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Is what you are teaching relevant to what your students need

Page history last edited by Shaun 13 years ago

 

This is the transcript from the 12pm GMT chat on 23/03/11 on teaching and student needs 

 

 

11:59 am

Marisa_C:

On your marks? for another #ELTchat?

12:00 pm

teachermedeiros:

I use to focus on intonation and pronunciation. So, I do believe that what I've been teaching is fully relevant ;) #ELTChat

12:00 pm

sanmccarron:

RT @barbsaka: RT @Marisa_C: @vladkaslniecko #eltchat Is what you?re teaching relevant to what your students need? If not, Who/ what to blame?

12:01 pm

yearinthelifeof:

OK, question: who still teaches five-paragraph essays? #ELTchat

12:01 pm

barbsaka:

I guess my first question to everyone is what do you mean by "relevant"? #eltchat

12:01 pm

englishraven:

RT @barbsaka: I guess my first question to everyone is what do you mean by "relevant"? #eltchat

12:02 pm

englishraven:

@barbsaka Yes, relevance in terms of content, skills, goals, learning styles, etc... #ELTChat

12:02 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @englishraven: @barbsaka Yes, relevance in terms of content, skills, goals, learning styles, etc... #ELTChat

12:02 pm

Shaunwilden:

@barbsaka gd question - it can extend to many things from context to English they will use and so on #eltchat

12:02 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@barbsaka When suggesting this topic I was thinking in terms of 'relevant to future needs #ELTchat

12:02 pm

esolcourses:

RT @barbsaka: I guess my first question to everyone is what do you mean by "relevant"? #eltchat ] what learners need/want to learn, I'd say

12:03 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @yearinthelifeof: @barbsaka When suggesting this topic I was thinking in terms of 'relevant to future needs #ELTchat

12:03 pm

stopspanglish:

@yearinthelifeof : I do! Spaniards aren't taught to write in school and most like having a formula to work with... #eltchat

12:03 pm

englishraven:

Adding to @barbsaka 's first question, I would ask who is deciding what is relevant/needed? #ELTChat

12:03 pm

BethCagnol:

As for the blame bit, I'm going to jump right in and say: TESTS are to blame. There, I said it. #ELTChat

12:03 pm

englishraven:

RT @yearinthelifeof: @barbsaka When suggesting this topic I was thinking in terms of 'relevant to future needs #ELTchat

12:03 pm

barbsaka:

@bethcagnol Surprise, surprise :-) #eltchat

12:03 pm

JoshSRound:

@barbsaka: I guess my first question is what do you mean by "relevant"? > what will help ss to use Eng effectively in own lives #eltchat

12:04 pm

englishraven:

RT @BethCagnol: As for the blame bit, I'm going to jump right in and say: TESTS are to blame. There, I said it. #ELTChat

12:04 pm

cherrymp:

#ELTchat - mots often relevant is decided far far away from the real classroom situation

12:04 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@barbsaka I would say relevant is = what stds need (as well as what they want) to learn (...can be different sometimes :-))) #eltchat

12:04 pm

stopspanglish:

@barbsaka : "Relevant" - how can you use English in your life? If lx is a tool, what do you want to be able to do? #eltchat

12:04 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@esolcourses @barbsaka They might not know what they need, which can be quite different to what they want, anyway #ELTchat

12:04 pm

sandymillin:

RT @JoshSRound: @barbsaka: I guess my first question is what do you mean by "relevant"? > what will help ss to use Eng effectively in own lives #eltchat

12:04 pm

esolcourses:

RT @bethcagnol: As for the blame bit, I'm going to jump right in and say: TESTS are to blame. There, I said it. #ELTChat ] seconded

12:04 pm

Marisa_C:

What is the usual way you assess your students' needs? #ELTchat Do you do this?

