Cognitive teaching basically means focus on learning. I love this statement because it's so clear and to the point. The cognitive view of learning states that active learners are people who initiate experiences ,seek out information and reorganize what they already know to achieve new insights.
One of the discussions in this chapter that stood out for me was that teachers motivate students best with course activities and projects that tap students natural abilities and interests and develop their confidence in their ability to think. I so agree with this type of thinking.
Cognitive teaching includes using strategies ,study skills,note taking,problem solving, use of graphic organizers as well as learning about how the brain processes information. We have to always keep in mind that a cognitive lesson needs 2 kinds of objectives: Content Objectives and Learning Strategy Objectives . The teaching of content is about the knowledge of a subject while teaching learning strategies builds cognition.
The other area of interest to me in this chapter was motivating students humanistically.
We can do this by making students aware that you care by showing them. Show students that you value their uniqueness and creativity. Listen to students opinion about classroom occurrences they deem unfair or ideas that may benefit the whole group.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Culturally Based Language Teaching Chp 10
Being an El Teacher is also being a student of Culture because we have to immerse ourselves to a certain extent into the lives of our student to connect and make an impact on their learning in one way or another. Having a good understanding of our student's culture will only aid in the building of our prior knowledge so we as teachers are prepared to develop a language rich classroom/ESL program for our students .
Our lessons should be based on culture rich reading material and games to reinforce whatever concepts the students have been taught during direct instruction or small group instruction. Give the students an opportunity to demonstrate or explain something about their culture that you are learning about in English. have the students prepare to do a talk on a particular topic of interest preferably a topic that the class has been working on . I have my students do a comparison chart about things in their culture and things in the American culture that ar the same and a list of items that are different.
Some sources that I go to for learning more about any culture would be grandmothers, adults in the family, parents that are of the same culture. We can also look up websites and books from the library.
I have my students bring in any magazines, books and games that is about their culture.
Give the students every opportunity to succeed with tasks built into your lesson that they can be successful at it.
Our lessons should be based on culture rich reading material and games to reinforce whatever concepts the students have been taught during direct instruction or small group instruction. Give the students an opportunity to demonstrate or explain something about their culture that you are learning about in English. have the students prepare to do a talk on a particular topic of interest preferably a topic that the class has been working on . I have my students do a comparison chart about things in their culture and things in the American culture that ar the same and a list of items that are different.
Some sources that I go to for learning more about any culture would be grandmothers, adults in the family, parents that are of the same culture. We can also look up websites and books from the library.
I have my students bring in any magazines, books and games that is about their culture.
Give the students every opportunity to succeed with tasks built into your lesson that they can be successful at it.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Chp 9
Teaching grammar not only improves writing and speaking also . Grammar is taught in my classroom with direct instruction supported by the use of games and the classroom theatre because they are more comfortable when imagining and doing a skit in the classroom theatre.
Practicing the use of grammar is critical in developing language and speaking in the second language. I use games to give the students practice the correct usage. I also find that if we use a story that the students can relate to then they are more motivated to use the correct grammar . I would have the students use a vocabulary game that I designed (password game) for practicing.
The classroom should be an environment that is comfortable for students to make grammar mistakes without being embarrassed about the mistake in writing or speaking. I find that we delay the development and usage of English when the students are not able to function in a comfortable classroom environment. The classroom should be the laboratory where they can experiment and make corrections in order to get as much practice as possible in the use of the language.
Practicing the use of grammar is critical in developing language and speaking in the second language. I use games to give the students practice the correct usage. I also find that if we use a story that the students can relate to then they are more motivated to use the correct grammar . I would have the students use a vocabulary game that I designed (password game) for practicing.
The classroom should be an environment that is comfortable for students to make grammar mistakes without being embarrassed about the mistake in writing or speaking. I find that we delay the development and usage of English when the students are not able to function in a comfortable classroom environment. The classroom should be the laboratory where they can experiment and make corrections in order to get as much practice as possible in the use of the language.
Learning Process and the Imaginary Chp 8
I think that Imaginary learning process allows students often to be themselves in the sense that they are freer to try things because they are comfortable when imagining. The freedom to use their own ideas when imagining is a quiet gift.
I use the theatre to express the imaginary and promote more oral practice with the language for my EL learners in the classroom.Students are eager to use the language in the theatre because they are imagining and making up plays as they are working through the theatre skits.
One strategy that I use that works in this genre is a dream that you wake up from . Students are then directed to draw their imagery and talk about it with their partners. Students are encouraged to put the other areas into writing. Students enjoy doing the imagery
Iit's important to talk through the student's imagination so they can express it in writing what
I use the theatre to express the imaginary and promote more oral practice with the language for my EL learners in the classroom.Students are eager to use the language in the theatre because they are imagining and making up plays as they are working through the theatre skits.
