Job Discussion Forums

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

Sweetsee,
I agree with Gordon again. It is practically impossible to assess your teaching methodology well just by reading a few online snippets. And, nobody has time to evaluate each and every lesson, which is pretty much what it will take with you.

As for the "dialog" lesson plan you presented, let me say only this.
What was the point, grammatically speaking? To ask any group of students just to repeat dialog (which is what I do, but with a purpose that is clearly explained), is worthless.

The fact that you actually have to ask about whether to let students go about disrupting class, ignoring your instructions, and not doing the exercise shows a brazen lack of the most basic disciplinary skills. So, to reiterate what I wrote a while ago, all of the personality and charm and energy you put into a lesson means zilch if you don't have a sound teaching method (and that includes discipline).

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

By the way, if my response sounds harsh, it is not meant that way. It is tough and realistic and practical. You are no longer an ALT. You are teaching on your own in the big leagues with 12 years of teaching experience in Japan under your belt.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Hi Glenski,

Thank you for the reply. I have been toiling over this reply for nearly an hour and still don't know what to say. Why do I bother?

In answer to your question regarding the point grammatically, whatever it was I would have explained it in the introduction if necessary.

My question to you is this:

Don't ask the students to practice the model conversation with a partner?
Just demonstrate it, ask a couple questions and move on to a communicative speaking task?

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 3:06 am Post subject:

Does anyone else get the impression that Sweetsee is just having a good laugh at our expense here? By acting like a naive innocent full of questions, is she merely taking the piss?

Each time she asks a question or requests advice, she gets responses. Then several posts later in the same thread she's back asking similar questions again, as if she's deliberately being annoyingly dense and trying to prolong this thread ad infinitum. [Not to mention the other thread that she started on the exact same topic some months ago]

She has a way of phrasing her questions that seems chosen to derive maximum frustration from readers.

The one that really got me was Sweetsee's query about whether anyone else had taken a TEFL course:

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 3:09 am Post subject:

So who do you all think Sweetsee REALLY is?

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

AsiaTraveller,

Good bye. Go back to the dark recesses of cyberspace where you came from. I won't bother you there.

Everybody else, forgive me for asking the same questions again. I appreciate all the advice and comments and I am looking forward to putting it into practice soon.

I admit I do try to prolong the thread but only because I so enjoy hearing from people. I guess I am very isolated and also this is the first time to participate in a forum.

So, I will give you all a break and let it go.

Thanks again, all.
Peace.

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

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

Thank you very much for your time and patience with me.

I am looking forward to resuming classes and putting into practice all the advice and comments given.

All the best,
sweetsee

mmmfood · Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 4:23 pm Post subject:

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Mmmfood,

Thanks for the reply. You are right. If I handle my students with the same dismissive air I used with AT it simply wouldn't do. I know. I meant know malice toward AT and what AT said was absolutely right, well in as far as I had asked the same questions before and that I was attempting to prolong the thread.

That was in fact very astute of AT because it was my intention to prolong the thread. I was quite satisfied with the initial responses and as I am new to this and truly enjoy the process, for the most part, I remember sitting at work and thinking to myself, hmmm, now that I have some attention what questions can I ask? In all honesty, it took a few minutes to come up with something because I didn't really have any pressing questions.

So, in as far as my comment to AsiaTraveller goes, I apologize.

As for my students and your suggestion regarding note taking, thank you very much. I see what you are saying and that is a good idea. Unfortunately, these kids are too immature and childlike in their behavior but I fully appreciate what you are saying and it is a very good point.

A big part of the problem was mentioned very accurately in an earlier thread, that I taught them last year and I was way to laid back, I am a push-over as it were. I can see that. Well, I can't do anything about last year but I am determined to not make the same mistake again.

We will resume classes on friday and we have a new exchange student from Australia. I hope to get off to a good start with every one and get down to the business of learning to speak English, the students that is. Myself, I will try to reel in these lost souls and use all the wonderful advice and comments I have received and enjoy my work.

Well, there you have it. And I want to thank you again for your comments and for taking the time to post a reply to what I am sure more than a few people consider to be a waste of time. I assure you it is not. Also, thanks for not being a big meannie.

All the best Mmmfood,
s

p.s. I never answered your question, sorry! I would look at the student and draw closer with piercing eye contact and with a very serene smile and soothing voice I would ask the student to repeat what was said and I would say thank you very much for the comment and that I would think about it and let them know more later. Then, after class I would ask to have a word and find out what it was that was troubling the student.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

By the students grade did you mean their level of English or their year?

In 50/50 there is a warm-up exercise and a practice conversation. Are you saying that it is not necessary for students to practice it? Or perhaps I should cut and scramble the sentences and let them compete in groups to complete the conversations. Then I could drive home the grammar point or key language and move on to the information exchange.

Thank you,
s