12:04 pm

edumazing:

We need to ensure relevance to current needs before applying it to future needs #eltchat

12:04 pm

barbsaka:

So some teachers think relevant is what students identify as goals, and some think it is what teachers see that students need #eltchat

12:04 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @bethcagnol: As for the blame bit, I'm going to jump right in TESTS are to blame. There, I said it. #ELTChat well tests and schools

12:04 pm

stopspanglish:

@englishraven @barbsaka : Adult students need to bear some responsibility for what/why they learn... #eltchat

12:04 pm

englishraven:

@bethcagnol I would disagree slightly. Tests aren't always bad. What they're used for and how are! #ELTchat

12:04 pm

Collaborative:

#eltchat Job application & CV relevant is relevant, Lack of targets is to blame and over-emphasis on mere processing/pedaling

12:05 pm

cherrymp:

#ELTchat - most often 'relevant' is pre-fixed & teachers end up teaching wt's in the text - 'cover' syllabus

12:05 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@bethcagnol I agree to an extent. Also, using a coursebook as a crutch because eaier than preparing a course that meets needs #ELTchat

12:05 pm

sandymillin:

RT @stopspanglish: @englishraven @barbsaka : Adult students need to bear some responsibility for what/why they learn... #eltchat <definitely

12:05 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @edumazing: We need to ensure relevance to current needs before applying it to future needs #eltchat Thats a good point

12:05 pm

englishraven:

@barbsaka @stopspanglish I think there's an important interface/meeting point there that needs to considered. Often isn't. #ELTChat

12:05 pm

barbsaka:

That's another one--revelant to the assigned course goals (like not getting off track). Slippery word, relevant :-) #eltchat

12:05 pm

sandymillin:

RT @cherrymp: #ELTchat 'relevant' is often pre-fixed & teachers end up teaching wt's in the text - 'cover' syllabus <at least til confident

12:06 pm

cherrymp:

@Marisa_C #ELTchat difficult to access - can use placement tests - bt stdised tests may not be available to all

12:06 pm

edumazing:

I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:06 pm

BethCagnol:

@englishraven And how they are poorly designed Nd thought out is also to blame. #ELTChat

12:06 pm

worldteacher:

@barbsaka 'Relevant' - can the students take what they learn in your classroom and apply it in their lives? #eltchat

12:06 pm

stopspanglish:

If a S calls me and says, "I want to learn English for my job" but can't explain why... I don't take that student on. #eltchat

12:06 pm

esolcourses:

@yearinthelifeof @barbsaka agreed... think there has to be an element of negotiated learning (their wishes + prof. guidance) #ELTChat

12:06 pm

englishraven:

RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:06 pm

BrunoELT:

#eltchat relevant feedback is key to a successful learning. What do you think?

12:06 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @barbsaka: Thats another one--revelant to the assigned course goals . Slippery word, relevant :-) >>Indeed!! #eltchat

12:06 pm

barbsaka:

Cool! RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:06 pm

rissL:

RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:06 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C Conduct research into how they will be using English in their academic lives - I'm lucky - access to data / longtimeframe #ELTchat

12:07 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:07 pm

sandymillin:

RT @BrunoELT: #eltchat relevant feedback is key to a successful learning. What do you think? <definitely a part of it

12:07 pm

mickstout:

I think often need 4 Eng in Jp only comes up in emergency. #ELTchat

12:07 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:07 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @barbsaka: Cool! RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:07 pm

englishraven:

@edumazing I like your three Rs (relevant, rich, real)! #ELTChat

12:07 pm

bcnpaul1:

often YLs need to be trained (very slowly) to identify their needs, which shd be a part of the course content (learner training) #eltchat

12:07 pm

Shaunwilden:

@stopspanglish dont u try & help them see what they want? Half the time I find they don't actually know quite what they want /need #eltchat

12:07 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @englishraven: @edumazing I like your three Rs (relevant, rich, real)! #ELTChat

12:07 pm

worldteacher:

@englishraven @barbsaka Surely the students determine what is relevant to their needs? #eltchat

12:07 pm

esolcourses:

Think delivering what learners need is ultimately down to teachers, but teachers rarely get full say in deciding what to teach #ELTChat

12:07 pm

cherrymp:

@edumazing real is more important - how students can relate to the content #ELTchat

12:07 pm

stopspanglish:

IMHO learning English is like dieting. If you don't have clear motivation, you're not gonna get far. #eltchat

