Reflection on Week 8

As we are moving towards the end of this course, we are getting busier with many challenging tasks.As usual, all of us participated in the discussion. This week's discussion was different, in the sense that we were not given articles to read on a topic. Instead, there was a list of tools to create class site and online exercises. Implementing these tools in ESL/EFL classrooms will definitely bring a change for both students and teachers. In my district, we only emphasize that learning English is fun. That is the only way to encourage students to learn the language. Most of the time, we use language games in teaching. As I've mentioned in Nicenet discussion, when students enjoy the lesson, they will develop their love for the language. With the help of technology, we can vary the activities for our students. When we use various types of tools in teaching, we will feel confident and motivated. On the other hand, students will enjoy the lesson and learning will be made easy. Aren't this a good change? Through games, students will think critically to look for the answers or solutions. At times, they use dictionaries or even browse the Internet. Thus, this will slowly promote autonomous learning. We will meet many challenges when dealing with these tools. However, I believe that every problem has a solution. 

This week, I created my own crossword puzzle online. I created a very simple one, intended for Remove form students. Students of all levels love answering crossword puzzles. In my school, we run a problem called EW20 (English Within 20 minutes). We usually give students handouts on crossword puzzles and word search. Now, I can teach my colleagues to create their own games for EW20. We will be able to create games in accordance to students' proficiency levels. I also plan to create and print out some games so that I can use them when I relief teachers for their classes. 

I've also created a wall at Padlet. This is an extension for the WebQuest which I've created for the final project. However, I cannot expect for an immediate response from my students as they will sit for a test soon. I'm sure my students will love this tool. They can share and learn from each other.

http://padlet.com/wall/English-5Sc1-2014

 

Of all the tasks, I really enjoyed creating a wiki for my class. It was challenging! I spent almost a whole day to learn how to edit the page. And I took another 2 days to customize the page. At this point, I really appreciate Sean's wiki. It's far more complicated than my wiki. I wish to add on more features on my wiki after this. I created this wiki specially for my final year students. I will continue using it until the end of this year to analyze the result. I will definitely create a wiki for other levels as well. Here is the link to my wiki:  https://sites.google.com/site/englishforform5/

As we work on our final project report,  it is very thoughtful to get a review from a peer. I was glad that Baetty was back and she agreed to work with me. It must had been hard for her, as she missed Week 7. She really had so much to catch up and yet she was willing to help me with my project review. Her comments and suggestions really helped me a lot. I'm working on to improve my report. I also learned a lot while reviewing Baetty's project plan. Her ideas were great and I hope the best for her. 

I wish all the best for my colleagues. Hopefully everyone will manage to come up with good reports. Lets continue our journey for another 2 weeks. Thank you for visiting my blog.