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| November 24, 2010 |
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| 3:01 pm |
olafelch: |
So, welcome to #ELTchat: Do ELT lessons need to have a theme or focus, or is it enough just to communicate using English? |
| 3:01 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
good afternoon mr.stanley #eltchat |
| 3:01 pm |
efl101: |
@olafelch doesn't everything have a theme/focus? #eltchat |
| 3:02 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
i have to say that generally i'm pretty theme/topic-oriented #eltchat |
| 3:02 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @olafelch: So, welcome to #ELTchat: Do ELT lessons need to have a theme or focus, or is it enough just to communicate using English? |
| 3:02 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@bcnpaul1 good afternoon Mr.Braddock #eltchat |
| 3:02 pm |
efl101: |
@bcnpaul1 agreed, but I'm not sure what a themeless lesson/conversation is? #eltchat |
| 3:02 pm |
olafelch: |
@efl101 I was wondering that too. I guess it depends how you define theme. #eltchat |
| 3:03 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
however, the topic doesn't need to be a 'big' one or take up the whole lesson #eltchat |
| 3:03 pm |
grahamstanley: |
I think we're back to #dogme again :) - surely ELT lessons without a focus is teaching unplugged or...? #eltchat |
| 3:04 pm |
efl101: |
@grahamstanley surely even dogme lessons have a focus? #eltchat |
| 3:04 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@efl101 I wonder if maybe we're thinking typical theme as intro to area of grammar type thing. 'how was yr day?' is a theme right? #eltchat |
| 3:04 pm |
olafelch: |
@bcnpaul1 Are you talking about content here? Or could a theme be grammar-driven? (say, future plans?) #eltchat |
| 3:04 pm |
esolcourses: |
@efl101 @olafelch I'd say that lessons should have a theme or focus. Makes vocabulary easier to remember & consolidate, IMO #eltchat |
| 3:04 pm |
chiasuan: |
@olafelch One of the issues with many 'packaged' ELT classes is tht it doesn't reflect the discourse of real life...#ELTchat |
| 3:05 pm |
olafelch: |
@chiasuan Does it have to reflect real life to be good learning material? #ELTchat |
| 3:05 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@olafelch I think it depends how we plan the lesson. do we say theme first language after or the other way around? #eltchat |
| 3:06 pm |
efl101: |
think that linear c/book type themes are not neccessary but every lesson has a theme/focus however transient or however it emerges #eltchat |
| 3:06 pm |
olafelch: |
@bcnpaul1 I tend to think about language focus first and then try to elicit themes which reflect that. #eltchat |
| 3:06 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
RT @efl101: think that linear c/book type themes are not neccessary but every lesson has a theme/focus however transient or however it emerges #eltchat |
| 3:07 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@efl101 #eltchat they might end up having a focus, but whatever focus they have should emerge from the students, so you don't plan one |
| 3:07 pm |
efl101: |
RT @bcnpaul1: I think it depends how we plan the lesson. do we say theme first language after or the other way around? #eltchat > gd point |
| 3:07 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @efl101: Linear c/book type themes are not neccessary but every lesson has a theme/focus however transient or however it emerges #eltchat |
| 3:07 pm |
esolcourses: |
@grahamstanley sounds like "teaching unplanned" rather than "teaching unplugged", Graham ;-) IME, #dogme lessons do have a focus #eltchat |
| 3:07 pm |
janetbianchini: |
Hi everyone glad I can join you today! I think real life does have to be reflected in tasks - such simulations are invaluable #eltchat |
| 3:08 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@olafelch I do sometimes with the big language areas, but often best language use emerges when theme is more important #eltchat |
| 3:08 pm |
Kaceyavb: |
think that linear c/book type themes are not neccessary but every lesson has a theme/focus however transient or however it emerges #eltchat |
| 3:09 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @olafelch: So, welcome to #ELTchat: Do ELT lessons need to have a theme or focus, or is it enough just to communicate using English? |
| 3:09 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @grahamstanley: for the next hour my tweets will be dedicated to #eltchat |
| 3:09 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@esolcourses lol I like it - just because you have a theme, doesn't mean you don't plan a lesson though #eltchat |
| 3:09 pm |
janetbianchini: |
I agree, a theme is important to build up ss' confidence in use of whatever vocab is being discussed #eltchat |
| 3:09 pm |
efl101: |
@grahamstanley r dogme lessons unplanned or unscripted? off topic a bit - but generally agree sts provide/prompt theme/focus #eltchat |
| 3:10 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @bcnpaul1: however, the topic doesn't need to be a 'big' one or take up the whole lesson #eltchat > What do u mean? Not sure |
| 3:10 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @grahamstanley: @esolcourses lol I like it - just because you have a theme, doesn't mean you don't plan a lesson though #eltchat ] yep :) |
| 3:10 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
when we realsie where sts gaps are we can plan next lesson around helping them - this doesn't need a theme #eltchat |