12:07 pm

NikkiFortova:

RT @teacher_prix: RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:07 pm

sandymillin:

RT @englishraven: @edumazing I like your three Rs (relevant, rich, real)! #ELTChat

12:07 pm

BrunoELT:

Wow! RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:07 pm

GailDesler:

RT @barbsaka: Cool! RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:07 pm

englishraven:

RT @esolcourses: Think delivering what learners need is ultimately down to teachers, but teachers rarely get full say in deciding what to teach #ELTChat

12:07 pm

sedayyildirim:

I blame the Ministry of Education here in Turkey ! #eltchat

12:08 pm

Collaborative:

#eltchat Targets > Job application, CV > EU Language Passport http://ht.ly/4kBNh

12:08 pm

BrunoELT:

Wow! ?? RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:08 pm

sandymillin:

RT @Shaunwilden: @stopspanglish Half the time I find they don't know quite what they want /need #eltchat <i agree! +changes all the time

12:08 pm

BethCagnol:

Sometimes I get caught up in prepping sts for the next school year rather than life in English itself. #ELTChat

12:08 pm

cherrymp:

@sandymillin @BrunoELT yeah true - feedback needs to be constructive #ELTchat

12:08 pm

teacher_prix:

@edumazing: I like that idea, but when you have to cover pre-determined syllabus, how do you put all that together? #eltchat

12:08 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @sedayyildirim: I blame the Ministry of Education here in Turkey ! #eltchat > that's as high as you can blame! :-D

12:08 pm

mickstout:

Firefighters and rescue workers don't feel a need until forced 2 deal w/ foreign aid wrkrs. #ELTchat

12:08 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @esolcourses: Think delivering what learners need is ultimately down to teachers, but teachers rarely get full say in deciding what to teach #ELTChat

12:08 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @edumazing: Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat I like those Rs :-)

12:08 pm

englishraven:

@worldteacher In a perfect world perhaps. Also need to consider situation of younger learners, who can't always judge as well. #ELTChat

12:08 pm

sandymillin:

@esolcourses I agree that it's down to teachers, but not all teachers confident in determining what SS need either #ELTChat

12:08 pm

waykatewit:

@teacher_prix @edumazing what if they will need it - but it's not connected to their lives at present? #ELTchat

12:08 pm

cherrymp:

@esolcourses true - that happens across regions #ELTchat

12:09 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@BrunoELT @edumazing On what basis to you decide the 3Rs? Genuinely interested #ELTchat

12:09 pm

esolcourses:

teachers are often put under pressure to get s's to pass exams, but syllabus may not be relevant to what learners want or need #ELTChat

12:09 pm

ddeubel:

I think Richard's ideas on adapting the textbook are relevant to meeting student's needs. http://bit.ly/f6FeXc #eltchat

12:09 pm

englishraven:

RT @ddeubel: I think Richard's ideas on adapting the textbook are relevant to meeting student's needs. http://bit.ly/f6FeXc #eltchat

12:09 pm

barbsaka:

@worldteacher I don't think it's necessarily the case in all classes. Ss don't have tradition of choice #eltchat

12:09 pm

BrunoELT:

So true! ? RT @stopspanglish: IMHO learning English is like dieting. If you don't have clear motivation, you're not gonna get far. #eltchat

12:09 pm

JoshSRound:

@englishraven @esolcourses Agree, teachers often given course book to use and get on with covering units #eltchat

12:09 pm

stopspanglish:

@Shaunwilden : Of course. But if they just want English to keep their jobs, for example, that's not something my thing. #eltchat

12:09 pm

Collaborative:

#eltchat Targets > EU Language Levels > Job application, CV > Self Assessment Grid http://ht.ly/4kBQg

12:09 pm

barbsaka:

RT @ddeubel: I think Richard's ideas on adapting the textbook are relevant to meeting student's needs. http://bit.ly/f6FeXc #eltchat

12:09 pm

edumazing:

@englishraven Thanks. I use them when working with educators and preservice teachers to change old paradigms #eltchat

