Week 2: Principles for Materials Development Reflection

In Materials Development tutorial for week 2, our first task were that we had to find out the principles that Jeremy Short applied when he produced his materials. It was quite easy for us to detect and explain the principles he applied. In spite of this, we chose the principles based on the general points.

After that, we had a discussion again to choose the principles by considering Miss JC’s comment and a problem appeared as there were differences to our previous choices. It was not as easy as we thought when there is elaboration on each point. It is easy for us to know and follow the principles, yet, it is not easy for us to apply the principles when teaching. 

Short has introduced the graphic novel which I found it is useful for the learners. Learners will be active if the environment of the classroom is interesting. Thus, learners will be able to pay attention in class which also one of the goals for teachers. Graphic novel definitely will help to develop learners’ creativity and critical thinking skills with the real life experience which lead to the feeling of authenticity.

For the second task, we were asked to design a diagram about the aspects influencing the materials development. The second task was difficult compared to the first task. We were confused as all members in our group had different opinions and ideas.  But eventually we came out with a diagram we were happy with by linking all members’ ideas.

I realised that there are many elements that influence materials development by designing a diagram on the aspects influencing materials development. As a pre-service teacher, I realised that the principles of second language acquisition and principles of teaching and learning play the important roles in materials development, yet, there are still others factors we need to consider for develop materials in teaching.  

This tutorial has called my attention on materials development, especially on the important roles in the process of teaching and learning. As a pre-service teacher, I realised that I still lack of knowledge in this field and I still have much more to learn before teaching in the future. 

Week 2: Principles for Materials Development

A. Which principles for materials development did Short apply when producing his materials?

Materials should achieve impact.

• Jeremy short’s materials are very attractive and appealing to the students.
• However, it may not impact in terms of learning. 
• Although the material appeals to the student, we are uncertain that it would allow students to learn more.

What is being taught should be perceived by learners as relevant and useful

• Jeremy Short’s materials relate to learners’ interests and ‘real-life’ tasks. For instance, he talks about “Tales of Garcon” and “University Life”, both of which learners could relate to what they are experiencing in real-life.
• Also, through Short’s graphic novels, students obtain the message through stories that relates to real-life situation which differs from the usual textbook model.
• Hence, through Short’s graphic novel, learners could discuss the solution of the problem since it relates to real-life situation.

Materials should provide opportunities for outcome and feedback.

• Short gotten feedback from his students on how boring the textbooks were and that’s how he started producing his materials.
• After he created and shared the materials, students also provided feedback and asked him “what’s going to come next?” It shows that students are interested in the materials he produced and wants to know more.
• However, asking him “what’s next?” may mean that they’re only interested on the graphic novels and may have not grasp what they are supposed to learn. 

B. Design and complete the following diagram.

The diagram below shows the aspects influencing materials development. We decided to put country’s vision as the main aspect that influences materials development because we are looking at the bigger picture of the development of materials. Country’s vision includes improving many areas such as the economy, politics, social, and education. Since we are focusing on education, we feel that the county’s vision is to produce a better generation of learners in the future. Therefore, in order to achieve this vision, we need to have curriculum goal and objectives (Example: Malaysian Education Blueprint). 

After the country’s vision, we are going to see a smaller picture which is the curriculum goal and objective. In order to achieve country’s vision in the education field, educators need to set goals and objectives. Hence, school administration aims and objective plays a significant role in carrying out the process of moving towards the target. These three aspects mentioned can be achieved through materials developments.

Materials development is influenced by two principles namely principles of teaching and learning and the principles of second language acquisition.  Both of these principles influence teachers’ belief and rational as these principles act as a guidance in producing material. However, teacher’s belief and rational are also affected by the learners; with this, teachers need to adapt by taking into consideration which principles are applicable in developing the materials. The teachers’ belief and rational, we feel, is how he/she adapts and then implement these principles and beliefs in developing materials in teaching.

Having the experience of a learner in our high school lives, we realised parents’ goals are one of the main factors that affects us. Most parents have expectations towards their children’s (learners) development which in turn affects the learner in their learning. Due to this situation, teachers are affected as they need to cater to the parents’ expectation of their children.

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.

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.

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.