| 3:10 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @bcnpaul1: when we realsie where sts gaps are we can plan next lesson around helping them - this doesn't need a theme #eltchat (Agree) |
| 3:10 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @janetbianchini: I think real life does have to be reflected in tasks - such simulations are invaluable #eltchat |
| 3:11 pm |
grahamstanley: |
so is the hidden #eltchat agenda here about whether we think you need to plan your lessons or just walk into class and chat? |
| 3:11 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@Marisa_C that when we think theme we think of 1 that acts as vehicle for a language area but there are smaller topics that emerge #eltchat |
| 3:11 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @grahamstanley: so is the hidden #eltchat agenda here about whether we think you need to plan your lessons ....? |
| 3:11 pm |
janetbianchini: |
RT @grahamstanley so is the hidden #eltchat agenda here about whether we think u need to plan your lessons or just walk into class and chat? |
| 3:12 pm |
fionamau: |
RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat 'might end up w focus, bt whatever focus they have shd emerge frm the sts, so u don't plan 1 - TOTALLY AGREE |
| 3:12 pm |
olafelch: |
@grahamstanley I wouldn't agree with that. (though chat can be a great springboard for error identification) #eltchat |
| 3:12 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@grahamstanley No- in fact we are not talking about dogme specifically #eltchat |
| 3:13 pm |
efl101: |
@grahamstanley a happy medium is best! #eltchat |
| 3:13 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@grahamstanley I try to plan theme and possible activities that cd go with it. sts then decide which one for 2nd part of the class #eltchat |
| 3:13 pm |
janetbianchini: |
Not sure walkinginto class and "just chatting" will satisfy everyone. "chat" needs flow and structure to be meaningful imho #eltchat |
| 3:13 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @janetbianchini: I agree, a theme is important to build up ss' confidence in use of whatever vocab is being discussed #eltchat |
| 3:14 pm |
Marisa_C: |
Could we just define "theme"? It seems to me that theme is different from context - u can have a theme bt language out of context #eltchat |
| 3:14 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
its important to get themes sts r interested in at start of course & build course around those to help advance their language #eltchat |
| 3:14 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @Marisa_C: Could we just define "theme"? It seems to me that theme is different from context - u can have a theme bt language out of context #eltchat |
| 3:14 pm |
efl101: |
@Marisa_C theme for me is simply topic of conv or interaction - so don't really see how you can not have one? #eltchat |
| 3:15 pm |
Marisa_C: |
A theme is useful for activating schematic knowlegde and reinforcing memory networks but what we do with it can vary #eltchat |
| 3:15 pm |
JoshSRound: |
Hi everyone, happy to join in today's #eltchat (hopefully won't get pulled away from desk.) I feel a theme - or sth giving cohesion - is imp |
| 3:15 pm |
janetbianchini: |
Theme = topic area, and build different contexts out of that #eltchat |
| 3:16 pm |
olafelch: |
@Marisa_C I think that depends on the theme - some are very language centered. #eltchat |
| 3:16 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@efl101 I think the question here is whether the teacher imposes (i.e. plansfor and brings it up in class) a theme - is it not? #eltchat |
| 3:16 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@janetbianchini I'd agree with that #eltchat |
| 3:16 pm |
janetbianchini: |
RT @Marisa_C A theme is useful for activating schematic knowlegde and reinforcing memory networks but what we do with it can vary #eltchat |
| 3:16 pm |
efl101: |
@grahamstanley okay, then is a discussion on methodology (dogme, CB etc.) not if we NEED a theme yes or no? #eltchat |
| 3:17 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@efl101 @Marisa_C #eltchat Otherwise we could say that every lesson has a theme unless you try to sit around and talk about nothing :) |
| 3:17 pm |
fionamau: |
#eltchat You can plan the FORM of the lesson, then let topic and language ('focus?')emerge. Follow-up/feedback recycles. |
| 3:17 pm |
efl101: |
@grahamstanley imposing themes is (for me) best avoided except where exam/curric. etc insist on it #eltchat |
| 3:17 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
topic or theme generated by sts can be sparked by sthg you initially come in with #eltchat |
| 3:18 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@fionamau can you provide an example? #eltchat |
| 3:18 pm |
esolcourses: |
@Marisa_C my definition of a theme would be a topic that will give learners the opportunity to build on language they already know #ELTChat |
| 3:18 pm |
efl101: |
RT @bcnpaul1: topic or theme generated by sts can be sparked by sthg you initially come in with #eltchat Yes, tchr can kick-start too! |
| 3:19 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @bcnpaul1: topic or theme generated by sts can be sparked by sthg you initially come in with #eltchat |
| 3:19 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@esolcourses #eltchat what about teaching students language they don't already know? Surely this is important too |
| 3:19 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @grahamstanley: @esolcourses #eltchat what about teaching students language they don't already know? Surely this is important too |
| 3:19 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@efl101 often it needs to be kick-started by teacher and responsibility gradually handed over to sts #eltchat |
