I don't know where to start from. Probably from the very beginning.
I have thought that the more we are getting closer to the grand finale the easier it will be. I was mistaken. I think the esiest task this week was to find a partner. I would like to thank Poncho for expressing his desire to be my partner for our next week's peer reading of our project drafts.
When it comes to one-computer classroom, it was not difficult as well, just a bit time-consuming. What I want to say is, I thought at first that some random thoughts would do, but then I realized I had to make a more specific lesson plan. But this why we are here: to realize things and ideas, "Reflections into Actions" as Victoria entitled her blog. We do not only learn but actually DO things (I'm too much into Pragmatics, aren't I?).
I would also like to add that we use very often a computer in the classroom. We use it for listening activities, or for watching something, or for making public a presentation. I liked the activities from:
- http://www.susangaer.com/sgaer/onecomputer/wordprocessing.html
- http://www.susangaer.com/sgaer/onecomputer/internet.html
- http://www.lburkhart.com/elem/strat.htm
- http://www.seirtec.org/present/onecomptr.html
Some of them were new to me, others were not.
The reading for this week mostly dealt with learner autonomy, something that should be ecouraged, cultivated, in our students. I have already shared the existing problems here in Moldova, i.e. the student are too much teacher-dependent. If there is nobody to watch-dog them, they won't do anything. This is a problem we are fighting and trying hard to solve. I think that our schools have to adopt not only verbally but also in practice student-centered teaching and the problem will gradually disappear.
Another issue is the teacher autonomy. I think the teacher should be autonomous within the curriculum he/she has to follow and according to the students' needs.
So these are my reflections for this week
Cheers
Vicky
Well, hi partner!
ReplyDeleteyou’re right this kind of projects take more time than the one we believe, and sometimes is kind of hard to dedicate time to work on this, but there’s no waste of time, the experience and the teach tips given are good, and I agree: we work here to do things.
About your comments on learners autonomy, it seems to be a global problem, perhaps young teachers (like us of course) should work to change that, as in your country, here in mine, the kids need somebody to be leading and showing them, how or what to do, and some teachers love to work like that.
By the way, if somebody has to say thank you is me:
I’ll be a good partner and will work hard!
Hi Vicky,
ReplyDeleteI am agree with you and Poncho that things are getting a bit difficult because we need time to complete the tasks. Even though this, we are trying to do our best !!!.
Your commnent about teacher autonomy is the same idea I share . I can add that is our responsability not only teach the language but, instruct how to study outside the classroom giving them interesting tasks.
I took a look at the links you suggested and let me tell you that I passed hours taking some excellent ideas.They are great !!!
Have an 8th excellent week !!!