Week 15 Technology, an instant feedback tool

The article “Assessing language using computer technology” by Dan Douglas and Volker Hegelheimer was really interesting because it is about using technology for assessments. What surprised me was the fact of having more advantages using technology than providing a piece of paper and a pencil. For example, technology enhances the learning process not only for students, but also for teachers. In fact, students can take a quiz on line and have a result immediately. What´s more interesting is that technology, nowadays, offers apps, websites, videos, etc that students can use as tools to improve their English skills out site the classroom. Regarding to scoring, feedback, and reporting systems, it is mentioned that programs have been developed to provide instant feedback when students make a paragraph. In addition, speech is another area that is showing progress to provide scoring. As a consequence, this process will take less time, so that, students and teachers will enjoy quiz time. In my opinion, this type of feedback is easier to manage and it is good for busy teachers because the result will be shown in the moment the students finish the quiz, instead of going home and start to check the quiz. Even though the program can be difficult to control it, but once teachers get used to it, they will find out the technology can make the difference in a classroom.  

Week 14 Two ideas to improve speaking skill in class

This week we read two articles. The first one is “10 Benefits of Getting Students to Participate in Classroom Discussions” by Maryellen Weimer. The second one is “Increase Student Interaction with think pair ­shares” and circle chats" by Kristina Robertson.

What is interesting from the first article is that participation in one key or one of the most important thing for student’s success. The more they participate, the more they get interested in the topic. In fact, the role of the teacher needs to change a little bit. Teachers tend to speak the 90% of the class and students get bored since they listen the explanation or the instructions. In my opinion, teachers cannot only allow students to speak more but also encourage them to speak and practicing the language. As an example, if one students is asking for a word meaning, another student can help his/her classmate by giving the definition or giving an example to clarify that doubt. In that way, they are improving their speaking skill, so that, they will not be afraid of talking in front of anybody. On the other hand, think­-pair-­share is very useful in class because students are able to first think about the answer, and then share it with the person that is next to him/her. As a result, they are able to give a better answer because they already practiced it before. Whenever it happens, teachers must be very careful to help students or to give feedback at that moment.  

Week 12 Project work in class

The article “Benefits of project work” by Bülent Alan and Fredricka L. Stoller talks about project work in class. It allows students to maximize their knowledge and being actively processing information that is given to them, so that, they can report it over a period of time established by the teacher. As a result, students can outcome and improve their knowledge and skills. Moreover, students are encouraged to have autonomy, engagement, and a more positive attitude toward English since they find an interactive way to learn their second language.

On the other hand, the article “Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning” by John Larmer and John R. Mergendoller explains what the project work must contain in order to take advantage of it. Teachers must introduce the topic first, and then clarify any doubt possible in the class. The idea of it is to catch our student’s attention. The project could be in pairs or in groups. Before presenting the project, it must be checked by the teacher and students must have feedback, so that, the project must be presented in the best way.

In conclusion, project work can be a great activity that can be applied not only in the classroom, but also outside, so that, students can get more interested and have a motivation to improve by themselves.