| 3:20 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @bcnpaul1: @efl101 often it needs to be kick-started by teacher and responsibility gradually handed over to sts #eltchat |
| 3:20 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @janetbianchini: Theme = topic area, and build different contexts out of that #eltchat > This a very important point |
| 3:20 pm |
efl101: |
@bcnpaul1 yes, think this is part of tchrs responsibility #eltchat |
| 3:20 pm |
fionamau: |
#eltchat- plan eg debate. brainstorm topix, pairs discuss & vote fr 1 topic (language emerges 2 prep debate), pairs/3s plan arguments>debate |
| 3:21 pm |
olafelch: |
@bcnpaul1 That's an important point. With weaker learners they often lack the skills to know what they need to know. #eltchat |
| 3:21 pm |
janetbianchini: |
I sometimes work w what's happening in news that day- theme is based on vocab to discuss + is reactivated outside of class later #eltchat |
| 3:22 pm |
efl101: |
what about v. functional lang e.g. buying tickets/seeing doc etc. do these themes nd to be 'imposed' by tchr? #eltchat |
| 3:22 pm |
olafelch: |
@janetbianchini I agree - the news is a great starting point for many lessons. #ELTchat |
| 3:23 pm |
esolcourses: |
@olafelch @grahamstanley by building on language, I mean add new vocab students don't already know to the language they already do #ELTChat |
| 3:23 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@fionamau OK, thanks! #eltchat then I agree that a theme is not always important |
| 3:23 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @efl101: what about v. functional lang e.g. buying tickets/seeing doc etc. do these themes nd to be 'imposed' by tchr? #eltchat |
| 3:23 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
but beyond kickstarting, teacher needs to be open to diversion and equipped to deal with it and new language that appears #eltchat |
| 3:24 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @olafelch: @bcnpaul1 That's an important point. With weaker learners they often lack the skills to know what they need to know. #eltchat |
| 3:24 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @bcnpaul1: but beyond kickstarting, teacher needs to be open to diversion and equipped to deal with it and new language that appears #eltchat |
| 3:24 pm |
olafelch: |
@bcnpaul1 I agree about reacting to emergent needs, but there is also the issue of focus. Objectives are important. #eltchat |
| 3:25 pm |
efl101: |
RT @bcnpaul1: teacher needs to be open 2 diversion and equipped 2 deal with it and new language that appears #eltchat yes but this not easy! |
| 3:25 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
sts also get bored & demotivated when it's always the teacher that has a formula for the class - where's the interaction & resp.? #eltchat |
| 3:25 pm |
harrisonmike: |
What's the topic of discussion #ELTchat? |
| 3:25 pm |
janetbianchini: |
@olafelch I ask ss 2 discuss l8tr with homestay families to kick start opinions + re-use lang from class-then feedback next day=x 3 #ELTchat |
| 3:25 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@fionamau @JoshSRound ahem...nothing up my right sleeve, nothing up my left sleeve and then...hey! presto! #eltchat |
| 3:26 pm |
olafelch: |
@harrisonmike Do ELT lessons need to have a theme or focus, or is it enough just to communicate using English? #ELTchat |
| 3:26 pm |
efl101: |
@harrisonmike whether we need one ;-) #eltchat |
| 3:26 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@harrisonmike Teaching through topics and themes #ELTchat |
| 3:26 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@olafelch as long as the objectives are negotiated and reviewed along the way - yes. no st involvement means no focus #eltchat |
| 3:27 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @LukeMeddings: @olafelch @grahamstanley 'Build on' to me means starting frm what they know, feeding in what they don't as needed #ELTChat |
| 3:27 pm |
Marisa_C: |
So, it looks like the need to have theme based teaching is evident - who chooses them may be an issue? #ELTchat |
| 3:27 pm |
olafelch: |
@bcnpaul1 In theory , yes, but in secondary schools that isn't always a viable option. #eltchat |
| 3:27 pm |
fionamau: |
#eltchat nuther eg - take chocolate to adults, mystery diff flavours...language emerges! topic varies. anecdotes. comparisons, hypothesis |
| 3:28 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@bcnpaul1 if the teacher knows the students well, this does not have to be the case (so long as what T does is not formulaic) #eltchat |
| 3:28 pm |
Marisa_C: |
please remember the #ELTchat hashtag so your tweets can be viewed by those following the discussion |
| 3:29 pm |
fionamau: |
@grahamstanley #eltchat haha, all the best, caring, 'engaged' , engaging teachers work magic in their lessons :-) |
| 3:29 pm |
profesorbaker: |
RT @Marisa_C: So, it looks like the need to have theme based teaching is evident - who chooses them may be an issue? #ELTchat |
| 3:29 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@fionamau surely that's a teacher deciding on a theme (chocolate / tastes / comparison of) ? #eltchat |
| 3:29 pm |
profesorbaker: |
RT @esolcourses: RT @LukeMeddings: @olafelch @grahamstanley 'Build on' to me means starting frm what they know, feeding in what they don't as needed #ELTChat |
| 3:29 pm |
harrisonmike: |
@bcnpaul1 Some Sts need a routine though, don't you think? #eltchat |
| 3:29 pm |
sophie_cy: |
just got here #eltchat |
| 3:30 pm |
janetbianchini: |
Sometimes there's no choice as theme is dictated by coursebook, so teacher has to work round that #eltchat |
