Search found 15 matches

by simone.brazil
Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:50 pm
Forum: Assessment
Topic: L1
Replies: 1
Views: 5086

L1

I once saw a video of a young man explaining the importance of his primary language. He explains how his family has migrated through various countries and finally ends up in the US, where they are not wanted or able to feel at home. This lack of belonging causes him and his family to hold on to thie...
by simone.brazil
Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:49 pm
Forum: Assessment
Topic: Meaningful learning
Replies: 3
Views: 7768

Meaningful learning

I just wanted to know what current teachers thought about meaningful learning vs. rote memorization. Are there any words/phrases that you always encourage your students to memorize? We know that students end up learning more when they are learning the language to gain both skills and knowledge. Sinc...
by simone.brazil
Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:48 pm
Forum: Assessment
Topic: Tests
Replies: 2
Views: 6289

Tests

I feel that the regular testing method may be harmful to ESL students' education. Many students develop test anxiety and soley focus on doing well on tests rather that really learning, so this might be a problem. I think you might be better off doing informal assessments of the students and doing cl...
by simone.brazil
Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:48 pm
Forum: Assessment
Topic: The use of Portfolios
Replies: 2
Views: 5152

The use of Portfolios

In my school the students compile portfolios of their written work throughout the year. I think this is a great way for students to demonstrate their effort and progression throughout the year. Some of the writing is what the teacher puts in and then the student chooses what else they want to add. A...
by simone.brazil
Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:57 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Student centered instruction
Replies: 4
Views: 6679

Student centered instruction

I was observed a while ago by my principle and she mentioned that I could use a little more of student centered instruction. I understand that when a student has a sense of ownership they feel more motivated and willing to work harder, however I am still not sure about what student centered instruct...
by simone.brazil
Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:51 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: lesson planning time management
Replies: 3
Views: 6402

Time management

Dear Madie, I understand that according to NJ laws students need to have at least 45 minutes of ESL instructions daily, however I feel like sometimes you can manage this time depending on the subject being taught and level of proficiency. If you feel that your first group gasped the content and you ...
by simone.brazil
Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:45 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Testing and Assessing
Replies: 1
Views: 4889

Assessing students

Madeline, I think that many students are very bad test takers, even when they know the content, however tests are part of our lives and eventually they will have to face them. I would suggest you to assess them not only through written tests but orally, or any other way you can think of. The more co...
by simone.brazil
Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:08 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Visual Aids
Replies: 1
Views: 5175

Visual Aids

As I was reading the book Teaching by Principles by H. Douglas brown, I found great tips to use as visual aids in my ESL classes. Although some stuff mentioned there are simple and easy to find, they are incredible useful, as the self-made paper-based visual aids using pictures from magazines to aid...
by simone.brazil
Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:03 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Mechanical Drills
Replies: 1
Views: 7036

Mechanical Drills

"In referring to structural pattern drills, Paulston and Bruder (1976) used three categories: mechanical, meaningful and communicative." Is irregular verbs drill a mechanical drill? I know that as teachers we should get as far as possible from these kinds of drills, but again, is it useful for the s...
by simone.brazil
Mon May 28, 2012 3:37 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Teaching Across Age Leves
Replies: 1
Views: 5219

Teaching Across Age Leves

"Popular tradition would have you believe that children are effortless second language learners and far superior to adults in their eventual success." For those who have already taught ESL to children and adults, who really has more chance of learning English faster and accurately? I have heard many...
by simone.brazil
Mon May 28, 2012 3:24 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Fluency
Replies: 0
Views: 4431

Fluency

"One of the more complicated problems of second language learning and teaching has been to define and apply the construct of motivation in the classroom." H. Douglas Brown. As a new ESL teacher I have been looking everyday for more ways to motivate my students to learn English. What are some ways or...
by simone.brazil
Mon May 28, 2012 3:18 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: The Importance of Grammar
Replies: 0
Views: 4245

The Importance of Grammar

I have been reading the book "Teaching by Principles" by H.Douglas Brown, and as I read about the Grammar Method Translation I wonder, "How important is grammar to an ESL student?" , "How often should it be taught?" Is there any study that provides some clarity about the usage of grammar when teachi...
by simone.brazil
Mon May 28, 2012 3:13 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Students' pronunciation errors
Replies: 0
Views: 4333

Students' pronunciation errors

As I was reading "The Natural Approach" Stage 3 on the book "teaching by Principles" by H.Douglas Brown I started thinking about mistakes in pronunciation. When should and ESL or Bilingual teacher correct their students' grammar or pronunciation mistakes? Is there the right time to start correcting ...
by simone.brazil
Sun Dec 04, 2011 8:15 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: The English Plus Resolution Bill
Replies: 0
Views: 4374

The English Plus Resolution Bill

The English Plus Resolution Bill is such a hope for ELLs. Hopefully one day we will see our student's rights working in schools everywhere. How wonderful if every teacher did their part and encouraged EO and ELLs to respect differences and cultures by promoting the preservation of ELLs native langua...
by simone.brazil
Sun Dec 04, 2011 8:09 pm
Forum: Bilingual Education
Topic: Learning in two languages
Replies: 3
Views: 17473

Many districts work with bilingual programs, but not as many as we should see. ELLs have a better chance to enhance their skills in both languages when working in a bilingual set. Students feel much more confortable and confident when they have the opportunity to enrich their own language before get...