WEEK 5 REFLECTION :
When discovering the tasks for Week 5 , I was completely puzzled and felt I would never able to create a webquest . Soon the clouds disappeared thanks to the links and the hints given by our instructors , and my colleagues . It is true that It took me a day to create my webquest and to supply it with a project for my third year classes ( Scientific stream ) , but I managed to do it . It was one of my greatest challenges for this course , though I know I have to go though more challenging tasks the next coming weeks .
The discussion on nicenet was about how to use webquest and PBL to transform our learners from passive listeners to autonomous learners who play an important role in the process of learning by being responsible for their learning , reflecting and taking decisions . They can use technology , go to the source of information , select what is important and use it .
I’ll start implementing some changes In my class soon , by introducing technology . I have already talked to my students about their project for the unit about environment and how e-mailing and blogging are going to be used . I could read on their faces that they are willing and enthusiastic to embark on this technological adventure . They looked vey exited and I feel confident that the coming weeks are going to be amazing , challenging and full of new experiences .
It is hard to begin not only because our students have developed bad habits , but because , we ,teachers, tend to forget sometimes that we have to reflect on our work and make the right decisions whatever the price is . The commitment of Susan Gaer and her achievement impressed me very much and her experience will certainly have a big impact on my teaching .
Dear Farah,
ReplyDeleteThe unique personal touch you give to your writings makes reading them an enjoyable experience. "To transform our learners from passive listeners to autonomous ones," as you say, is what we should focus on from now on. Just like you, I admire the way Susan Gaer got up the challenge and transformed her students' needs into the most stimulating part of the language learning process.
Accomplishing a class with students "playing the central role, being responsible for their learning, reflecting and taking decisions" is not easy at all. However, thanks to WebQuests we, the teachers, can integrate GUIDED and staged tasks in our teaching for the best of our students, promoting competition, sparking imaginations, and setting up collaborative atmosphere in class.
I wish you all the best,
Amjad
Dear Farah.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great surpriese for me when I read about your favorite book, A hundred years of solitude.
We live in a world full of magic in Colombia. I come from the Caribbean Region, as Gabriel Garcia Marquez does.
I feel very proud of him!
Teaching English to Spanish speakers has been the great challenge in my career. Different worlds, different cultures. As you pointed out, my students are also passive, they want to be spoon-fed by their parents and teachers at school. New teaching techniques using technology will make the difference. I hope so!
Best wishes,
Nora
Dear Nora ,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind message . I'm a great Fan of G G Markez and read 3 of his books translated into French ! It's really magic . Thanks to this programme , we've have so close is spite of all the distance separating us .
love ,
farah