| 3:30 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@sophie_cy Welcome! #eltchat |
| 3:30 pm |
profesorbaker: |
RT @Marisa_C: @harrisonmike Teaching through topics and themes #ELTchat |
| 3:30 pm |
profesorbaker: |
RT @olafelch: @harrisonmike Do ELT lessons need to have a theme or focus, or is it enough just to communicate using English? #ELTchat |
| 3:30 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @harrisonmike: @bcnpaul1 Some Sts need a routine though, don't you think? #eltchat > Esp young learners - routines important to them |
| 3:30 pm |
efl101: |
must themes be 'authentic' or is artifice okay in setting up framing lang e.g. tasting choc ex? (which I like the sound of!) #eltchat |
| 3:30 pm |
fionamau: |
@grahamstanley #eltchat - re choc, not really, just pre-planning stimuli! and visual focus. seriously, it works, it changes the dynamic |
| 3:31 pm |
olafelch: |
@janetbianchini There is also the issue of responsibility on the part of the teacher - Does the learner always know best? #eltchat |
| 3:31 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@fionamau I agree - a good teacher is always pulling linguistic rabbits out of a hat and sawing grammar in half #eltchat |
| 3:31 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @grahamstanley: @fionamau I agree - a good teacher is always pulling linguistic rabbits out of a hat and sawing grammar in half #eltchat |
| 3:32 pm |
profesorbaker: |
just got here #eltchat |
| 3:32 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@profesorbaker Welcome! Join in! #eltchat |
| 3:32 pm |
sophie_cy: |
so we have agreed that a theme is necessary and r now moving on in the discussion? #eltchat |
| 3:32 pm |
fionamau: |
@efl101 #eltchat personally, I reckon eg choc is less artifice than choosing a topic. Imagine yr real life - 'hey, try this!' or pres perf? |
| 3:32 pm |
profesorbaker: |
RT @Marisa_C: RT @grahamstanley: @fionamau I agree - a good teacher is always pulling linguistic rabbits out of a hat and sawing grammar in half #eltchat |
| 3:32 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@efl101 Why is tasting choc not an authentic topic? #eltchat |
| 3:32 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@Marisa_C @harrisonmike @bcnpaul1 I agree - the younger the learners, the more some kind of routine is needed (even insisted upon) #eltchat |
| 3:33 pm |
sophie_cy: |
so the issue now is who decides on the theme? #eltchat |
| 3:33 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @grahamstanley: I agree - the younger the learners, the more some kind of routine is needed (even insisted upon) #eltchat |
| 3:33 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
sorry - just had to tell some kids off!!! back now :) #eltchat |
| 3:34 pm |
ELTchat: |
RT @sophie_cy: so the issue now is who decides on the theme? #eltchat > Negotiating topics/.themes possible in some context bt not all |
| 3:34 pm |
janetbianchini: |
@olafelch It depends on level maybe of learners, but negotiating themes with learners whenever possible is very effective #eltchat |
| 3:34 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@sophie_cy: so the issue now is who decides on the theme? #eltchat > Negotiating topics/.themes possible in some context bt not all |
| 3:34 pm |
fionamau: |
RT @Marisa @harrisonmike: @bcnpaul1 Some Sts need routine tho #eltchat > Esp young learners - routines important to them> agreed |
| 3:34 pm |
olafelch: |
@sophie_cy I think that depends a lot on the class, the type of school, the objectives, and the level of the learners. #eltchat |
| 3:34 pm |
japglish: |
Teachers sparking a theme sounds reasonable - Classroom relationships not always close and topics don't naturally arise frm Ss #eltchat |
| 3:34 pm |
profesorbaker: |
who decides on the theme? What about the teacher? #eltchat |
| 3:34 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@olafelch @janetbianchini Q: does the learner always know best? A: No, that's why they need a teacher :) #eltchat |
| 3:34 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@sophie_cy the theme can often be decided by the teacher but the activities negotiated w/sts #eltchat |
| 3:35 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @sophie_cy: Yes, I agree that negotiating themes whenever possible is really effective #ELTchat |
| 3:35 pm |
jgmac1106: |
I always liked themes in #eltchat. I would try to link a learge theme, to a narrative text, informational text, and include a set of skills |
| 3:35 pm |
sophie_cy: |
Yes, I agree that negotiating themes whenever possible is really effective #eltchat |
| 3:35 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @jgmac1106: I always liked themes in #eltchat. I link a learge themeto a narrative text, informational text, and include a set of skills |
| 3:36 pm |
profesorbaker: |
I prefer collaborative / cooperative activities over competitive #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
japglish: |
As classroom relationships become closer and Ss open up, then negotiation happens #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
efl101: |
@fionamau @Marisa_C hmm, yes c ur point, bad example, meant that on continuum shld theme b 'real life' 1 or artificial 4 lang foc.? #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
olafelch: |
@grahamstanley That's exactly my point about negotiating. If they don't know what they want you end up in a conflict. #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
sophie_cy: |
perhaps with younger sts you can give a choice of themes for them to choose from rather than complete freedom of choice #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