12:09 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @yearinthelifeof: @BrunoELT @edumazing On what basis to you decide the 3Rs? >> How best to determine needs on a weekly basis? #eltchat

12:09 pm

cherrymp:

@Marisa_C @sedayyildirim can be minister - don't know whether s/he is hr or not - in some cases ministry gets equated to person #ELTchat

12:09 pm

Shaunwilden:

@teacher_prix This is a lot of the problem isnt it- the syallbus is designed by sb who doesnt actually know the sts #eltchat

12:09 pm

Marisa_C:

@Shaunwilden Agree that YL's not in a position to identify needs - that's why this age grp needs EXPERT Ts not the least qualified #ELTchat

12:10 pm

englishraven:

RT @Marisa_C: @Shaunwilden Agree that YL's not in a position to identify needs - that's why this age grp needs EXPERT Ts not the least qualified #ELTchat

12:10 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C @sedayyildirim YÖK (Turkish educ. ministry) do more damage than any other stakeholder here in Turkey #ELTchat

12:10 pm

barbsaka:

@mickstout Good real-life examples every day, now :-) #eltchat

12:10 pm

worldteacher:

RT @edumazing I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat Great!!

12:10 pm

stopspanglish:

@Shaunwilden : "I can show you the door, Neo. But YOU have to walk through it." #eltchat

12:10 pm

englishraven:

RT @Shaunwilden: @teacher_prix This is a lot of the problem isnt it- the syallbus is designed by sb who doesnt actually know the sts #eltchat

12:10 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @Shaunwilden: @teacher_prix ...problem - the syallbus is designed by sb who doesnt actually know the sts #eltchat

12:10 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @stopspanglish: IMHO learning English is like dieting. If you don't have clear motivation, u're not gonna get far. #eltchat - So true! =)

12:10 pm

cherrymp:

@ddeubel that's really where teacher can really contribute - making content real and immediate to students' exp #ELTchat

12:10 pm

esolcourses:

@sandymillin agree. When I first started teaching, I sometimes let outside infl. cloud my judgement.. experience helps a lot, IMO #ELTChat

12:10 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @barbsaka: RT @ddeubel: I think Richard's ideas on adapting the textbook are relevant to meeting student's needs. http://bit.ly/f6FeXc #eltchat

12:10 pm

ddeubel:

How many teachers get the support / time to do a proper needs analysis? #eltchat

12:10 pm

sandymillin:

#eltchat And how often do you reassess syllabus? Ours are made at start of year - not necessarily relevant to SS, esp. for exam prep

12:10 pm

barbsaka:

If students have to take an exam, then isn't preparation to help them succeed relevant (even if not their interest?) #eltchat

12:10 pm

BrunoELT:

#eltchat Talking abt relevance what do u think is totally irrelevant in EFL classes? We seem to turn a blind eye on that and not discuss it

12:10 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @ddeubel: How many teachers get the support / time to do a proper needs analysis? #eltchat> not that often

12:11 pm

englishraven:

@bethcagnol Ask them what they think they need and whether your teaching is relevant :-) #ELTChat

12:11 pm

ddeubel:

RT @Marisa_C: @Shaunwilden Agree that YL's not in a position to identify needs - that's why this age grp needs EXPERT Ts not the least qualified #ELTchat

12:11 pm

tearoof:

RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:11 pm

sandymillin:

@esolcourses Definitely - I'm getting better and better (I hope!) at assessing needs, especially as I'm inspired through Twitter #ELTChat

12:11 pm

cherrymp:

@Shaunwilden @teacher_prix bt wt to do - teachers can adapt to the text to the level of the students' needs rt? #ELTchat

12:11 pm

englishraven:

RT @barbsaka: If students have to take an exam, then isn't preparation to help them succeed relevant (even if not their interest?) #eltchat

12:11 pm

barbsaka:

RT @BrunoELT: #eltchat What do u think is totally irrelevant in EFL classes? We seem to turn a blind eye on that and not discuss it

12:11 pm

Marisa_C:

But I think it would be a good idea to put TEACHERS in there in your equations - so far it's all about content & perhaps method - #Eltchat