One strategy that I use that works in this genre is a dream that you wake up from . Students are then directed to draw their imagery and talk about it with their partners. Students are encouraged to put the other areas into writing. Students enjoy doing the imagery
Iit's important to talk through the student's imagination so they can express it in writing what
Literacy Instruction for English Learners
In teaching English Language Learners I often learn something new about the culture
each year. It may be a new recipe or it might be a cultural story. In my classroom I promote a balanced literary. My classroom is set up to promote Reading with comfortable seating area within the classroom with a library of all different types of books that are relatable to student's culture.
A Balanced literary approach is used in my classroom which involves shared reading, partner sharing, Read aloud, interactive writing, . A good portion of the time is read learning to read in English with the use of Sight Words , Word knowledge and Vocabulary , Phonemic awareness, Reading Comprehension. Books in the student's primary language is provided to read in addition to English readers until the transition to English occurs.
I am a strong supporter of a vocabulary driven reading program because this is a very important part of building comprehension in any language. A focus on multiple meaning words, synonyms and antonyms is an integral part of the vocabulary development for my EL students as well as readers theatre when words are acted out in a mock theatre in a corner of the classroom.
each year. It may be a new recipe or it might be a cultural story. In my classroom I promote a balanced literary. My classroom is set up to promote Reading with comfortable seating area within the classroom with a library of all different types of books that are relatable to student's culture.
A Balanced literary approach is used in my classroom which involves shared reading, partner sharing, Read aloud, interactive writing, . A good portion of the time is read learning to read in English with the use of Sight Words , Word knowledge and Vocabulary , Phonemic awareness, Reading Comprehension. Books in the student's primary language is provided to read in addition to English readers until the transition to English occurs.
I am a strong supporter of a vocabulary driven reading program because this is a very important part of building comprehension in any language. A focus on multiple meaning words, synonyms and antonyms is an integral part of the vocabulary development for my EL students as well as readers theatre when words are acted out in a mock theatre in a corner of the classroom.
Oracy Instruction That Builds on the First Language Chp 6
Learning a second language involves the speaking of that language as well as Reading and Writing
the language . A the core of building oral skills with the language is listening for communication and listening to gain information. Speaking is a key ares for students and the sooner the students are able to do this , the sooner they will assimilate into society
In my classroom the students have opportunities to use the language in a safe environment. There is a readers theatre that is set aside for about 45 minutes in the classroom so students can act out scebnes from all the information they are given.
The IC model (instructional and conversational ) discussed in chapter 6 interests me because it has has both elements and relates to development of oral language. This model is based on discussion based on a theme that is broad giving the students a very large base for opening up and having discussions in a safe environment. Also both languages are being supported . During the process of learning English the primary language is not forgotten oral language skills are still being developed in the primary language as well.
the language . A the core of building oral skills with the language is listening for communication and listening to gain information. Speaking is a key ares for students and the sooner the students are able to do this , the sooner they will assimilate into society
In my classroom the students have opportunities to use the language in a safe environment. There is a readers theatre that is set aside for about 45 minutes in the classroom so students can act out scebnes from all the information they are given.
The IC model (instructional and conversational ) discussed in chapter 6 interests me because it has has both elements and relates to development of oral language. This model is based on discussion based on a theme that is broad giving the students a very large base for opening up and having discussions in a safe environment. Also both languages are being supported . During the process of learning English the primary language is not forgotten oral language skills are still being developed in the primary language as well.
Who are English Learners Chp 1
The need for ESL services in the United States has been greatly impacted by higher birthrates in nonwhites than whites. Its also impacted by the steady immigration rates in the United States. This growth in the population has greatly affected the ASL education programs in our schools.
In 1990 about one in seven people spoke a language other than English. By 2001 that number changed to 18% of the population.
This growth presents some challenges. In order to address the demands we need teachers who are certified to teach ESL in schools and in the community to parents. One of the challenges is to teach the second language effectively to motivate English learners to earn the highest level of proficiency in the language. Another challenge is to respect the native language and the rights of
the student . Teachers need to make a conscious effort to support the student's primary language skills and also appreciate the culture.
Today there is discussion concerning whether the spread of English is beneficial . Other cultures/language have concerns that English is a threat to the continuation and survival of other languages. I am enlightened by this information discussed in this chapter because I had no idea that English was a threat to other languages . In many countries English is viewed as the gateway to social and economic progress. So therefore the learning of English has socio-economic implications as well.
In 1990 about one in seven people spoke a language other than English. By 2001 that number changed to 18% of the population.
This growth presents some challenges. In order to address the demands we need teachers who are certified to teach ESL in schools and in the community to parents. One of the challenges is to teach the second language effectively to motivate English learners to earn the highest level of proficiency in the language. Another challenge is to respect the native language and the rights of
the student . Teachers need to make a conscious effort to support the student's primary language skills and also appreciate the culture.
Today there is discussion concerning whether the spread of English is beneficial . Other cultures/language have concerns that English is a threat to the continuation and survival of other languages. I am enlightened by this information discussed in this chapter because I had no idea that English was a threat to other languages . In many countries English is viewed as the gateway to social and economic progress. So therefore the learning of English has socio-economic implications as well.
