Why choose blog as an important tool to teach second language?
- Blogs inspire second language learners to show their opinions and even raise questions openly and frankly. So students are more engaged in learning second language and they learn a lot from each other. Especially, second language learners can learn different cultures through visiting others' blogs. After sharing different cultures and perspectives, students become closer with other classmates and teachers. Teachers can also better understand students. Sometimes, teachers feel frustrated and even get angry with students who keep making same mistakes. For example, there is no simple past tense in Chinese grammar. Therefore, students who forget to change to past tense are not disobedient. It takes time for them to get used to using simple past tense on writing and speaking in English.
- Blogs can give valuable feedback to teachers. In China, students are shy and afraid to give suggestions on teachers' instructions in the class. However, students are braver and more open to show their thoughts through blogs. Teachers may get negative and positive feedback. Through these feedback teachers can keep doing the activities, which students support and enjoy. Teacher can also change and modify unhelpful and boring activities. Teachers gradually become professional practitioners.
Performance Indicators:
ESL.1.5-8.1.1.1: Students identify and use reading and listening strategies to make text comprehensible and meaningful.
May Include-ESL.1.5-8.1.1.M1: Strategies such as skimming, scanning, previewing, reviewing, discussing, listening selectively, listening for a specific purpose, listening for main ideas and details, note taking, using structural and context clues, cognates, format, sequence, and an understanding of letter-sound relationship decode difficulty words.
ESL.1.5-8.1.1.2: Students read, gather, view, listen to, organize, discuss, interpret, and analyze information related to academic content areas and various sources.
May include- ESL.1.5-8.1.1.2.M1: Sources such as nonfiction books for young adults, reference books, magazines, textbooks, the Internet, databases, audio and media presentations, oral interviews, charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams.
I notice that parents want to make an effort to help children's language study, especially in China. I really love this community which is helpful for teachers and parents. I hope parents can use it to study with children at home or even at any place. Enjoy it! Feel free to give me advice and leave comments.
I really liked that you mentioned how in China, students are more shy to make comments to teachers. I think this can also exist in other cultures as well. Depending on the grade level, location, and student diversity, teachers may see that they do not receive enough honest feedback from students and parents. A simple survey may help the teacher plan different types of activities that the student would really enjoy and learn from.
ReplyDeleteNice job explaining everything in your initial post! :)
DeleteHi Stephanie, you are so sweet. I agree with you I find even in the class which is full of American students they are shy to make comments to teachers and ask questions. Therefore, blogs become valuable feedbacks to teachers to plan different types of activities.
DeleteThank you Pei for sharing your thoughts in your post. I was introduced to Colorín Colorado some years ago and I really love what they do. It is a great online community for ESL teachers and bilingual families. I particularly appreciate their promotion of multicultural literature. For someone especially like yourself, who teaches elementary level students, creating a classroom atmosphere of cultural diversity and tolerance begins at a young age and having curriculum and books which reflect such classroom diversity is key in fostering such a colorful community. Thanks again for sharing that link with everyone!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheila for your encouragement. It is really important to understand diverse cultures when you teach second language to learners from all over the world. I do hope my class atmosphere is friendly and colorful. I don't want to offend any student especially, cast shadows on kids.
DeleteI think one of the things your post reminds us of that sometimes we forget is that cultural differences in our students may make it a challenge to teach them just as much as their individual learning styles or their special education needs. In many cultures for example, it is considered disrespectful for a child to look their elder in the eye, especially when being reprimanded. Many American teachers will demand eye contact from students to make sure they are paying attention or as a sign or respect which is the opposite of their culture. Teachers being more aware of not only pedagogical and technological tools will be even more efficient in the classroom and your post highlights that concept.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that second language learners can learn different cultures through visiting others' blogs. I also feel that blogging can connect students in real time worldwide with cross-cultural understanding. Students can work together with projects designed around academic subjects and blogging allows them to read and write each other from different countries. Blogging allows us to knock down classroom walls and hear it direct from each other and it also allows student to sight-see and get a sense of other cultures from the comfort of their own classroom. Blogging is able to provide geographically-distant schools with the means to work together for teaching and learning, and promotes peer scaffolding, motivating and learning.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. I also learn a lot from your blog.
DeleteI'll be honest, I chose to read and comment on your blog today because I love the name. "Sunshine Pei" is so bright, welcoming, and happy! Great job naming your online space :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're right in saying that students may be more honest in their feedback online, which is a point I had not considered before. Maybe wrapping up a unit by assigning a simple reflective blog post could be useful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks, you are sweet. My homestay in Portland dad gives me this name. He feels I am his family's sunshine.
DeleteGreat job Pei, you always have a great way with words and I look forward to checking in on your blog from time to time. You always put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteOh, my Goodness! We take the same class. I miss you sooo much. We should hang out together.
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