Now we have started with the new schedule, which confused me a bit, and today I totally missed out the session of this morning. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be there on time!
And also I missed out the "reunio avaluacio" because I forgot that I had an appointment with my doctor, but I could go to the next meeting, next week.
We started a new unit about the planet Earth and I wrote down some exercises I would like to do with the kids. We will see tomorrow.
jueves, 26 de marzo de 2009
martes, 17 de marzo de 2009
6th sesh Part II
As it concerns to yesterday's class, I learnt a great lesson: Not to panic or break down whenever something doesn't work as you have expected.
Yesterday I was supposed to give the class, but instead of having a whole hour as I thought, I had 15 min or so. I prepared an ICT activity, a treasure hunt that was somehow related to the readings that we had done in that same class about Australia. The ICT was about surfing (that had appeared in the readings) so I thought it was good to link them.
When the kids got to the computer room I already had all the pc's switched on, so I could save some time. When I wrote down the information to sign in the website, some computers were running faster than other (I didn't think about this!) and some students were impatiented to see what was next and others couldn't see the web yet.
Once all of them were there, the link didn't quite work. So I wrote down an alternative path to get to where I wanted. I told them how to create a new post, so I could read their entries, but then we couldn't see the main text and the bell rang.
What a kaos!!! I felt messy and I feared as a consequence that the class wouldn't ever again respect me! Because I had screwed the first exercise with them.
Well, I don't know what to do now. Either explain the exercise again, forget about it or what.
But the most important thing is that I left the school feeling very upset about myself. After a while I understood there will be more chances for me to teach them and it's up to me to gain their respect and my credibility as a teacher.
We will see...
Yesterday I was supposed to give the class, but instead of having a whole hour as I thought, I had 15 min or so. I prepared an ICT activity, a treasure hunt that was somehow related to the readings that we had done in that same class about Australia. The ICT was about surfing (that had appeared in the readings) so I thought it was good to link them.
When the kids got to the computer room I already had all the pc's switched on, so I could save some time. When I wrote down the information to sign in the website, some computers were running faster than other (I didn't think about this!) and some students were impatiented to see what was next and others couldn't see the web yet.
Once all of them were there, the link didn't quite work. So I wrote down an alternative path to get to where I wanted. I told them how to create a new post, so I could read their entries, but then we couldn't see the main text and the bell rang.
What a kaos!!! I felt messy and I feared as a consequence that the class wouldn't ever again respect me! Because I had screwed the first exercise with them.
Well, I don't know what to do now. Either explain the exercise again, forget about it or what.
But the most important thing is that I left the school feeling very upset about myself. After a while I understood there will be more chances for me to teach them and it's up to me to gain their respect and my credibility as a teacher.
We will see...
6th sesh
I forgot to write down, after the 5th session, how cool was being in that class. The second hour (because on Tuesdays we have split groups and we hold two English classes in a row trying to do the same) was even cooler.
The second group struggles a bit more, in general, with the class, but once you have them in front of the computers, something changed! Students that normally disrupt or talk a lot or don't want to do the homework where now practising the irregular verbs. And the think is they were concentrated until the end of the hour. In a very bad timing -just before the break-. However, I already wrote about this. But I wanted to write down about how I spent half an hour with one girl that has no interest for the class, at all. I was there with her, playing the interactive games, giving her funny examples to remember the meaning of such verbs and it was really cool. Because I thought she didn't like me, at all. (I'm not saying now she likes me a lot, but at least a bit!).
She really tried to remember them and the stupid examples we used. We wrote them down, we did the exercises again and so on until the session was over. Of course you can't do English class in the computers room every day, but I thought it is really amazing once you find a way to motivate one student. It seems very difficult, tho, to combine exercises, materials and spaces to motive altogether!
