Thursday 13 December 2012

Integrating Technology in Teaching Writing





Schools are acquiring computers and Internet access at rapid rates. Integrating technology into education has become an imperative for teachers. 

There are several advantages on integrating technology in teaching writing. First, the worldview of the student can be expanded because of the zero cost of communicating with other people from all over the world by using Internet. 

Next, the ability to work collaboratively on projects with others is a vital skill in the new digital world. This can best be done using modern computer tools such as the web, email, instant messaging and cell phone. Rather than doing homework alone, students can work in small groups to finish their assessments. 

Interactive simulations and illustrations can produce a much greater depth of understanding of a concept. The teacher can conduct on screen investigations and demonstrate concepts far more easily than with just words and arm-waving by using a projector. Through interactive video lectures and PowerPoint presentations, children are able to develop a better understanding. 

The use of search engines can help to improve students’ writing skills. This is because students can easily search the format or sample of writing essays through World Wide Web. They can search anytime and anywhere as long as they can access to the Internet. 

By gaining introduction experience with technology at a young age, students will be more confident using it in the future. In addition to these computer skills, students can gain information about how to use the internet safely and effectively in a controlled environment.

Technology and design lessons allow students to be creative. Technology education provides students with a wealth of information and knowledge. Technology is a significant part for the children who are growing up in today, so they should learn about the appliances and systems that they rely on a daily basis. This leads them to gain further knowledge and understanding.

Friday 7 December 2012

MINI TEST



1. Use the picture given to write instructions for two activities. Your instructions must be specific and engaging.

First activity: Create a conversation around 100 words.
Naomi, a foreign tourist from Japan wants to take a tour in Kota Kinabalu. As a receptionist of Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel, you have to show her the direction from the hotel to CBS Gaya Centre, Wisma Merdeka and Australian Place. 

Use the prepositions given to complete your conversation.
on
by
from
to
at


Second activity: Write a letter around 150 words.
The English Language Society of your school is planning to organise a field trip to Kota Kinabalu. As the secretary of the society, you are asked to write a letter to your principal to approve the field trip. You have to include the travel route by giving information about the places that English Language Society’s members are going to visit during the field trip.

2. You are teaching the theme ‘Environment’ to a form three class with intermediate level of proficiency. Describe one activity on how to integrate the following thinking skills into your lesson:
a) Analysis
b) Application



World Environment Day is held each year on June 5. It stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The industrialization growth damages the world environment by its harmful gases in the air which also damage the ozone layer. It is harmful for living creatures when this world environment is heated day by day.

According to the poster, write an article on importance of World Environment Day to advocate awareness among students. It is a good step toward the neat and clean environment of the world. This is very important for us and also for our coming generations. The article must be around 200 words.

Thursday 6 December 2012

Assessing Student's Essay




I was marking on another essay with Leanza this time. We both agreed that we will give this essay 7 out of 20. I know it was cruel but I cannot help myself from not giving this mark. Although the setting and the storyline of this essay was clear, yet, mechanical errors cause serious disruption in communication. 

The student is facing problem to use the correct irregular verbs. For example, he/she wrote “feeled” instead of “felt”.  Then, the student did not use base form after the word “can’t”. The student is also having difficulties in capitalisation. He/she did not use capital letter for names.

By assessing this student's essay, I know how to comment on students’ writing:
  •  Begin by making positive comments.
  •  Remember that students' egos are very fragile.
  •  Don't mark errors or make comments in red.
  • Ask questions to help students revise and improve.
  •  Criticize "this paper," not "you".
  •  Respond as a reader, not as a writer.
  •  Be specific.
  • Limit your comments; do not try to cover everything.