Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Questions for Discussion Box 5.2 (group of 3) Class 5/17/2011
1.- Some techniques are more popular than others. What are they, and can you account for their popularity?
In our opinion, we think that the more popular techniques are: translation, concise definition, context, synonyms. We think that context and synonyms are very good techniques to make understand a student the meaning of a word. This way, it's difficult that a student get confused.
2.- Are there techniques that are particularly appropriate for the presentation of certain types of words?
Yes. For example, we think that detailes description is a very good way to teach vocabulary. You can describe animals, plants, furnitures, etc. With context technique, we can teach connectives. With illustration we can teach countries and places. All is in finding the correct technique for each vocabulary item.
3.- Are there techniques which are likely to be more, or less, appropriate for particular learner populations (young/adult, beginner/advances, different background cultures)?
Yes, there is. For a children who is 8 or 9 years old a picture is more attractive than a definition. For english students (like us) definitions (in second language) are more useful than pictures, because we learn and practice vocabulary itself. On the other hand, for an adult, who has a lot of things to do apart of learning english, we think that context - synonyms and antonyms could be more effective than definitions.
4.- Do you, as an individual, find that you prefer some kinds of techniques and tend to avoid others? Which? and Why?
We prefer illustration, because is easier to make understand to the children when they don't dominate the language very well. A concise definition, thinking in public school students, we think we should avoid, because it could be hard for them to learn and understand. Hyponyms - synonyms - antonyms are good ways to contrast or give other word for the same meaning. We think that translation technique is the less effective of all, because students just don't learn. It's boring and less significative for them.
In our opinion, we think that the more popular techniques are: translation, concise definition, context, synonyms. We think that context and synonyms are very good techniques to make understand a student the meaning of a word. This way, it's difficult that a student get confused.
2.- Are there techniques that are particularly appropriate for the presentation of certain types of words?
Yes. For example, we think that detailes description is a very good way to teach vocabulary. You can describe animals, plants, furnitures, etc. With context technique, we can teach connectives. With illustration we can teach countries and places. All is in finding the correct technique for each vocabulary item.
3.- Are there techniques which are likely to be more, or less, appropriate for particular learner populations (young/adult, beginner/advances, different background cultures)?
Yes, there is. For a children who is 8 or 9 years old a picture is more attractive than a definition. For english students (like us) definitions (in second language) are more useful than pictures, because we learn and practice vocabulary itself. On the other hand, for an adult, who has a lot of things to do apart of learning english, we think that context - synonyms and antonyms could be more effective than definitions.
4.- Do you, as an individual, find that you prefer some kinds of techniques and tend to avoid others? Which? and Why?
We prefer illustration, because is easier to make understand to the children when they don't dominate the language very well. A concise definition, thinking in public school students, we think we should avoid, because it could be hard for them to learn and understand. Hyponyms - synonyms - antonyms are good ways to contrast or give other word for the same meaning. We think that translation technique is the less effective of all, because students just don't learn. It's boring and less significative for them.
Suplementary Materials
we can use supplementary materials to increase the student's learning. Supplementary materials include the following:
1. Flashcards: These are used to increase the student's learning in a visual way, it helps them associate words with pictures.
2. Blogs: Blogs are used for students to express their opinion and explain what they have learned in their own words.
3. Online Games: Some online games can be used to teach English in a fun way that will keep the students motivated.
Monday, May 16, 2011
BOX13.2: CRITERIA FOR COURSEBOOK ASSESSMENT
BOX13.2: CRITERIA FOR COURSEBOOK ASSESSMENT(English Adventure student book 4)
N° | Criterion | |
1- | Objectives explicitly laid out in an introduction, and implemented in the material | 6 |
2- | Approach educationally and socially acceptable to target community | 6 |
3- | Clear attractive layout; print easy to read | 7 |
4- | Appropriate visual materials available | 7 |
5- | Interesting topics and tasks | 7 |
6- | Varied topics and tasks, so as to provide for different learner levels, learning styles, interest, etc | 5 |
7- | Clear inst5ructions | 7 |
8- | Systematic coverage of syllabus | 7 |
9- | Content clearly organized and graded (sequenced by difficulty) | 7 |
10- | Periodic review and test sections | 3 |
11- | Plenty of authentic language | 7 |
12- | Good pronunciation explanation and practice | 7 |
13- | Good vocabulary explanation and practice | 7 |
14- | Good grammar presentation and practice | 5 |
15- | Fluency practice in all four skills | 5 |
16- | Encourages learners to develop own learning strategies and to become independent in their learning | 5 |
17- | Adequate guidance for the teacher; not too heavy preparation load | 3 |
18- | Audio cassettes | 6 |
19- | Readily available locally | 4 |
I used a scale of one to seven, the highest point means the course book carry out with the most appropriate criterion.
I think the course book in general is very interesting because it has a lot of pictures, for example it has Disney´s pictures and that is funny for children, every one of them have watched some Disney´s movie and it attracts the attention of the learners and it allows the teacher make a good class.
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