The second group struggles a bit more, in general, with the class, but once you have them in front of the computers, something changed! Students that normally disrupt or talk a lot or don't want to do the homework where now practising the irregular verbs. And the think is they were concentrated until the end of the hour. In a very bad timing -just before the break-. However, I already wrote about this. But I wanted to write down about how I spent half an hour with one girl that has no interest for the class, at all. I was there with her, playing the interactive games, giving her funny examples to remember the meaning of such verbs and it was really cool. Because I thought she didn't like me, at all. (I'm not saying now she likes me a lot, but at least a bit!).
She really tried to remember them and the stupid examples we used. We wrote them down, we did the exercises again and so on until the session was over. Of course you can't do English class in the computers room every day, but I thought it is really amazing once you find a way to motivate one student. It seems very difficult, tho, to combine exercises, materials and spaces to motive altogether!
martes, 10 de marzo de 2009
5th sesh
Here I am. Writing from the Computers classroom in the school. The class is doing an ICT activity -in concrete a Wikispace- to learn the irregular verbs. It is quite impressive the fact that a week ago I was sort of complaining of how nervous the students were during this class and the little attention they paid to the lesson. However, today at the computers lab they are working for the whole session without complains and, I'd say, enjoying while they do the exercises.
The wiki consists in different kinds of activities that revolve around the same: irregular verbs. You can find the typical fill the gaps, memo games, versus mode and so on. They can use the books and other materials because what is important here is that they are learning. The vast majority of the students learn better by doing visual exercises and having some sort of kinestetic motivation. While this wiki engages all what I've just said.
By doing the same but in different ways they come to internalize the verbs and the "sona bé o no sona bé" thing with them.
Seriously, comparing with last week lesson, you would think you are dealing with a whole different group. My tutor pointed out the importance of combining diverse types of exercises since there are diverse ways of learning: some students may be more visual, others by studing, repetition...And to do things like this Wiki in class (they can also check it at home) you are adressing various skills at once while they are having fun.
I am definetely trying my wiki (collective writing) when I'm implementing my unit. Will see.
I'm stoked of their behaviour and today's class made me really think about motivation and how to engage in activities they will be interested in.
That's it!
The wiki consists in different kinds of activities that revolve around the same: irregular verbs. You can find the typical fill the gaps, memo games, versus mode and so on. They can use the books and other materials because what is important here is that they are learning. The vast majority of the students learn better by doing visual exercises and having some sort of kinestetic motivation. While this wiki engages all what I've just said.
By doing the same but in different ways they come to internalize the verbs and the "sona bé o no sona bé" thing with them.
Seriously, comparing with last week lesson, you would think you are dealing with a whole different group. My tutor pointed out the importance of combining diverse types of exercises since there are diverse ways of learning: some students may be more visual, others by studing, repetition...And to do things like this Wiki in class (they can also check it at home) you are adressing various skills at once while they are having fun.
I am definetely trying my wiki (collective writing) when I'm implementing my unit. Will see.
I'm stoked of their behaviour and today's class made me really think about motivation and how to engage in activities they will be interested in.
That's it!
lunes, 9 de marzo de 2009
4th sesh
Today the class had an exam because we finished the unit and the Avaluacions del trimestre are pretty close.
I am guessing that tomorrow we will start a new unit. I am doing some exercises of the unit 5, Planet Earth, but the one that I am going to implement is the Unit 6. I rather get really familiar with the kids before implement my own unit. And spending that many hours with them, solving doubts, listening to them, seeing their behavior should help me to prepare my future classes.
I offered myself to help my tutor to correct the exams with her, but she was right, she rather corrects them herself, so she can see their progress and has an idea of the overall evolution.
Anyway, at the end of the unit I will have to do an exam on my own, so I'll have time to correct and see how it works.
Today she gave an advice -because I was telling her some exercises that I had come up with for my unit-, she told me not to get disappointed if some exercises don't quite work with the class, they might get bored, or might be too difficult or whatever. So I should expect some sorts of resistance.
I think that's pretty much it for the day.
I am guessing that tomorrow we will start a new unit. I am doing some exercises of the unit 5, Planet Earth, but the one that I am going to implement is the Unit 6. I rather get really familiar with the kids before implement my own unit. And spending that many hours with them, solving doubts, listening to them, seeing their behavior should help me to prepare my future classes.
