Session 6 - Reflection

Think back to the activities, sample resources, etc., that you have viewed, listened to, or tried. What are the potentials for doing/using them in your teaching situation? What are the advantages for students (and the teacher)?


My school encourages reading aloud. Junior student has an English activity passport and they can get credits by completing various tasks, such as reading aloud. Therefore, read aloud is something that students in my school are familiar with.

Fluency tutor is definitely a must-try for me. As mentioned, reading aloud is no stranger to students. Instead of doing it face to face, a digital way will be a 'fresh' and interesting format. I just worry that they may take it too seriously and spent too much time recording the perfect one.
Because I have a big class, I don't think I will ask all of them to complete Fluency Tutor at the same time. I won't have time to listen to all and grade them. Asking 5-8 of them each time is more manageable for me.

Fluency tutor is good because students can read texts outside their books. The pre-installed texts of the website is relevant and 'understandable'. I hope students will enjoy reading something not from their textbook/ SCMP (they complain there are too many words)

Fluency tutor is good. I just wonder if English Builder (by Wiseman) gets the same function or not. I shall check.

Audacity is a handy tool. I use it often for editing listening files. I havent tried adding special effects though. Listening exam doesnt need gimmicks :)

The poem that I have recorded during the lesson wasnt read in a good way. It was all done in a hurry. I am looking forward to making a digital story with it next time.

Session 6 - audacity link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aj1cg7fq1jybuss/1155038442.wav?dl=0

It was recorded in a hurry. sorry >-<

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein
Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly
in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions
of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying
flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go? 

Session 5 - reflection

Think back to the tools, resources, activities, etc. you have visited or tried in this session? What are their advantages and what are the prospects of using (some of) them in your teaching situation? If you like, you may focus on one or two examples.

I am subscriber of BBC the Inquiry on iPhone. It is for my self-development. It's informative (also allow me to feel educated). 

I always wanted to use podcasts in lesson. Each programme is downloadable (FREE!). The hosts' English is clear. They set an good example for English learners. There are a wide range of podcast channels you can choose, from History to current affairs. Surely there will be one that suit your interest. 

However, I have never ever tried once (use in lesson) because it's too much to prepare. A podcast is only an audio file. To make the lesson meaningful, I have to prepare worksheetsss (pre-teach vocabulary, listening comprehension questions, post-listening tasks).  So much preparation just for that few minutes listening file. I am sure that it is going to be good if I have time to produce one. 

Since it is likely that I won't use it in class, Podcast should be introduced to students as an extensive listening tool. I am sure some keen learners will tune in and try to listen. It is so accessible. Simply tap 'podcast' on your iPhone and you have channels to choose from. I can suggest students listening to it during their daily commute to school. 

I always have this thinking --> even you may not understand the English, but the more your listen to the 'sound' of English, the better you will sound.

Session 5 - Edpuzzle - the gold mine in South Africa

https://edpuzzle.com/assignments/5800d09d9eeb56a908bfacbc/watch

Session 5 - TedEd lesson

https://ed.ted.com/on/WRHX3sFl

Session 4 (Oct 7): Spicing up vocabulary teaching with technology

Think back to the tools for vocabulary teaching and learning you have learnt about in this session. Which of them might you find useful in your teaching? Why? How might you use it with your students?

I think Quizlet is very useful and relevant in my teaching. I will use the tool mostly for revising.

For junior form students, they have exam questions based on vocabulary from textbooks. This part accounts for 20-25 % of the total mark in Paper 2 (General English). For weaker students, this is the part which can help them secure a pass. Memorising vocabulary is always challenging. With the help of Quizlet, revision can be less dull. 

 The design of the application is very modern, with large fonts and clear layout. I especially enjoy the 6 different options it comes with. Teacher just needs to input the definition and the word. The application automatically processes the data and turn them into flashcards and games. The most amazing part is that Quizlet offers audio support too! How handy the tool is for teaching/ revising vocabulary.

However, I worry that parents may not be too happy when students spend too much time on their mobile devices. 

The mind map website is of course a fun tool to use. Inviting students to create their own mind map will be another good revision activity for them. 

Session 4 - Quizlet