Week 6 is almost half way through and it is time to start thinking about the final project, at least form a mental picture. I am not very clear about my final project right now but am happy and satisfied by all I have learnt on this course so far and feel content with all I have been able to do so far in my classes for my students.
- To speak about student-centered classroom I try to engage students as far as possible in a more constructive role of taking the discussion further and to be truthful using one and more techniques all the time is not possible but as teachers we know what to do, when to do and how to do? to keep it going, I do the same. Sometimes I use one or more techniques shared through Nicenet post or sometimes just thinking on my feet does the trick.
- The task this week i.e. to create an interactive PowerPoint was an interesting one but at the same time a challenging one, because here in India teachers are not very computer/technology friendly and i am also trying to better my IT skills day by day. But anyways trying this was a good experience and I hope my attempt is liked/praised by all.
- When it comes to implement technology related changes in class, I 'd like to talk about how there has been a change in my two major classes, one is class X that I have taken up as my target group for my project. The other is my class XII, a group mostly lazy, uninterested and unwilling to spend time to learn a language. They rather prefer studying other optional subjects. But it has surprised me to see that even they find PBL and technology enhanced lessons very engrossing and have been fully geared to do what is told.
One instance I can share is of trying to teach them some idioms and proverbs in one of the classes, the moment I showed them the fun and the ease of communicating well by using these through some recordings, they were very curious and keen to learn more and very happily have taken this up as their holiday assignment.
The other group i.e. class X is quite active and are in touch with me through internet (facebook, emails) during the holidays also. It is so motivating to see this.
- This week I got a chance to look at Stefani's blog and found her reflection(Week 4) quite interesting. She has talked about the problem of students engaging in self-talk using their native language and freezing when asked to speak in English. This I must say is also the problem in my scenario, students engage in their own talk using Hindi and just become dumb, if asked to speak in English.Though with constant encouragement and motivation they have started trying break their cocoon and to my relief have started talking in English in class when needed.
Hello Cherry,
ReplyDeleteIf it means anything to you, teachers are also not eager to use technology in my country. I guess we are all happy and satisfied with this course and eager to learn and participate not only because the resources and the mentors are great, but also because we understand each other very well and we share the same interests regarding the use of technology.
Marija
Hello, Cherry!
ReplyDeleteMost teachers in my country (Belarus) are not computer friendly either. But I hope to change the situation in my school as I'm going to share all the knowledge and ideas that I learned during this course.
I also tried PBL and was impressed how it helps motivate students because they become more active and speak more. And, of course, interactive Power Point is useful for motivating students too.
Good luck!
Olga
Hi, Cherry!
ReplyDeleteI just want to mention that progress is always hampered, especially if people are not aware of its benifits. My grandma told me that when tractors appeared in our country people in the villiage refused to work with them as they thought that these were 'satan's tool'. However, the moment they were explained how they work and saw how much effort and energy they saved, they changed their opinion.
The same thing happens with the introduction of technological tools in the classroom. Teachers are not familiar with them and everything that is new and unkown is a bit scary. The best way to improve this situation is to share the experience we gain here, just as Olga said.
The project has been an issue for me as well. I am still doing my best to make the things work properly. I think that we will succeed as we are doing it step by step and this should help.
Wishing you all the best
Vicky
Way to go Cherry!I also feel I have learned a lot. The girls in my class are up and about and afternoon lessons are not that bad!What with looking at the PowerPoint and not Madam teacher!Have fun.I thing the important thing now is to work on preparation time.How are your timetables or do you have to burn he midnight oil to prepare. in my school it doesn't count!
ReplyDeleteTina