AN AUTHENTIC BUSINESS WEEK - WEEK FOUR REFLECTION

AN AUTHENTIC BUSINESS WEEK

This week has been the busiest week in terms of Learning Objectives with Courtney and dynamic team. The readings have been very educative and enlightening.  The readings that touched me most re the readings on:

1.    How to Encourage Reluctant ESL/EFL Learners to Speak in the Classroom

This paper aims to provide EFL teachers with a range of techniques to encourage reluctant students to speak in the language classroom. Many of these techniques are suggested based on the Cognitive, Affective and Situational Framework put forth by Nation (2007).

The readings on drama and the usage of skype  could be recommended to tackle  the reluctant learners weakness.

Week three’s audio/oral skill building on listening and speaking and this week’s reading materials on reading and writing has definitely and comprehensively treated those four basic skills in language.  

2.    The discussions on how Skype can be used to:

1) Empower ESL/EFL teachers and tutors to incorporate a simple and popular technology into their teaching practice

 2) Give presentations and workshops

 3) Be a stepping stone to using more sophisticated technology in the classroom.

For those who are new to using technology in the language learning classroom like my class, Skype is an effective way to experiment while minimizing the risk of things going wrong. Skype can help ESL/EFL teachers improve their technology literacy and increase their confidence using technology in the classroom. It provides an excellent stepping stone for those who are not entirely "fluent" with more sophisticated technologies.

 The readings on the preparation of the integrated lesson plan has not only build our skills but assist us in the preparation of the creation of reinforcement in the teaching and learning processes in the classroom through the integration of technology .

With the integration of technology, teaching and learning and learning had become more learner centered and there is a balance in the acquisition of the cognitive, psycho motor and the affective domain of learning.