running ongoing projects leads to a lot of topics that arise from a larger 'theme' - this is where the negotiation #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
JoshSRound: |
It could be that teacher provides selection of areas for focus - then with ss negotiate specifics #eltchat |
| 3:36 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @profesorbaker: who decides on the theme? What about the teacher? #eltchat ] prefer negotiating, tho it depends on group/level #ELTChat |
| 3:37 pm |
olafelch: |
@grahamstanley Maybe the idea of a benign dictator is more appropriate in some classes? #eltchat |
| 3:37 pm |
fionamau: |
@profesorbaker #eltchat -teacher can be + of a moderator, surely?, steer away frm sensitive areas (The Twilight Zone) but let theme emerge |
| 3:37 pm |
sophie_cy: |
allowing them to have a say, that is what is really important. Sts need to have they have a degree of control in what's going on #eltchat |
| 3:37 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@olafelch I think diff to find topic that not authentic unless a grammar area -Task sequences an issue of whther shld mirror life #eltchat |
| 3:37 pm |
sophie_cy: |
sts need to be given a voice, to be considered as real partners in the learning process #eltchat |
| 3:37 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@JoshSRound this needs to be revisited a lot though as sts often don't know or 'do what their mates do' needs 1to1 discussion #eltchat |
| 3:38 pm |
janetbianchini: |
RT @JoshSRound It could be that teacher provides selection of areas for focus - then with ss negotiate specifics #eltchat good idea |
| 3:38 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @olafelch: @grahamstanley Maybe the idea of a benign dictator is more appropriate in some classes? #eltchat |
| 3:38 pm |
LukeMeddings: |
Each word has a theme hidden within that can be uncovered via mind-mapping and expansion activities-are themes just lexical fields? #ELTchat |
| 3:38 pm |
profesorbaker: |
@eslcourses: When I negotiate I limit the choices - A B or C #eltchat |
| 3:38 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @JoshSRound It could be that teacher provides selection of areas for focus - then with ss negotiate specifics #eltchat good idea |
| 3:38 pm |
sophie_cy: |
having been involved in the choice of theme, sts will feel more responsible about the development of the theme as well #eltchat |
| 3:38 pm |
fionamau: |
RT @bcnpaul1: bt beyond kickstarting, teacher needs 2 be open 2 diversion & equipped to deal with it and new language that appears #eltchat |
| 3:39 pm |
olafelch: |
@sophie_cy So how ahould I negotiate with a class of 15 yr olds who don't care about the national test they have to take? #eltchat |
| 3:39 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@bcnpaul1 yes, I like the idea of a substantial project, where learners decide what to do next and this forms basis of lesson #eltchat |
| 3:39 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @LukeMeddings: Each word has theme hidden within .. uncovered via mind-mapping & expansion -are themes just lexical fields? #ELTchat |
| 3:39 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @fionamau: RT @bcnpaul1: bt beyond kickstarting, teacher needs 2 be open 2 diversion & equipped to deal with it and new language that appears #eltchat |
| 3:39 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @sophie_cy: having been involved in the choice of theme, sts will feel more responsible about the development of the theme as well #eltchat |
| 3:39 pm |
JoshSRound: |
@bcnpaul1 yes thinking more abt adult learners who r motivated etc #eltchat |
| 3:39 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@LukeMeddings The chicken or the egg ?? :-D #ELTchat |
| 3:40 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@LukeMeddings not just lexical fields, themes can allow the development of discussion and hence conversational skills (oral) #eltchat |
| 3:40 pm |
profesorbaker: |
@sophie_cy: I agree - sts usually buy into their own choices #eltchat |
| 3:40 pm |
olafelch: |
BBC One-minute World News - A great starting point for a freestyle lesson: http://bbc.in/n414Y#ELTchat |
| 3:40 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @profesorbaker: @sophie_cy: I agree - sts usually buy into their own choices #eltchat > Some degree of choice desirable |
| 3:40 pm |
efl101: |
@bcnpaul1 @grahamstanley projects are good but... we need to also do themes sts need not that they always want? #eltchat |
| 3:41 pm |
fionamau: |
RT @olafelch: @bcnpaul1 Objectives r important. #eltchat > they are. very. bt how specific? 'use these 8 words' or 'discuss stg with ease' |
| 3:41 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@olafelch @sophie_cy try to find a way to inspire/motivate without focussing on exam while still preparing them for it #eltchat |
| 3:41 pm |
sophie_cy: |
sophie_cy @LuKeMeddings or the development of writing skills (persuassive/ argumentative, etc.) #eltchat |
| 3:42 pm |
janetbianchini: |
RT @olafelch BBC One-minute World News - A great starting point for a freestyle lesson:http://bbc.in/n414Y #ELTchat -definitely! |
| 3:42 pm |
Marisa_C: |
So once you have identified a theme +/_ negotiated, how do you decide on task sequences - authenticity a criterion? #ELTchat |
| 3:42 pm |
efl101: |
RT @olafelch: gr8 starting point 4 freestyle lesson: http://bbc.in/n414Y #ELTchat like freestyle lessons a lot but... is it always possible? |
| 3:42 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
get the sts to look at diff topics and give 'em a mark out of 4 - build the course around popular ones & so far it's working! #eltchat |
