Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Illysook]

There a zillions of prepared lessons on-line but I've been wondering about how to make the best use of them. Typically there's a paragraph or more about a topic and then there are fill in the gap, spell a word, or unjumble phrase type exercises followed by different conversation prompts. Sometimes, there are vocabulary and writing exercises. Other sites have dialogues and discussion questions. I would love to understand what we are trying to accomplish by using these. I teach high school and they often fail to grab the interest of my students, so I often resort to making my own related powerpoints with attention grabbing photos and I think that I do a good job of it, but many students still refuse to attempt even the simplest exercises. It's really frustrating. How can I do better?

[ThingsComeAround]

It is my belief that a lesson plan has no bearing on whether or not children are interested in your lesson. Found online or made yourself, what do you feel makes students interested in your lesson and what do you think turns them off? We've all had days where students aren't "reachable" but that could just mean they are unable to relate to your lesson. Try using Big Bang, GAG concert photos, or Starcraft in your photos to get them to discuss it on the side.

[Illysook]

It's nice to have an interesting and good pics. I try really hard to do this, but after I've presented, when it's time for them to knuckle down and do the work, I tend to have a hard time of it. I think it would be helpful to know what some of the typical excercises are designed to accomplish. Like, when, how, and why they should be used. That kind of thing.

[Fishead soup]

[ThingsComeAround]

good source for entertaining pics:

http://senorgif.memebase.com/

like Comixed, you may cut & paste their favorite bands (2NE1, BEAST, SNSD, et al) to make humorous role play scenarios

Or use the students' pictures.

If you need help, ask your co-teacher what kids like

If that fails, ask students what they like

It takes time. Everything is hit or miss.

[AsiaESLbound]

[jrwhite82]

Do your students find those kinds of activities interesting? Are they all auditory learners? Does work like that engage them?

If the answer is yes, then go for it.

If the answer is some or none, then you need to tailor it to fit your students. Only you know what your students enjoy and how they learn.

[Illysook]

With 40 student per class, I'm pretty sure that I have learners of all types. The only times when I have their complete attention is when I have a good carrot and a good stick. The carrot is a good treat, the stick is being thrown out of class...and sometimes they mistake that for a carrot. I can't say that I blame them. I've been deskwarming all week, making up things to do and it's now a little past 4:00 on Friday. I'd love to be kicked out for the afternoon!

[jrwhite82]

Ha! So true.

I would probably avoid those print and pass out lesson plans for your public school classes. They might be ok once in a while in a pinch. But with all the extra time, you should be able to modify and think of your own stuff that will work with your students. I'm not saying reinvent the wheel 100% every lesson but you should be adapting your materials and delivery.

[ddeubel]