Every learner is different. When we learn, we usually have preferences or practices that work best for us. Hence, a key concept in teaching is that of learning styles. Learning styles are the various ways in which different people learn. For instance, there are students who prefer visual input, thus, texts or images are best for them; if they prefer audio input, podcasts or videos are adequate, and if they are kinesthetic learners, they can learn and experience through games or hands-on works (to know more about this topic, click here) However, all learners can potentially have a combination of styles. What we can do as language teachers is provide different learning conditions to fit all styles.
One way of achieving a good combination of learning styles in the classroom is by using the Web. The variety of media found on the Web is endless. We can take advantage of all the affordable tools we have on the Internet to help our students learn the English language according to their learning styles. Web-based lessons are a good way to meet the students’ styles. These integrate the use of the Internet and Web-sites to offer more opportunities than traditional lessons. An important fact is that these lessons provide never-ending possibilities, and teaching and learning become more interesting and fun. However, when planning a Web-based lesson, we must remember that the goal must be on the lesson and not the Web site. Students should not be surfing the Web aimlessly, but follow specific steps in order to achieve success.
One way of achieving a good combination of learning styles in the classroom is by using the Web. The variety of media found on the Web is endless. We can take advantage of all the affordable tools we have on the Internet to help our students learn the English language according to their learning styles. Web-based lessons are a good way to meet the students’ styles. These integrate the use of the Internet and Web-sites to offer more opportunities than traditional lessons. An important fact is that these lessons provide never-ending possibilities, and teaching and learning become more interesting and fun. However, when planning a Web-based lesson, we must remember that the goal must be on the lesson and not the Web site. Students should not be surfing the Web aimlessly, but follow specific steps in order to achieve success.
To know more about this topic, click on the following links:
Evelyn Izquierdo's Web-based lesson
Web-based lessons
Examples of Web-based lesson plans are in here.
Here is my own example of a Web-based lesson plan:
Date: 11/24/09
Teacher: Ma Fernanda Liendo
Level: Basic (3rd Grade students)
Lesson length: 90 min
Topic: Prepositions of place
Aim: Students will learn prepositions of place in English
Objectives:
- Students will be able to recognize the different prepositions of place
- Students will be able to practice prepositions using a Web site
- Students will practice their computer skills
Materials: A computer with Internet access and headsets for each student
Description of activities:
0. In advance, the teacher will create a Wiki for the course and write all the links to be used in the class on prepositions; the steps to be followed should be also included. This site can be used for other classes too.
1. The day of the class, students will be asked to watch the first video on prepositions of place on YouTube.
2. The teacher will explain the prepositions of place using the board and students will access on ESL flashcards to see more examples. Students will be encouraged to make up their own sentences using the prepositions. They can write them down or say them aloud.
3. Students will access on Detail English and Prepositions of Place 1 and do the activities required with the teacher's help.
4. Students will play a game about prepositions on English Flash Games.
5. Finally, teacher and students will sing the song from the second video on YouTube and do the hand motions for YouTube Video 3.
1. The day of the class, students will be asked to watch the first video on prepositions of place on YouTube.
2. The teacher will explain the prepositions of place using the board and students will access on ESL flashcards to see more examples. Students will be encouraged to make up their own sentences using the prepositions. They can write them down or say them aloud.
3. Students will access on Detail English and Prepositions of Place 1 and do the activities required with the teacher's help.
4. Students will play a game about prepositions on English Flash Games.
5. Finally, teacher and students will sing the song from the second video on YouTube and do the hand motions for YouTube Video 3.
Web-sites:
Course Wiki
YouTube Video 1
ESL Flashcards
Detail English
Prepositions of Place 1
English Flash Games
YouTube Video 2
YouTube Video 3
Follow-up: Students will access the course Wiki. They can watch the videos and practice the hand motions or play the game again. Optional: the teacher can look for more online games on prepositions for students to practice at home and write the links in the Wiki.
Hi Mafe!
ReplyDeleteI liked this post a lot. It is very insightful, above all what you wrote about students having different needs, being different and learning through different ways.
Beautiful writing!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective. I really like what you said. I have to admit that although I haven't applied those techniques while I'm teaching, next time I'm going to consider this approach.
I cannot wait for you next essay!!
Thanks Amaranta! You can also take advantage of some the tools that I have mentioned in this blog and use them in your classes.
ReplyDeleteAny questions? Do not hesitate and contact me!
I absolutely agree with you. I´m also a language teacher. Internet can be such a great tool! I have found so many resources when planning my classes. Some websites can give you excellent ideas to teach in a very different and fun way. And the most incredible thing is that no matter what kind of students you have, you´ll always find something great for them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I´ll definitely considerate those links.
Great! We can get in contact and share tips on language teaching.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to post a nice message for you but it rejected me. Let me see if it happens again
ReplyDeleteWell, Fernanda, it seems like the problem was solved. My best wishes and keep up the excelent work you always do
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Pedro! Your work is excellent too!
ReplyDeleteMafe, very interesting and creative class! I am still figuring out what to do for this topic! I also think that web-based lessons are great for all learners and their styles, because they have different tools and perspectives in the class. Well done amigui! Kisses,
ReplyDeleteAyleen