12:11 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@stopspanglish 5 parag essay - Does it have any relevance down the line? Less than 1% of uni profs ever ask studs to write 5par ess #ELTchat

12:11 pm

stopspanglish:

And teachers should know, and be honest about, where their expertise lies - if you don't like teaching YLs, be honest about it. #eltchat

12:11 pm

Shaunwilden:

@cherrymp Agreed but if the syllabus say you must cover this then teachers often feel they can't #eltchat

12:12 pm

Marisa_C:

What kind of teachers do our learners need? #Eltchat

12:12 pm

edumazing:

Teachers should be leading students to discover what is relevant. They need the guidance as at times it isn't obvious to them #eltchat

12:12 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @ddeubel needs analysis is a continuous process - at every lesson, maybe

12:12 pm

cherrymp:

@barbsaka true - bt how long can 1 teach sb who's not interested - that's where teachers need to go beyond #ELTchat

12:12 pm

teacher_prix:

@waykatewit @edumazing They probably will, but the way it's put together could make more sense in a way to interest + involve them #ELTchat

12:12 pm

barbsaka:

@BrunoELT I don't think anything is irrelevant by design. I think it's relevant or irrelevant in how teacher approaches it #eltchat

12:12 pm

englishraven:

@barbsaka Yes, think if motivation in studying English is primarily to score well on certain tests, that has to be a relevant need. #ELTChat

12:12 pm

BrunoELT:

Rare moments ?RT @Marisa_C: RT @ddeubel: How many teachers get the support / time to do a proper needs analysis? #eltchat> not that often

12:12 pm

bcnpaul1:

@ddeubel needs analysis is only any good if it's reviewed regularly AND acted upon. Support - training #eltchat

12:12 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C Important part of the question - Who is to blame? Are teachers for not contributing more? #ELTchat

12:12 pm

sedayyildirim:

@yearinthelifeof @Marisa_C unfortunately they damage and also they force us to do so ! #eltchat

12:12 pm

sandymillin:

@ddeubel Not many, especially with syllabus / coursebook- 1 lesson = 2 pages! ...#eltchat

12:12 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @Marisa_C: What kind of teachers do our learners need? #Eltchat In the Czech rep the answer would be the ones that charge least ;-)

12:12 pm

worldteacher:

@englishraven Agreed - YLs have to be handled differently, but, with adults, my most useful lesson is the 1st one - needs analysis. #eltchat

12:12 pm

stopspanglish:

@yearinthelifeof : Yes, because it teaches them that organizing and preparing a text makes writing a lot easier to do. #eltchat

12:13 pm

cherrymp:

@sandymillin not very often - in india depends on states - not uniform #ELTchat

12:13 pm

barbsaka:

@BrunoELT A good teacher can find a way to make anything relevant IMHO #eltchat

12:13 pm

waykatewit:

@barbsaka @BrunoELT I personally find may of the coursebook vovabulary clusters irrelevant #ELTchat

12:13 pm

sandymillin:

@ddeubel ...but difficult to change when sharing classes or w/ continuing classes / different teachers each year #eltchat

12:13 pm

esolcourses:

RT @ddeubel: How many teachers get the support / time to do a proper needs analysis? #eltchat ] may be wrong, but not many, I imagine...

12:13 pm

JoshSRound:

Often the trouble is that Course books broadly hit the mark for 'most' ss, teachers can fall into the trap of relying on that #eltchat

12:13 pm

Marisa_C:

@Shaunwilden but so true of so many contexts... #Eltchat

12:13 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Shaunwilden: 'syallbus designed by sb who doesnt actually know the sts' - been suffereing from this 'illness' here!!! #eltchat

12:13 pm

englishraven:

@worldteacher Totally agree with you on that one. Surprises me, though, how often adults struggle to define what they 'want/need'. #ELTChat

12:13 pm

sandymillin:

@BrunoELT Think it depends on students - talking about animal names probably irrelevant to CEO of major international company ;) #eltchat

12:13 pm

cherrymp:

@Marisa_C motivating - challenging to make them think beyond the box #ELTchat

12:13 pm

ddeubel:

@bcnpaul1 Agree - that's why we need to focus more on the enacted curriculum and see curriculum less "set" and more "fluid". #eltchat

12:13 pm

BrunoELT:

@barbsaka You have a point there! Relevance comes from what teachers decide to work on #ELTchat

12:14 pm

barbsaka:

@waykatewit Because the coursebook vocabulary doesn't relate to students interests or daily life? #eltchat

12:14 pm

stopspanglish:

I know I've mentioned this in previous chats, but I think teaching study skills in the ESL classroom is fundamental. #eltchat

12:14 pm

waykatewit:

@yearinthelifeof @Marisa_C Teachers feel comfortable placingthe responsibility on the coursebook -" I'm told to teach it" stuff #ELTchat

12:14 pm

sandymillin:

RT @edumazing: Teachers should be leading students to discover what is relevant. They need the guidance as at times it isn't obvious to them #eltchat

12:14 pm

cherrymp:

@Shaunwilden i guess u ddn't miss the pun in 'cover' - in the hurry to cover the joy of learning is lost #ELTchat

12:14 pm

edumazing:

@cherrymp They are actually all important. Something can be real but lack no meaning if it isn't relevant 2 actual students #eltchat

12:14 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@stopspanglish Organizing writing is important but research suggests skills not transferable to other writing genres :-( #ELTchat

12:14 pm

Shaunwilden:

@BrunoELT A good teacher can find a way to make anything relevant IMHO #eltchat Well almst anything & if they can't then dont teach it

12:14 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@OUPELTGlobal @esolcourses yes, sensible and also flexible and responsbile >> teacher #eltchat

12:15 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @cherrymp: @Shaunwilden i guess u ddn't miss the pun in 'cover' - in the hurry to cover the joy of learning is lost #ELTchat So true

12:15 pm

worldteacher:

RT @barbsaka If students have to take an exam, then isn't preparation to help them succeed relevant? #eltchat Absolutely!!

12:15 pm

barbsaka:

@yearinthelifeof Do you have a link to some of that research? (on writing being non-tranferable skill)? #eltchat

12:15 pm

sandymillin:

RT @bcnpaul1: @ddeubel needs analysis is only any good if it's reviewed regularly AND acted upon. Support - training #eltchat > definitely

12:15 pm

cherrymp:

@ddeubel @bcnpaul1 that's an interesting point - fluid and set curriculum #ELTchat

12:15 pm

englishraven:

@Shaunwilden But that's very true. For many learners/contexts, cheapest provider is everything. #ELTChat

12:15 pm

Collaborative:

#eltchat Targets > Needs > People Capability Maturity Model P-CMM http://ht.ly/4kC3b

12:15 pm

BrunoELT:

@sandymillin perhaps is more difficult to define relevance when dealing with sts of mixed levels or abilities/goals in class #ELTchat

12:15 pm

waykatewit:

@barbsaka irrelevant for life. As fore personal interest - I can always inspire them, I think #ELTchat

12:15 pm

edumazing:

@teacher_prix Pre-determined syllabus doesn't work as all student experiences are different #eltchat

12:15 pm

mickstout:

@Barb, Yes, now Jp authorities looking 4 interpreters cuz JP rescue workers can't communicate w/ frgn recue wrkrs. But who knew?! #ELTchat

12:16 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @stopspanglish: I know I've mentioned this in previous chats, but I think teaching study skills in the ESL classroom is fundamental. #eltchat

12:16 pm

stopspanglish:

@yearinthelifeof Disagree. That totally depends on how advanced your students' writing skills are to start with. #eltchat

12:16 pm

sandymillin:

@Shaunwilden Think that's the case in many places! (charge less - no regard for quality if they don't know about the business) #Eltchat

12:16 pm

esolcourses:

@ddeubel IME, the expectation is that teachers will do a needs analysis, but it's a very time-consuming process to do properly #ELTChat

12:16 pm

ddeubel:

I also think that school staff need to meet together more often to discuss students and their needs. It is collaborative. #eltchat