Learner Strategies / Learner Focused Teaching
One of the strategies discussed in chapter 5 is Adapting Instructions to Learning Styles.
First I think it is effective to help students to become aware of their learning style if they are not aware of what that learning style is.
In Diaz-Rico they discuss that it would help the teacher in knowing his or her own style to appreciate the differences in how we learn.
Some students are visual/verbal learners while others may be auditory , tactile or analytical.
Being aware of the learning style of your students opens up the opportunity for more effective teaching.
The lesson planning process would become more tailored to the needs of the student in terms of their learning styles. Our lessons would now be supported by visual aids and hands on learning processes that give students the experience of learning in an effective way that reaches the student in a way that is effective in that you connect with the students better when they see that our school is connected to what they are like outside the classroom door.
In Special Education students are assessed to determine if there is a processing disorder and as a result it guides the teacher to the learning style that is best suited for this student. This in turn allows the teachers to plan individualized lessons based on that student's learning style.
We need to observe the EL learner and talk to the families to determine the learning style so that our teaching can be aligned to the student's learning style.
First I think it is effective to help students to become aware of their learning style if they are not aware of what that learning style is.
In Diaz-Rico they discuss that it would help the teacher in knowing his or her own style to appreciate the differences in how we learn.
Some students are visual/verbal learners while others may be auditory , tactile or analytical.
Being aware of the learning style of your students opens up the opportunity for more effective teaching.
The lesson planning process would become more tailored to the needs of the student in terms of their learning styles. Our lessons would now be supported by visual aids and hands on learning processes that give students the experience of learning in an effective way that reaches the student in a way that is effective in that you connect with the students better when they see that our school is connected to what they are like outside the classroom door.
In Special Education students are assessed to determine if there is a processing disorder and as a result it guides the teacher to the learning style that is best suited for this student. This in turn allows the teachers to plan individualized lessons based on that student's learning style.
We need to observe the EL learner and talk to the families to determine the learning style so that our teaching can be aligned to the student's learning style.
Critical Roles for Teachers Chp 2
While I was reading this chapter I kept thinking about how wrapped up I have become in the lives of my students over the past 2 years in teaching EL learners in the Resource Program in my school.
Chapter 2 discussed that the use of your listening skill as a teacher gives you the opportunity to learn about your students and connect with them in order to be able to make the learning of the language more relevant o their lives and culture.
I can relate to the discussion that Freire describes as the "banking model" where teachers like to deposit information into students without gathering information about these students knowledge base or simply basing the content of what we are teaching on the students prior experience and knowledge.
One of the areas discussed in this chapter that peaked my interest is where the author suggests taht teachers should work from outside the classroom to better help students be successful by getting involved in the policies that affect EL learners . Teachers need to get involved on a larger scale to influence policies . If nothing else to be a catalyst to raise the consciousness of families in the communities of EL learners about the policies that directly affect their children's education.
Chapter 2 discussed that the use of your listening skill as a teacher gives you the opportunity to learn about your students and connect with them in order to be able to make the learning of the language more relevant o their lives and culture.
I can relate to the discussion that Freire describes as the "banking model" where teachers like to deposit information into students without gathering information about these students knowledge base or simply basing the content of what we are teaching on the students prior experience and knowledge.
One of the areas discussed in this chapter that peaked my interest is where the author suggests taht teachers should work from outside the classroom to better help students be successful by getting involved in the policies that affect EL learners . Teachers need to get involved on a larger scale to influence policies . If nothing else to be a catalyst to raise the consciousness of families in the communities of EL learners about the policies that directly affect their children's education.
El Learner Chapter 4
This chapter basically focuses on Performance based learning which mainly entails how we go about achieving learning and how we assess that learning has taken place.
As teachers we must keep in mind the following to achieve learning:
Be clear and descriptive about what students are expected to learn /accomplish.
How do we go about substantiating the student's performance. We must detail the steps needed to prove this.
Teachers need to create/design activities that will produce the learning that we expect to take place.
Diaz-Rico discusses in chapter 4 that we must maximize learning by basing students performance on measurable results.
Assessment is a key component of performance based learning because assessment is the tool used to determine the student's level of performance currently.
The results/evidence from assessments guide what and how we teach the EL learner and also how effective we will be as teachers in the lessons we plan for the EL learner population.
As teachers we must keep in mind the following to achieve learning:
Be clear and descriptive about what students are expected to learn /accomplish.
How do we go about substantiating the student's performance. We must detail the steps needed to prove this.
Teachers need to create/design activities that will produce the learning that we expect to take place.
Diaz-Rico discusses in chapter 4 that we must maximize learning by basing students performance on measurable results.
Assessment is a key component of performance based learning because assessment is the tool used to determine the student's level of performance currently.
The results/evidence from assessments guide what and how we teach the EL learner and also how effective we will be as teachers in the lessons we plan for the EL learner population.
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