final weeks of classes (High school)

Some of my students had oral presentations as final project about some countries.  Together we decided about the criteria for what makes a good presentation, and we invested time in the procedures and process that were involved during their presentations and so on. The students prepared their talks in the classroom, I sometimes helped them when was necessary. Next day, they had a chance to rehearse their presentations. In that preparation time students made some notes install the equipment, look up vocabulary in their dictionaries.
I really enjoyed their presentations because for that activity they prepared their talk and most importantly they made their presentations on a country of their own choice. I observed how motivated they were, I have to say that some groups spoke fluently without nervousness. However, there were groups that did not make eye contact and spoke softly. There was also feedback for their presentations some students asked follow-up questions, so everyone in the classroom was involved in active speaking. I think that kind of activity was a great opportunity for my students to learn, appreciate and respect other cultures.

On the other hand, I talked with some parents about the strengths and the areas of improvement, behavior during class. I really tried to not to focus just in the negative I included the positive aspects.  It is really sad that some parents have communication problems and these problems are affecting their performance they are living in a tension environment. After we talked we agree to keep updated by email. 
I also talked with all my students about their insights of the lessons orally and written. We had an open discussion of what is taking place in our class. Some students were open about it and other less open. We discussed about the coursebook, the things, topics or activities they want more and the things they want less, the things they like, useful etc. I that way I could evaluate my lessons and modify certain things. In that way I could plan future lessons.  

I feel really happy with the things that are happening now ….

                                                                         

Joint Productive Activity

Joint Productive Activity Lesson plan
Level: Upper-intermediate 4 semester		Length of class: 60 minutes	Coursebook: Traveller B1+		Date : Friday 24th, 2013
topic	Literature discussion.
Materials	Students’ favorite novels, notebook, pens
Background information	Prior to this lesson, students have read their own favorite novels and write about it. (authentic texts)
Lesson objectives	Students will: *participate in critical literature discussions. *ask questions and/or tell their classmates about book they have found particularly enjoyable.  *expand their own understanding of the literature, listening and sharing multiple perspectives in the classroom literature. *write short book reviews for the class.
Stage		Procedures		Interaction	Time
Seat arrangement:		Teacher seat the students in a circle.		T - Ss	5 minutes
Lead- in:		Give the students the paper sheets  and complete the chart with things they know  or don’t know about the novels e.g.		Ss	3 minutes
Process stage: Student’s presentation of the novel		One by one student will present their own novel, talking about the things they like about it , why they found it enjoyable		S - Ss	20 minutes
Evaluation stage:		Individually, students will complete the chart where they record title, publisher and so on and write book reviews for the class.		Ss - Ss	10 minutes
Activation: (feedback on task)		Orally, the students will talk about their opinions about the different novels that were presented.		Ss- Ss	10 minutes
Assessment:		Students will reflect on their experience		Ss	5 minutes
Conclusion

 

Joint Productive Activity

One of the principles of the school is to encourage the students to read as often and as much as possible. So, I believed that extensive reading will help me to do my joint productive activity because this kind of activity allows conversations. My students and I had the opportunity to express our ideas and opinions.

I decided to seat the students in a circle because I wanted to be closer with the students in order to share feelings, thoughts, information and perspectives.

During the lesson, many students found out that that they read common novels so, common experiences emerged during the activity. They shared with the class their feelings about it.

I also think that that the activity had a powerful impact on language learning because they were able to use the four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking). I realized that at the beginning of the lesson they were a little bit shy, but then I realize how they were increasing their confidence.  In general, I could say that I did not expect that the lesson would be beneficial for them, they were engaged, exchanged their likes about reading novels.

To sum up, the joint productive activity let my students and I to work cooperatively, to expose to different novels and perspectives to different likes and preferences, but most importantly to be open to read other kind of novels and encourage reading extensively.

 

 

 

 

Focus on my students

After marking, grading and filling out the formats of fifty five students of high school I feel really happy with the results 98% of my students passed the exam with good grades, but there is still a few students who does not want to do anything before, during and after the class, they are so lazy and it is affecting their grades. I talked with them in private, but they still continue with that behavior. The only thing that I need to do now is talk with their parents. I do not want to do that but it is necessary. It is a kind of prevention for them to fail and to make their parents to be aware of their performance.

My students of junior high school are almost on examination week for both groups, we need to review grammar and vocabulary, as well as listening practice located on students’ book and workbook. As a final work the students will do a project, but I need to discuss it with them the topics that are interesting for them but my main focus are the topics that are relevant in terms of that they are studying and of course I am going to discuss the grade of the project, length of the activity and so on.
With my other group as a final project will have to write down a brochure in a variety of ways. Some teams will write about a town brochure, entertainment venue, and health club brochure. In groups they are going to decide it and discuss it with me.
I really enjoy watching my students working in groups and when they are explaining different topics for the rest of the class, because I believe that it is really important for the learners to have STT rather than the Teacher Talking Time!!!  

In a couple of days, I plan to ask my students for comments and feedback on the things I do and about the course. I will ask the students to write a letter about their thoughts, feelings about the course and explain the things they found difficult, easy, what seems engage and boring and other things they found important to write.
I really hope to find honestly on their feedback, because in that way I could have some changes in my teaching and that of course will have a great long-term benefit for them and me.

Soon will share their insights with you…