| 3:42 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@efl101 @bcnpaul1 I once did an island project where pre-teen learners were more motivated because everything related back to this #eltchat |
| 3:42 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @Marisa_C: RT @LukeMeddings: Each word has theme hidden within .. uncovered via mind-mapping & expansion -are themes just lexical fields? #ELTchat |
| 3:43 pm |
olafelch: |
@grahamstanley My tactic exactly, but it does bring me into conflict with parents occasionally. Also that doesn't always serve ... #eltchat |
| 3:43 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@Marisa_C that's a big question! :) #eltchat |
| 3:43 pm |
JoshSRound: |
@profesorbaker @sophie_cy Can skillful teachers guide sts twds relevant topics & make them feel it their choice? #eltchat |
| 3:43 pm |
olafelch: |
@grahamstanley ... the motivated kids in the class. It's not an easy juggling act. #eltchat |
| 3:43 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@olafelch involving them will make the lesson much more interesting than a pure, traditional exam class #eltchat |
| 3:43 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@grahamstanley this is it! sts are involved = motivated = learning #eltchat |
| 3:44 pm |
japglish: |
I take @lukemedding 's point though. It could be the learners connections with a word which makes the topic, assoc. w/ feelings #eltchat |
| 3:44 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@olafelch make sure you cover the language and skills but let them choose the theme???? gently guide, perhaps if necessary???? #eltchat |
| 3:44 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@bcnpaul1 Task sequencing and skills integration a question of level of the class AND degree of task authenticity #eltchat |
| 3:44 pm |
janetbianchini: |
@Marisa_C Yes, tasks should be as authentic as poss to prep ss for real-life situations in the future #ELTchat |
| 3:44 pm |
olafelch: |
@efl101 No way, but I try to do at least one every couple of weeks, as long as the kids are up to pace. #ELTchat |
| 3:44 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@olafelch I agree - we have to work within the constraints imposed on us - makes it difficult to teach well sometimes #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @janetbianchini: @Marisa_C Yes, tasks should be as authentic as poss to prep ss for real-life situations in the future #ELTchat |
| 3:45 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@lukemeddings I like the idea of each word having a hidden theme. give sts some words & see what comes of it #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
japglish: |
Themes ARE lexical fields, that's true - all the old "activate schemata" activities point to that #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
fionamau: |
@Marisa_C re theme being important and who chooses it - who chooses, but also when - before or as u go #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
japglish: |
@bcnpaul1 or use a word cloud #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @fionamau: @Marisa_C re theme being important and who chooses it - who chooses, but also when - before or as u go #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@olafelch yes, it's worth trying as it is magic when it happens, but it is difficult to pull that rabbit out of the hat #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@Marisa_C this is where self-reflection as a teacher becomes important - looking at the balance of the course #eltchat |
| 3:45 pm |
SimonGreenall: |
@LukeMeddings For course designers themes r lexical fields bt my guess is only 40% target lexis can go into 1 theme/lexical field #ELTchat |
| 3:46 pm |
olafelch: |
@sophie_cy In many school curricula the themes are also prescribed. #eltchat |
| 3:46 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@fionamau Agree - a theme may emerge out of the connections in the minds of the students #eltchat |
| 3:46 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@japglish that does not mean that they only develop lexis ... #eltchat |
| 3:46 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @bcnpaul1: get sts to look at diff topics & mark them out of 4 - build the course around popular ones & so far it's working! #eltchat |
| 3:46 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@olafelch is there no freedome for the teacher? #eltchat |
| 3:46 pm |
efl101: |
@bcnpaul1 @grahamstanley not against these but wot sts want/need nt always same. eg sts must talk on gen eng in exam like it or not #eltchat |
| 3:46 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@japglish yes - lovely idea. that could be my next lesson sorted! #eltchat |
| 3:47 pm |
olafelch: |
@profesorbaker I agree completely. Fun and a fair challenge make the lessons go much better. #ELTchat |
| 3:47 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@olafelch is there no freedom for the teacher? #eltchat < I know this can be taken as very philosophical question : ) |
| 3:47 pm |
profesorbaker: |
freedom for the teacher - only in Second Life #eltchat |
| 3:48 pm |
olafelch: |
@sophie_cy Often very little. (Though if you are resistant to peer and parent criticism, you can go your own way.) #eltchat |
| 3:48 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@efl101 it's true. sometimes if they have a say in how they cover the topics they don't like, it makes it productive #eltchat |
| 3:48 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @profesorbaker: freedom for the teacher - only in Second Life #eltchat :-) |
