be a topic that challenges me to develop the effective lessons for my students.
My surprise is the Peace Project shows its potential as the mutual project. The students adhere the project however they come from different countries and background and have diffrent English competency. They share their soul and belief of peaceful and work together until finish. I think the project is a sensible project therefore I also respect them and the teachers regarding their contribution.
Sincerely,
Ohm
Thanks for sharing, Ohm. Indeed questions, pictures and competitions all have a role to play in stimulating student learning. Also, I agree, that the peace project is an excellent environment for intercultural sharing. :-)
DeleteDear Ohm,
DeleteWhat a thoughtful and interesting comments you made regarding the Peace Project. :) I really like it too. It is so amazing to see learners from different background and cultures working on the same project. Peace be with us indeed.
Cheers,
Nami
Dear Ohm,
DeleteI like your comment saying "They share their soul and belief of peaceful and work together until finish. I think the project is a sensible project therefore I also respect them and the teachers regarding their contribution." Yes, I do agree with you in PBL, the students and teachers can learn together beyond the langauge :). I will also focus more on PBL teaching for both nursing class and English class.
Wiriya
What have you found most interesting about your experience in UOLC classrooms so far?
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting about my experience in UOLC classroom so far is team base teaching in 14 Sep 2018 time 11-1pm about Peace Project. I found team base teaching to encorage student effective. Leaving throug activity allows all skill.
You no doubt had expectations about what UOLC classrooms would be like. Which of those expectations have been confirmed?
And what, on the other hand, have you been surprised by?
It's the big class, Collaboration in teaching team as well and control the learner well. It's fun,nor boring.The learner are happy.
Thanks for sharing, Nokk. Team-teaching can indeed be an effective context within which to encourage students. It can give teachers a 'buzz' as well. :-)
DeleteDear Nokk,
DeleteI absolutely agree with your comment on the Peace Project that all learners were so happy in the class. I am very happy for them too. :)
Love,
Nami
I noticed that in my classroom teaching what students have enjoyed learning. Activities allow students to improve their English through various activities held at the school. What is important and difficult to teach the knowledge of English language learners with different teachers, so it relies on technical methods to study the development of the recipients. The peace activist is very good. Teachers allow students to work together on the creativity of the people who come together as a group to exchange ideas. Students to practice the language in speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.
ReplyDeletethank you
Agreed! The peace project indeed provides opportunities for the exercise of all 4 skills. :-)
Deletethank you teacher `:)
DeleteNo worries.
DeleteDear Ae,
DeleteI love the Peace Project too. :) I think it definitely give us an incredibly example on how to create a fun and active learning climate for learners.
Regards,
Nami
I agree with you that the peace activity was work for every student. I think we can take this back to our institutes with well preparation.
DeleteDear David,
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot while observing in UOLC classrooms. The most interesting experience is how the UOLC English teachers professionally teach their students. I found that the teachers use many teaching strategies, various materials and different teaching styles to encourage effective English learning of the students. For me, my experiences based on 3-time observations are as follows:
1. General English (GE) for Elementary level at Computer Suite (CS) on 11th September 2018, 3.00-4.00 pm
I really enjoyed my first observation. I found that Mike is an excellent teacher for encouraging language learning of his elementary level students. He is an enthusiastic teacher. Although the main purpose of the class is writing skill, his teaching styles have helped the students to improve other English skills effectively. He started from asking the students to read out loud the assignment from the required book. Then, he checked with each student to make sure that he/she understands what to do. He also asked students to write on a piece of paper, on the board, and type on the computer while he observed closely and helped the students based on individual needs. Later, he corrected sentences that the students used incorrectly. I think it is a very good idea because it can help the students to fix their English errors at once and they can remember well.
2. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for upper-intermediate level on 12th September 2018, 10.00-11.00 am
It is an independent learning class for catching up works that the students have not finished. The students work in small groups with different purposes such presentation preparation, exam preparation etc. I really like the idea of this class because the student can finish their works with closely support from the teacher. The difficult part is that the teacher has to be able to help the students in varieties of topics/ areas. Moreover, the teacher understands each student's situations. She looks around and helps the students based on individual needs. I totally agree with teacher Wendy is that "If you love something, you will do best."