I offered myself to help my tutor to correct the exams with her, but she was right, she rather corrects them herself, so she can see their progress and has an idea of the overall evolution.
Anyway, at the end of the unit I will have to do an exam on my own, so I'll have time to correct and see how it works.
Today she gave an advice -because I was telling her some exercises that I had come up with for my unit-, she told me not to get disappointed if some exercises don't quite work with the class, they might get bored, or might be too difficult or whatever. So I should expect some sorts of resistance.
I think that's pretty much it for the day.
dancing with the kids!
This was a special cool session with the class! Last Thursday I went to the school, although this isn't in my schedule. My 2nd of ESO class and another class was involved in a school activity where we learnt how to do Scottish dances. Ceyliah, or something like this.
It was a lot of fun seeing the kids in another environment, outside the class and not related to homework or so, but doing actually some kind of English work, since all explanations where in English and the kids had to talk in English to communicate either with the singer/dancer or with us.
While doing the dance, David (the guy that did the performance) realized that was one spot left and they needed someone else, somehow I ended up there. It didn't cost a lot of effort to convince me!
We danced and laughed and almost sweat. To sum up, it was a fun class.
It was a lot of fun seeing the kids in another environment, outside the class and not related to homework or so, but doing actually some kind of English work, since all explanations where in English and the kids had to talk in English to communicate either with the singer/dancer or with us.
While doing the dance, David (the guy that did the performance) realized that was one spot left and they needed someone else, somehow I ended up there. It didn't cost a lot of effort to convince me!
We danced and laughed and almost sweat. To sum up, it was a fun class.
miércoles, 4 de marzo de 2009
3rd sesh
After how excited I was the day before with the class...today I came to realize that not everyday is going to be like that. We had a two hours in a row English class. First of all with half of the class, and then, with the rest.
My tutor prepared some exercises regarding the theater play the students were supposed to see the next afternoon. She prepared a reading and listening, resolved any vocabulary doubts, made them to reflect about immigration (apparently has to do with the play) and then we listened to one song and filled the gaps in it.
That was alright. I mean, it was a very concise class to prepare a bit what they were going to see in a few hours. The group talked a lot but they also participated in the class discussion a lot, and their comprehension and coherence while talking about controversial issues such an immigration made me feel proud of them. Besides, in a very multicultural class as ours, I think it's really important to be aware of social issues like this one and to allow the kids to express themselves freely -as long as they do it within a respectful context.
The students tho, were sort of anxious or nervious, feeling like the day itself. And they weren't too focus. The second hour, with the rest of the group, which struggles in general a bit more with the English class, was harder. I like to see how even those who hasn't a great level and domain of the language, keep on trying (since this is the only way to improve), on the other hand, there are other students who have a really poor level, plus disrupt the class a lot by talking in loud, talking all the time with their partners, don't bother to follow the lessons or have the materials ready. I found that a lack of respect and a total lack of interest, which is kind of sad!
I tried to help them while doing the exercises to motivate them, but I think I haven't figured the way to motivate them yet. Some of them, only need you to be around to solve some questions and help them to be focused. However, others don't even bother in front of you to dissimulate they don't pay attention or give a damn!
I totally saw that while a girl was holding my look when I asked her if she needed any help with the text.
I am taking some notes regarding them, so when I implement some activities or my own unit, I can more or less know how the class is going to react as a whole and also every one individually. I don't know yet how to increase the interest and the motivation of those I've just mentioned.
I came with some -I think they are cool- activities, to see if I can get a reaction out of them. I thought about doing a Pasapalabra in English, and other stuff. I am starting to plann the unit and also I've been reading the unit we will start next week to see what do I want to do and what I can do.
I think that's it!
Ah! After the classes i went to my first Reunio de Departament. It was more informal than I expected but I like the atmosphere of it. I couldn't really appreciate the general guidelines or policy of the department, since they are about to end the trimestre and they are pretty stressed out. I hope next one it's going to be deeper maybe.