| 3:48 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@esolcourses another option is to ask a dif student to choose topic each week. Can also ask them to bring in something to read, etc #eltchat |
| 3:49 pm |
olafelch: |
@sophie_cy You can win a lot of freedom if you get good results. #eltchat |
| 3:49 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @bcnpaul1: @efl101 it's true. sometimes if they have a say in how they cover the topics they don't like, it makes it productive #eltchat |
| 3:49 pm |
Marisa_C: |
What does one do with topics or themes on CB syllabus unsuited to learners? E.g. "celebrity life styles" 4 our refugee classes #ELTchat |
| 3:49 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@grahamstanley works wonders- also get them to give presentations on topics of their choice - plan in class gives some great lang. #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
japglish: |
@sophie_cy no, true of course, other skills can be preacticed but idea of themes proceeding from a single word, from Ss is sound #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
efl101: |
@bcnpaul1 yes, perhaps sts controlling how theme is covered is better than what theme - sometimes #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@bcnpaul1 presentations on topics of Ss' own choice a great idea #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
janetbianchini: |
@grahamstanleyNice idea but you have to trust your students to be able to do that effectively and sensibly? #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
profesorbaker: |
@grahamstanley @esolcourses: Show & Tell - "Today I have with me..."#eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
nutrich: |
joining in late, but looks like a good discussion! #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @bcnpaul1: @grahamstanley works wonders- also get them to give presentations on topics of their choice - plan in class gives some great lang. #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@Marisa_C get the sts to plan the lesson if the theme needs covering for exam purposes #eltchat |
| 3:50 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@profesorbaker indeed sounds ike show and tell #eltchat |
| 3:51 pm |
japglish: |
@Marisa_C either ignore them or examine the ironies of the topic! #eltchat |
| 3:51 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@olafelch @sophie_cy Often very little (Though if u are resistant 2 peer & parent criticism, u cn go ur own way) #eltchat >sounds good 2 me! |
| 3:51 pm |
cybraryman1: |
Some Theme sites: http://bit.ly/cFq0g7 K Themes: http://bit.ly/hmJeXN #elemchat #eltchat |
| 3:51 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@japglish difficult to discuss ironies with real beginners #eltchat |
| 3:51 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
RT @japglish: @Marisa_C either ignore them or examine the ironies of the topic! #eltchat |
| 3:51 pm |
JoshSRound: |
@bcnpaul1 just observed this yesterday in dip lesson - ss chose topics for own presentations; gr8t focus on spoken production #eltchat |
| 3:52 pm |
nutrich: |
RT @bcnpaul1: @Marisa_C get the sts to plan the lesson if the theme needs covering for exam purposes #eltchat |
| 3:52 pm |
olafelch: |
@Marisa_C I'm a big fan of show and tell - great for productive skills and an excellent diagnostic tool. #eltchat |
| 3:52 pm |
japglish: |
@Marisa_C Plan A it is then #eltchat |
| 3:52 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @olafelch: @Marisa_C I'm a big fan of show and tell - great for productive skills and an excellent diagnostic tool. #eltchat Ye!s |
| 3:52 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@japglish indeed! #eltchat |
| 3:52 pm |
cybraryman1: |
My Lesson Plans page: http://bit.ly/45zSYx #ntchat #eltchat #elemchat |
| 3:52 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@japglish yes, sure - it's perfectly sound #eltchat |
| 3:52 pm |
profesorbaker: |
@Marisa_C: Unsuitable material? Adapt "My hero/heroine lifestyle..." #eltchat |
| 3:53 pm |
janetbianchini: |
RT @cybraryman1 Some Theme sites: http://bit.ly/cFq0g7 K Themes: http://bit.ly/hmJeXN #elemchat#eltchat fab! |
| 3:53 pm |
olafelch: |
@sophie_cy To be honest, that's what I do, but it can go spectacularly wrong from time to time. #eltchat |
| 3:53 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
Can I just use this opportunity to ask people to contribute their paragraph on 'quality teaching' to my gmail pleeeaase #eltchat |
| 3:53 pm |
esolcourses: |
@grahamstanley great idea in theory! if you are teaching to an exam based syllabus tho, guided "show and tell" might be better #ELTChat |
| 3:53 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @olafelch: @Marisa_C I'm a big fan of show and tell - great for productive skills and an excellent diagnostic tool. #eltchat |
| 3:53 pm |
olafelch: |
RT @bcnpaul1: Can I just use this opportunity to ask people to contribute their paragraph on 'quality teaching' to my gmail pleaase #eltchat |
| 3:53 pm |
efl101: |
@bcnpaul1 que? #eltchat |
| 3:53 pm |
fionamau: |
@efl101 #eltchat re needed themes v wantd themes - teens r good at knowin wot they need, cuz o exams - they cn set suite of themes > + motiv |
| 3:54 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@olafelch courage! vive la resistance! #eltchat |
| 3:54 pm |
TEFL: |
Listening to #ELTChat podcast. On Delta vs Masters "Different teachers take different paths"http://eltchat.com/ |
| 3:54 pm |
japglish: |
@Marisa_C I remember in japan an article about Hiroshima in Headway UI - headline "It's a blast" - tried to ignore but Ss spotted #eltchat |
| 3:55 pm |
profesorbaker: |
