Open discussion--simply start a new thread and go! (new posts)

How to make the last class meaningful: Re: How to make the last class meaningful

Sat, 22 May 2010 18:03:34 +0000

I did something at the end of this year that I thought was meaningful and Jodi said it was a good idea too. :) I wanted to do something to motivate my students to continue learning during our long break between the end of this session (We are done already.) and the beginning of the next which doesn't start until October. That's a long time. Jodi told me that in the past that many of my students have forgotten most of what they learned over that long break. So, I created a learning contract for my students to signif they wanted to. It wasn't mandatory, but I really impressed upon them the importance so all of them did sign it. In the contract, I explained the importance of continuing their learning and reviewing what they have learned. Every paragraph was translated into Spanish so I knew they would really understand what I was expecting of them.I included a table of 20-25 ideas of ways to practice English over these 4 1/2 months. The table was was categorized according to writing, speaking, reading, and listening activities. For example, watching American TV was listed in the listening section of the table an, in fact, I even put it in the reading section after one of my students told me that she watches TV with English subtitles!! Great idea. Then after signing the contract, I provided them with a calendar of the months from May until October where I want them to list briefly whatever form of practice they didwrote a note, read a sign and checked with someone to see if they were correct, etc. I told them we will have a drawing in October and those people who bring in their calendars showing practice with English at least 5 days a week during this time period will have their names entered in the drawing. I will buy some $5 gift cards and offer them as prizes. They awere delighted with that. We'll see what happens. Wish me luck!!

Educational verification: Re: Educational verification

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:55:16 +0000

The service is for anyone — not just UNLV students.

Ideas for the beginning of a new session: Re: Ideas for the beginning of a new session

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:54:57 +0000

While they are pre-testing, I try to go around and found out where each student is from, then in the Get to Know activity for the next day, I have a worksheet for them to ask specific questions (based on the actual students in the class). Example: Where is Gerson from? When did Maria move to Las Vegas? How long has Wailawan lived in the United States? Where was Mahesh born? There is at least one question for every student. They seem really thrilled that each student is actually in the worksheet, and it gives them a opportunity to begin meeting their new classmates immediately. If they do not know a student who is named in the question (which most of them do not) we talk about how to ask the class "Who is David?" before they can ask David his specific question. I also include myself in the worksheet. They get a big kick out of trying to find out who Karen is, then once they ask "who is Karen?", I respond "I am Karen" and they really think it is funny that I am included, or that I have a first name!

After they spend quite awhile getting to know each other, I go through an extensive introduction of myself, showing them with maps where I was born, went to school, went to college, pictures of my daughters, grandchildren, countries I have visited, hobbies, etc. They especially like me cutting up the copy of my wedding photo when I explain to them that I am now divorced.

Suggestions for increasing fluency of Advanced ESL students?: Re: Suggestions for increasing fluency of Advanced ESL students?

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:53:30 +0000

Thanks, I'll try it!

Share lesson ideas: Re: Share lesson ideas

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:53:19 +0000

google

Class size: Re: Class size

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:52:57 +0000

Sometimes class size comes and goes. I think a lot of people have left or their survival needs come first.

Ideas for the beginning of a new session: Re: Ideas for the beginning of a new session

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:52:38 +0000

Usually on the second day of class I'll have each student individually stand up and introduce themselves. To make it less intimidating, we first practice introductions in pairs, then write out a dialog that they can follow. To make it a little more personal, I bring in a large world map and ask them to point to their country of orgin during their introduction. To gain perspective, we always make a graph of where the students have come from (5 students from Mexico, 2 from China, etc), so we get an idea of our classroom diversity.

Catching Up New Students: Re: Catching Up New Students

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:52:24 +0000

I have put them in mixed groups and had the "repeaters" lead the "newbies" through some of the exercises in the book. This catching up problem is a major part of all our classes. This term I reviewed the PRESENT TENSE with my advanced class by approaching it a different way. I dictated sentences that I wrote about my everyday activites. They then had to write 5 sentences about their own and interview a partner and record that person's responses. That made them use first and third person singular in positive and negative sentences.

Do you have any good resources for Main Idea for advanced?: Re: Do you have any good resources for Main Idea for advanced?

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:52:08 +0000

I had the same experience. I don't know why but it seemed to be intimidating for the students….

Suggestions for increasing fluency of Advanced ESL students?: Re: Suggestions for increasing fluency of Advanced ESL students?

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:51:49 +0000

Hi. Repeated readings really help with fluency. I usually follow this sequence:
1. We scan the piece and students identify tricky words that I then pronounce for them.
2. I read it aloud to them so they hear the correct pronunciation. Their job is to listen and underline any words with which they have difficulty. I then repeat and/or explain these words as needed.
3. Students read the piece with a partner. The partner provides feedback- both positive and constructive criticism.
4. Students switch and read with another partner.
5. I invite students who are comfortable to read portions of the piece aloud and we celebrate their accomplishment.

How to make the last class meaningful: Re: How to make the last class meaningful

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:50:33 +0000

It's great! I did it last session too. They all get together and make a list of stuff they're bringing. We had so much food and drinks we didn't even come close to finishing it all. And they spoke English almost the whole time!

Share lesson ideas: Re: Sare lesson ideas

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:49:51 +0000

About.com has an ESL section. Every couple of weeks I get lesson plans in my e-mail on a wide variety of subjects

Phonics with Ventures: Re: Phonics with Ventures

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:48:25 +0000

I think the Basics book has some instruction. I have copy if you want to borrow it. Otherwise, maybe you could do it as a warmup everyday using your own materials.

Educational verification: Re: Educational verification

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:47:47 +0000

Thank you for posting this request. I have several who need to know this information as well. I'll contact UNLV.

Suggestions for increasing fluency of Advanced ESL students?: Suggestions for increasing fluency of Advanced ESL students?

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:47:33 +0000

Any suggestions for increasing fluency or enriching pronunciation of Advanced ESL students?

Reading Comprehension Suggestions?: Re: Reading Comprehension Suggestions?

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:46:28 +0000

google

Educational verification: Re: Educational verification

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:46:10 +0000

FOr anyone or only prospective UNLV students? Do you know which department or office one would approach.

Catching Up New Students: Re: Catching Up New Students

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:46:09 +0000

Maybe they could work in the workbook since it has all of the answers in the back. They could work independently and then come to you with specific questions.

Catching Up New Students: Re: Catching Up New Students

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:46:05 +0000

At the beginning of every class I give them assignments from those early chapters, usually in the form of a sentence scramble or fill-in the blank. After they have a little time to work on it we discuss the answers as a class. It doesn't give them in-depth knowledge, but they get a quick introduction to the concept.

Resources: Re: Resources

Sat, 22 May 2010 17:45:48 +0000

google