027 Local Wisdom Sub Topic: Beliefs

[ajarn caroline alejo]

Student No: 027
Unit:    Local Wisdom              
Topic:  Beliefs

Pre-task:

You started off the session with a good introduction about Superstition by asking the students if they know about it, but at the same time you did not wait for their response.  You just went ahead with the topic without giving a chance from the students to speak out of what they think Superstition is. In every topic given and being introduced, allow the learner to take in the question and provide them the opportunity to share their personal experiences. With the passage, since your unit is about Local wisdom, it should go with what the Thai local beliefs; would be like giving them an example about Thai superstitions not from the western type, although you can share some from other beliefs as well to create more background knowledge. When using the word: distorted it is a low frequency word (means it is not used frequently) find a word that would somehow use frequently and is easy to remember. Also, too fast in explaining the grammar structure (re: future simple tense) again, you did not wait for the student’s response and allow them to participate, you kept on talking about the subject matter and this makes the whole classroom boring. However, you have managed to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the subject matter and clearly communicated with the class and is easily understood and I appreciate the fact that you are not using the text book for the content and using good sense of humor to cheer up the whole classroom. You also are creative in using the witch’s hat and that you remember your student’s name. Excellent work on that one.

Task-cycle:

It is good that you asked the students what they have learned from the previous session prior to starting the activity and to this had created a good motivating factor for them to think and linking their classroom language learning  with language use outside of the classroom. Although, you need to draw enough attention for them to work on their ask by being organized in your given instructions such as forming into groups, they were a little bit in a haze when you told them about counting 1-8 and not allowing them to do it for themselves. As in experiential learning theory would suggest that instead of a teacher setting the task standards of acceptable performance, the learner is increasingly in charge of his or her own learning (Kohonen 1992:37).  Also, prior to introducing the game, you did not ask the students if they know Davinci Code.  You should not assume that all of them know about it, so again in every topic presented, background knowledge is essential and always make sure that they understand what you are presenting to them.  The activity is a lot of hard work, that means it is too much to consider for the students to work on for a short period of time.  Remember to make sure that they are listening and try different ways and see what works well for you and the whole class.
Preparation: It was acknowledged the level of preparation achieved on this process. Discussion is focused upon what happens when prepared lessons are completed before the time and when the unexpected events occur. The group of students  have been working quite well  and you have managed to keep the difficult ones on task for most of the time.

Post-task: Superstition in Thailand

Good introductions with the students in a relaxed  but assured way which is was nice. You have developed a good relationship with the class and that is important.  Suggestions for strategies in improving “briefing” sessions with the students.
Instructions:  consider carefully the order in which you give the instructions e.g. tell story, explain (topic) then set the specific task (writing the superstition, talk to your groupmate..etc) Do not give too many instructions at one time. Also jot down the order to help yourself thing it through and as a reminder – cue cards can be very useful.

I noticed that during the activity, most of the students are not paying attention and you are losing their interests in the topic.  In order for you to recapture their interest is to demonstrate a certain amount of ice breaker to break that monotony and bring back that sense of motivation to learn about the topic.

Also the instruments (separate sheets of paper)  that you were using are very hard to keep control of, perhaps you can set on the ground rules so that the students are well aware of what they are doing. During the presentation in front of the class, most of the students would forget to introduce themselves prior to giving their presentations, this should be prevented if you have instructed them on how to present their task in front of the class.
It would be a good idea to ask a question about what they have found out as to acknowledge and refine their ability to do some research and understand what and why they are doing it.
Good end to the lesson and the assertiveness to introduce this challenging topic to the students. Good luck on your future endeavors!

B++