Definetely, that's it!
My tutor prepared some exercises regarding the theater play the students were supposed to see the next afternoon. She prepared a reading and listening, resolved any vocabulary doubts, made them to reflect about immigration (apparently has to do with the play) and then we listened to one song and filled the gaps in it.
That was alright. I mean, it was a very concise class to prepare a bit what they were going to see in a few hours. The group talked a lot but they also participated in the class discussion a lot, and their comprehension and coherence while talking about controversial issues such an immigration made me feel proud of them. Besides, in a very multicultural class as ours, I think it's really important to be aware of social issues like this one and to allow the kids to express themselves freely -as long as they do it within a respectful context.
The students tho, were sort of anxious or nervious, feeling like the day itself. And they weren't too focus. The second hour, with the rest of the group, which struggles in general a bit more with the English class, was harder. I like to see how even those who hasn't a great level and domain of the language, keep on trying (since this is the only way to improve), on the other hand, there are other students who have a really poor level, plus disrupt the class a lot by talking in loud, talking all the time with their partners, don't bother to follow the lessons or have the materials ready. I found that a lack of respect and a total lack of interest, which is kind of sad!
I tried to help them while doing the exercises to motivate them, but I think I haven't figured the way to motivate them yet. Some of them, only need you to be around to solve some questions and help them to be focused. However, others don't even bother in front of you to dissimulate they don't pay attention or give a damn!
I totally saw that while a girl was holding my look when I asked her if she needed any help with the text.
I am taking some notes regarding them, so when I implement some activities or my own unit, I can more or less know how the class is going to react as a whole and also every one individually. I don't know yet how to increase the interest and the motivation of those I've just mentioned.
I came with some -I think they are cool- activities, to see if I can get a reaction out of them. I thought about doing a Pasapalabra in English, and other stuff. I am starting to plann the unit and also I've been reading the unit we will start next week to see what do I want to do and what I can do.
I think that's it!
Ah! After the classes i went to my first Reunio de Departament. It was more informal than I expected but I like the atmosphere of it. I couldn't really appreciate the general guidelines or policy of the department, since they are about to end the trimestre and they are pretty stressed out. I hope next one it's going to be deeper maybe.
Definetely, that's it!
lunes, 2 de marzo de 2009
2n session
Today was my third day at the school. We started really early in the morning (I had almost forgotten the high school schedule!). We had class in 2n Eso and we were doing some workbook exercises. We did a listening regarding Homer's poems about the Iliad and the Odissey. The students liked more the first one. We did some readings and also commented in pairs what the story was about. The teacher wrote down some verbs to help the kids while constructing their own version of the story. We were dealing with past continuos. They did it pretty well!
While I am helping them, I talk in English to them. And some of them don't want to speak in front of me, I guess they don't know me too well yet. Someone confessed me he didn't want to talk because I would hear his accent. I told him I had already heard him and he speaks perfectly well.
I went to a Batxillerat class, and that was a lot of fun because we saw an interview through the internet of Ann Hataway and one of her movies. Then the guys in pairs had to become an interviewer and an actor/tress. Some of them made it really funny and I'm quite impressed by their English pronunciation and level. After the acting out thing, some of them thought it might be a good idea to do a theatre play for Sant Jordi or so. I thought it was a great idea, and although their not my group, I'll be more than glad to help!
And that's it! I'm reading now the next unit, to see if i can come with a good exercise to implement in the classroom.
See you tomorrow!
While I am helping them, I talk in English to them. And some of them don't want to speak in front of me, I guess they don't know me too well yet. Someone confessed me he didn't want to talk because I would hear his accent. I told him I had already heard him and he speaks perfectly well.
I went to a Batxillerat class, and that was a lot of fun because we saw an interview through the internet of Ann Hataway and one of her movies. Then the guys in pairs had to become an interviewer and an actor/tress. Some of them made it really funny and I'm quite impressed by their English pronunciation and level. After the acting out thing, some of them thought it might be a good idea to do a theatre play for Sant Jordi or so. I thought it was a great idea, and although their not my group, I'll be more than glad to help!