3. General English (GE) for upper-intermediate level on 14th September 2018, 11.00 AM-1.00 PM
After learning about the Peace Project on Thursday 13th September, I was very interesting and wanted to see more how the teachers run the class as a team with 40 students. This class helps me understand better about how “project based learning” can enhance language learning for the students. In this class, I like the techniques that all teachers used to create an interactive and comfortable atmosphere classroom. I also like the evaluation methods that teachers used to help the students to accomplish their goals such as 60/40, reflective writing after class, and demonstration of approaching presentation day. The teaching team also showed how to work cooperatively which is a good model for team work to the students. I also like participation of all students. Although different groups had different styles of team work, they knew exactly what to do. I saw some students try to adapt themselves when having conflicts with friends who had different opinions or ideas. I think I definitely can apply the project based learning in teaching nursing subjects and other health care personnel training programs.
Best Regards
Wi
Thanks for sharing, Wi. I enjoyed reading your detailed report on various student-teacher & student-student interactions. These interactions can be identified as the cusp of language learning. Language learning takes place here. :-)
DeleteThank you very much for your comments. I totally agree that the interactions are the cusp of language learning. I found that most activities at UOLC promote student-teacher & student-student interactions;)
DeleteAll good.
DeleteDear Wi,
DeleteWhat an impressive and informative comment you made here. :) Likewise, I will definitely use PBL technique to teach nursing student when I get back to Thailand.
Best Regards,
Nami
What I have found most interesting about experience in UOLC classrooms is a variety teaching techniques in English classes. I attended 3 classes last week. My first class was ‘General English-Intermediate level’ that an English teacher taught about shopping words and synonyms, as well as reported speech. At first, I tried to guess what kind of teaching activities the teacher would apply to mingle four students in class to achieve both vocabulary and grammar within one hour. The teacher approached two topics by using a matching flashcards game. Then the students were divided into pairs to practice reported speech conversations with some vocabularies from the game. This situation looked like a game-based learning technique that Thai teachers used in Thailand. I think it is good to apply a game-based technique to the General English-Intermediate level class. It could be that this approach was suitable because the content of this class was not too tough and the number of students was small. The students didn’t feel like they were learning anything because they were so into the game.
ReplyDeleteThe second class was ‘General English-Upper Intermediate level’. In this morning class, a teacher taught about reading and listening for main idea, listening for details, and prediction for listening. Before the teacher started the class with watching the video clip of ‘the Bagel Man’, she introduced this section by preparing some bagel, cream cheese and jam for students and asking them to try some bagel. Moreover, she explained about bagel and how New Zealanders and Europeans have it. Then she asked her students to watch the video clip of ‘the Bagel Man’. She also asked the students to work on some questions about the Bagel Man. After that she summarized the listening by using a storytelling (drawing some pictures of the story on blackboard and providing some explanations) confirmed what are main idea and details in this video-clip. I think it is great to apply a lot of techniques and materials, such as teacher talking, video-tape, peer talking, textbook, and text-on board, in an hour class. I think the way of teaching by showing the video clip and reading textbook are common for teaching. However, the way that teacher brought bagel to class in the morning created a real and new experience to students. This introduction was impressed me a lot.
The third class was a project-based learning that students would work as a group on an assigned project related to peace, such as ‘Peace in Art’, ‘Peace in Songs’ and ‘Peace in Sports’. The students were also asked to complete reflection logs after activities. I think applying the project-based learning and journal logs in class is quite similar to what Thai teachers do in Thailand. However, reflective speaking are preferable rather than reflective writing after classes in Thailand. This approach really impressed me, especially, when a teacher was playing guitar while the students worked on their group projects. This made the class atmosphere seemed much more relaxed, and the students enjoyed engaging with the class throughout. If someone is playing guitar while I am working on my art project, this can soothe me a lot.
Thanks for sharing, Go. You are right language-learning games can cause students to forget that they are learning. They're just having fun!
DeleteWhat a good idea to actually bring some bagels into class before having students read the story of the bagel man and his findings regarding honesty and dishonesty. I am impressed by this step.
I agree with you on the guitar playing. Music can bring a relaxed atmosphere to the classroom. :-)
I agree with you, David. I will apply both techniques "Bring real material and music" to my classes. My students will be intrigued my them.
DeleteWhat an interesting comment you have made, Go. :) Referring to your comment regarding PBL, I absolutely agree with you that having music played (either by teacher or audio) really help creating a good atmosphere for the class. I will do that too in my class.
