Job Discussion Forums

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I have been thinking about my options for this semester and am hoping to cut down on the number of copies I generate this term for my oral classes. One option is to dictate and have students generate some of the copies. Another is to have students copy off the board some worksheets I write out on the board. I could also have students download and print out copies from my website (I have done this in the past, though I'd need to generate new websites), though i did this for classes students missed. I am concerned that if many students don't print out the copies it might cause more chaos than the time savings it would generate.

My idea is for these classes is to be run with a certain balance focused on oral activities. I want to get students out of the text, but without generating lots of copies that I have to make. The main reason is I don't like taking the time to make copies (most of the masters I have, but I hate copying). Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to store copies at the unis I work at from year to year (well one place can, but it's limited). But I am also thinking I'd like to take a different approach to these lower level classes I have, and try and get students away from also using a support text if possible (i.e. worksheet, etc).

One thing I am considering is doing a lot more oral pair work, with me evaluating 6-8 people every week in one-on-ones. I wouldn't tell students when I am evaluating them (in other words, I want students to think it could be any time), but I would tell students that I would be doing it throughout the semester. My classes range in size from 21 to 33, so I am thinking I may be able to get enough oral grades as well as some written quizzes to make it possible to evaluate these clases.

Any other ideas out there? The textbooks I am using for these classes are Worldlink Book2, Fifty-Fifty Book 1, and Interchange Intro.

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

the old standby since 1st grade - transparencies.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Thanx, that is another option for avoiding making copies, though many of my rooms don't have an OHP. Could be more trouble than it's worth, but a possibility.

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

Use a PC with a projector or an appropriate size screen.

Displaying one sentence at a time in a large font might work with the right setup and seating. Granted for more than 3-4 students probably iffy. Just trying to make do with the tools at hand.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You have your own web site? Cool. How about using the school's server to create what is called an "enshu" folder. Essentially a common use folder, which could be set to read only or that allows students access only to their individual homework (not another student's)?

I agree with the use of PowerPoint and such, but if you ask them to produce from it something they hand in, you are still generating a paper chase for yourself. Perhaps less work handed in, but still something they have to write down.

Personal notebooks, whether as journals or vocabulary records.

Video tape pairs or groups for later evaluation.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Over heads
Power Point Presentations
Laminating

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

gaijinalways,
You don't necessarily have to be a full-timer to have enshu folders. Have the school issue you an account like they do to part-timers where I work, and have them create the enshu folder.

As for labor intensiveness of video taping large groups, do it piecemeal, scheduling the videotaping during your class on days that it doesn't matter when they can miss 5-10 minutes. Relay teams. Who cares if you schedule actual rooms? They can speak anywhere it's relatively quiet. Hallway, elevator, toilet, etc.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Interesting idea glenski, especially using the bathrooms. That might lead to some interesting questions from my boss Cool

.

I'll check about the enshu folder business, as right now I don't even have an email address thought the university (I turned them down as they are only accessible on the in-house server).

Naturegirl, we have the laminator, just haven't used it yet. Debating what and how many copies I want/need to laminate. Probably plan to do it for group work with one laminated copy per group. Now if I can only get them to not write on it... Rolling Eyes

tanuki · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 47

Heya gaijinalways

Here are a few thoughts:

Laminating

* This is a great idea. I love using laminated resources. But...

... don't go too wild!

And, you might well be thinking that this is an absurd warning to make, but just you wait... Laughing

You start out thinking "Oh, yeah, I'll just laminate these cool pictures for this one class..." and then you turn around a few years later to find you've got a box that weighs a hundred kilos full of stuff you've only used twice.

My rule for laminating: ONLY if it does not take more time to do than it takes to DO that part of the lesson... AND... only as long