And that's it! I'm reading now the next unit, to see if i can come with a good exercise to implement in the classroom.
See you tomorrow!
domingo, 1 de marzo de 2009
1rst observation day
As the title stated already, last Wednesday was my very first day as an observer at my practicum school. I haven't been able to write about it before because I've been sick since then! I went early in the morning for the second class of the day with 2n of ESO -the class where I'll be teaching-. My tutor introduced me to the kids and they stared at me for a while with a mixture of curiosity while checking me out. I assume this is due to my appearence, since I look pretty young and my clothing style isn't that far away from theirs!
The seat arrangement is based in couples, two tables are linked and two students sit together. I sat in front of a girl and a guy. The first the teacher did is to check if everyone had done the homework. This is a very interesting routine, because not only allows you to control the effort of the students, but you can also reward them positively or not if they had or hadn't done the hw. Also, if it's the very first hour you can use the check to see if everyone's in class.
While the students were correcting themselves with the photocopy sheet of answers delivered by the teacher, I was staring at the class. I started to see who had made the homework, who couldn't stop talking and so on. I also took the chance to start learning some names, only 4 or 5 at the moment.
One girl didnt' know the meaning of a sentence and she called me, because the tutor was busy. ALthough I'm not supposed to interfer in this very first hours I wasn't going to ignore the student. So I went over there and explained her the meaning. She was suprised because I did it in English. And then the students around her freaked out because i was talking in English!
I told them I'll talk in E as much as I could and they should do the same with me. The vast majority understand what you say -as long as you repeat them some words sometimes and you speak slowly- so I'm pretty glad i already started to settle the things I'm expecting from them in the class.
I really liked the class! I thought the students were good, although a bit lazy, and also liked the variety in the classroom, which is included into the diversity the center has, with Chinese students, Pakistanis, African, South-American...I think my school is an example of integration and variety. Of course this situation demands a higher level of implication and an extra preparation with things such as the Aula d'Acollida, however, I think it's worth.
After that class we went to another of 3rd of Eso where the students with more difficulties in English class from two different classes come together. We were working on superlatives and so. They are a bit of talkers, but also work pretty good among them, helping each other. Although they are really easy to distract!
To sum up, I had a good vibe on my first day and I'm looking forward to see them tomorrow!
The seat arrangement is based in couples, two tables are linked and two students sit together. I sat in front of a girl and a guy. The first the teacher did is to check if everyone had done the homework. This is a very interesting routine, because not only allows you to control the effort of the students, but you can also reward them positively or not if they had or hadn't done the hw. Also, if it's the very first hour you can use the check to see if everyone's in class.
While the students were correcting themselves with the photocopy sheet of answers delivered by the teacher, I was staring at the class. I started to see who had made the homework, who couldn't stop talking and so on. I also took the chance to start learning some names, only 4 or 5 at the moment.
One girl didnt' know the meaning of a sentence and she called me, because the tutor was busy. ALthough I'm not supposed to interfer in this very first hours I wasn't going to ignore the student. So I went over there and explained her the meaning. She was suprised because I did it in English. And then the students around her freaked out because i was talking in English!
I told them I'll talk in E as much as I could and they should do the same with me. The vast majority understand what you say -as long as you repeat them some words sometimes and you speak slowly- so I'm pretty glad i already started to settle the things I'm expecting from them in the class.
I really liked the class! I thought the students were good, although a bit lazy, and also liked the variety in the classroom, which is included into the diversity the center has, with Chinese students, Pakistanis, African, South-American...I think my school is an example of integration and variety. Of course this situation demands a higher level of implication and an extra preparation with things such as the Aula d'Acollida, however, I think it's worth.
After that class we went to another of 3rd of Eso where the students with more difficulties in English class from two different classes come together. We were working on superlatives and so. They are a bit of talkers, but also work pretty good among them, helping each other. Although they are really easy to distract!
To sum up, I had a good vibe on my first day and I'm looking forward to see them tomorrow!
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