DeleteLove,
Nami
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteAfter two class observations of mine, I confirm that I have learned news things in teaching. My first observation was in Amilcar's class. I was very impressed when he introduced the students that "Today we will kill two birds with one stone." It was the sentence influenced the learners to feel like they were going to do the big things easily. I will try with my class on my way in the future. The second observation was the big class of poster preparation. Some students missed the class. The teacher asked the members there to keep some parts for those absent to do on weekend. I think that to do this, the present students perceived that it was fair. They do not have to bear whole job. For the absent students, we do not know the reasons. Anyway, they still have chance to participate and can be competence.
To sum up, I have learned and will take strategies back to manage my class in my environment. Thank you.
Interesting that you picked up on the point that the teacher asked the students to set some tasks aside for the absent students. Those students have missed the opportunity of interaction that the class session provides, but it is important to retain the opportunity for them to still contribute to the project. :-)
DeleteHi, Luck
DeleteI have learnt several useful strategies for teaching English which I am positive that I can apply them to teach nursing subjects too. :)
Take good care and get well soon,
Nami
Thank you so much, Nami. We have a good opportunity to learn from the teachers of University of Otago, Language Centre and Foundation Year. They are our role model in teaching and managing classroom. We are on the same track.
DeleteDear David
ReplyDeleteI have got problem with my laptop that I could not post at home. So, I have to use the computer at the Uni.
I found that the observation classes related to project-based leaning was really good. The classes were really interesting that the activities allowed all students get together and had small group working together. the students in each group can learn by themselves in searching data and had opportunity to discuss in the group. In addition, this activities lead to encourage students to improve their critical thinking and creative thinking.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Project learning provides opportunities for independent, critical and creative thinking. :-)
DeleteDear Ooie,
DeleteI couldn't agree more with you comment on PBL. I really think this teaching technique can be used as one of very useful approaches to help learners to increase their abilities in critical thinking and creative thinking.
Thanks for sharing and all the best,
Nami
Dear David,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the opportunity for us to observe the classes. I have found that all the classes that I attended were interesting in so many ways.
The IELTS class for upper intermediate level taught by Francene provided me an idea to draw the class attention with the song. Francene led in the class by playing a video clip of the song “another brick in the wall” by Pink Floyd. While playing the video clip, she occasionally paused the clip and asked the students to guess what did the singer sing. The students had such a great time to listen to the music and also learned some more vocabularies and sentences. Francene is very friendly teacher and she creates safe and comfortable atmosphere in the classroom. I feel that students are very happy in her class.
Another classs is IELTS Class for intermediate level. This class held in computer suite and provided time for student to practice IELTS exercise online. The student did their self-study with the supervision of the teacher. They could ask some questions from the teacher too, if they didn’t understand.
Thanks for sharing, Marisa. The class which used 'Another Brick in the Wall' sounds interesting. I'm interested to know what skills it was focused on. Was the focus to improve students' listening ability or was their a grammar or vocabulary focus? :-)
DeleteFrom my observation, I think the teacher used “ Another Brick in the Wall” song for teaching students’ listening and vocabulary skills. She asked the students to listen to the song and to play attention at the song lyric. After that she asked if what the singer sang about and some vocabularies too.
DeleteOkay, thanks for that. The song definitely has some memorable lyrics doesn't it e.g. "We don't need no education. We don't need no mind control." :-)
DeleteDear Marisa,
DeleteYour comment on the IELTS class for upper intermediate level has caught my attention in terms of drawing the class attention with the song. That sounds really interesting as the IELTS classes are usually quite serious and not so lively. I think I will try to use this technique when I get back to Thailand. :)
Warm Regards,
Nami
Dear David
ReplyDeleteI had observed three classes which included IELTS, TOEIC/EIC and Project-based leaning. I found that all classes were excellent, in particular teachers' roles and interaction between teachers and students. In addition, various kinds of media were used appropriately and effectively such as textbooks, DVD and assignment as project-based practice. I was really impressed in the listening class of TOEIC/EIC taught by Sonya that I have gained more experiences in providing listening lesson for my students. I also really loved the class of project-based learning that was really surprise me. All students in the big class had done their tasks very well. I have the idea that I will apply this activity to employ with my students.