RT @olafelch: RT @bcnpaul1: Can I just use this opportunity to ask people to contribute their paragraph on 'quality teaching' to my gmail pleaase #eltchat |
| 3:55 pm |
efl101: |
@fionamau 'set suite of themes' can you explain please? #eltchat |
| 3:55 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@bcnpaul1 what you need to do is to persuade people to have an #eltchat one day on quality in the classroom! |
| 3:55 pm |
nutrich: |
What is Quality Teaching? An invitation to co-create a post #eltchat http://bit.ly/hc7aHQ #elt@bcnpaul1 @efl101 |
| 3:56 pm |
esolcourses: |
RT @nutrich: What is Quality Teaching? An invitation to co-create a post #eltchat http://bit.ly/hc7aHQ#elt @bcnpaul1 @efl101 |
| 3:56 pm |
nutrich: |
RT @grahamstanley: @bcnpaul1 what you need to do is to persuade people to have an #eltchat one day on quality in the classroom! |
| 3:56 pm |
profesorbaker: |
guys gotta go to class! C U L8R! #eltchat |
| 3:56 pm |
olafelch: |
@grahamstanley Propose the question and it shall be included, Sire! #eltchat |
| 3:56 pm |
efl101: |
@nutrich ah, thanks very much for that, will drop by later #eltchat |
| 3:56 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @esolcourses: RT @nutrich: What is Quality Teaching? An invitation to co-create a post #eltchathttp://bit.ly/hc7aHQ #elt @bcnpaul1 @efl101 |
| 3:57 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
@grahamstanley I did, but it was too late for this week's chat! actually that was a different topic, but er... yes - you're right #eltchat |
| 3:57 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@japglish and how did they react? #eltchat |
| 3:57 pm |
fionamau: |
@efl101 #eltchat - suite - they plan eg 4 shrt-term 'themes' (content/lang) they want/need eg exam mat. U organise. Other stuff cn emerge. |
| 3:58 pm |
olafelch: |
The challenge re: themes is to balance the want's of the learners with the needs of the course. #ELTchat |
| 3:58 pm |
japglish: |
@Marisa_C one student started crying. It's a big thing in Japan, naturally #eltchat |
| 3:58 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@japglish how terrible! #eltchat |
| 3:59 pm |
janetbianchini: |
RT @olafelch The challenge re: themes is to balance the want's of the learners with the needs of the course. #ELTchat - yes, I agree :) |
| 3:59 pm |
efl101: |
@fionamau thank you for explaining, yes it helps 2 involve sts but wish themes were better chosen by school, exam board etc! #eltchat |
| 3:59 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @olafelch The challenge re: themes is to balance the want's of the learners with the needs of the course. #ELTchat |
| 3:59 pm |
japglish: |
@Marisa_C appalling. worst example I have ever come across in ELT of cultural blindness #eltchat |
| 4:00 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
bloody computer wouldn't let me tweet!!! #eltchat |
| 4:00 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
RT @Marisa_C: RT @olafelch The challenge re: themes is to balance the want's of the learners with the needs of the course. #ELTchat |
| 4:01 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
balance is everything really (otherwise we'd all fall over) #eltchat |
| 4:01 pm |
japglish: |
@janetbianchini I know! Whatever were they thinking? #ELTchat |
| 4:02 pm |
JoshSRound: |
@olafelch and more challenging with rolling enrolment when learner wants/needs can change every week #eltchat |
| 4:02 pm |
olafelch: |
@mariabeamont ... and sometimes the strength to tell sts that the world and this classroom is not a fair place! ;o) #ELTchat |
| 4:02 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
may have to leave now - off to do an observation - let's see what themes emerge from those secretive words #eltchat |
| 4:02 pm |
Marisa_C: |
@bcnpaul1 falling over sometimes a good thing - makes you reflect on your assumptions #eltchat |
| 4:03 pm |
olafelch: |
@JoshSRound Absolutlely - that's a very particular skill. #eltchat |
| 4:03 pm |
sophie_cy: |
@bcnpaul1 good luck Paul #eltchat |
| 4:03 pm |
janetbianchini: |
Thanks for the great chat, everyone. Really enjoyed it! #eltchat |
| 4:03 pm |
bcnpaul1: |
thank you @olafelch @marisa_c for moderating another great #eltchat - as usual it makes my day that bit nicer |
| 4:03 pm |
efl101: |
@japglish not just culturally insensitive, - insensitive full stop! #eltchat |
| 4:04 pm |
grahamstanley: |
@Marisa_C @bcnpaul1 falling over is only a good thing if there's somone there to catch you and help you stand up again #eltchat |
| 4:04 pm |
olafelch: |
Thanks for a great session - the transcript will be up asap. #ELTchat |
| 4:04 pm |
Marisa_C: |
Well, thank you all for another energy boost to my week :-) #ELTchat and to @olafelch for moderating |
| 4:04 pm |
grahamstanley: |
RT @bcnpaul1: thank you @olafelch @marisa_c for moderating another great #eltchat - as usual it makes my day that bit nicer |
| 4:04 pm |
sophie_cy: |
thank u all at #eltchat |
| 4:04 pm |
fionamau: |
RT @olafelch: @sophie_cy You can win a lot of freedom if you get good results. >> this has been my experience too :-)) #eltchat |
| 4:05 pm |
Marisa_C: |
RT @grahamstanley: falling over is only a good thing if there's somone there to catch u & help you stand up again #eltchat > Indeed! |
| 4:05 pm |
janetbianchini: |
@olafelch @marisa_c Thank you for great moderating! See you again soon, I hope #eltchat |
| 4:05 pm |
japglish: |
Right, tweeps. Back to "Computer Mediated Communication and the Interaction Hypothesis". Wd rather not. Thx for distraction! #eltchat |
| 4:05 pm |
grahamstanley: |
Thanks to all for another great #eltchat |
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