12:16 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @ddeubel: that's why we need to focus more on the enacted curriculum and see curriculum less "set" and more "fluid". #eltchat >yes

12:16 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @stopspanglish: I know I've mentioned this in previous chats, but I think teaching study skills in the ESL classroom is fundamental. #eltchat

12:16 pm

barbsaka:

@waykatewit That would be an interesting challenge, to try and tweak irrelevant vocab to make it more meaningful :-) #eltchat

12:16 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@barbsaka Somewhere, will hunt it down after this session - v. eye opening and will change your mind about 5 parag essays #ELTchat

12:16 pm

cherrymp:

@edumazing mmm - esp my students for whom #english is still a fl - dey need to u's ways of using wt dey learn in meaningful ways #ELTchat

12:16 pm

worldteacher:

@englishraven Yes, many adult students need lots of guidance through the needs analysis process! #eltchat

12:16 pm

esolcourses:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @ddeubel: <snip> we need to focus more on the enacted curriculum and see curriculum less "set" & more "fluid". #eltchat

12:16 pm

teacher_prix:

@cherrymp @Shaunwilden We can always adapt, but them we have sts + parents say: the T isn't using ALL the pages of the book! #ELTchat

12:17 pm

edumazing:

@waykatewit Then we support them 2 find the connection. Scaffold learning. #eltchat

12:17 pm

sandymillin:

@ddeubel I agree that curriculum should be more fluid - but what about inexperienced teachers? Could that be detrimental to thm/SS #eltchat

12:17 pm

mickstout:

@Shaunwilden Hmmm, guess I better find another job. #ELTchat. Not always possible 2 make Eng relevant in Jp.

12:17 pm

stopspanglish:

We cannot assume that Ss are receiving quality academic support at home or at school. #eltchat

12:17 pm

ddeubel:

@mubeenfk - YES. Local content is what is also needed. CSC. Culturally specific content. #eltchat

12:17 pm

BrunoELT:

#eltchat Maybe we shld ask our sts whether what we consider relevant is truly relevant for their life or if we are taking things 4 granted

12:17 pm

sedayyildirim:

@Shaunwilden @Marisa_C learners need teachers that balance compulsory relevant & irrelevant items both #eltchat

12:17 pm

mubeenfk:

@ddeubel completely agree with you... they need to be fluid. Localisation is so important in EFL #eltchat

12:17 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @ddeubel: I also think that school staff need to meet together more often to discuss sts and their needs. It is collaborative #ELTchat

12:17 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @worldteacher @barbsaka it's a question of whether exams are relevant! :)

12:17 pm

cherrymp:

@ddeubel true - bt v often teaching is a lonely profession rt? #ELTchat

12:17 pm

azangolszekely:

#eltchat coursebook are a useful teaching crutch but they are hardly ever relevant to the pupils in any classroom

12:18 pm

ddeubel:

@esolcourses Sue. NA is time consuming but not necessarily so if you can get the students doing some of that work. #eltchat

12:18 pm

Marisa_C:

@Shaunwilden I why I talked about expert Ts for YL's - in Greece they throw the youngest/least qualified/cheapest Ts in with YL's #ELTchat

12:18 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @barbsaka making the meaningless meaningful - I see it as part of our job/role :)

12:18 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

RT @Shaunwilden: @BrunoELT A good teacher can find a way to make anything relevant IMHO #eltchat Well almst anything & if they can't then dont teach it

12:18 pm

JoshSRound:

What abt the part tutorials can play in identifying learner needs? - Indiv Learning Plans anyone? #eltchat

12:18 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@stopspanglish Agree in part, but are you teaching writing or just the vocab of writing (linkers/transitions) v. different #ELTchat

12:18 pm

cherrymp:

@teacher_prix @Shaunwilden yeah true - dat's where d teachers need to win trust - suddenly teaching is not jst teaching #ELTchat

12:18 pm

Shaunwilden:

I meant as in dont cover that material if it is not relevant e.g. some books cover pron not relvant to your sts so why do it? #eltchat

12:18 pm

sherrattsam:

RT @barbsaka: So some teachers think relevant is what students identify as goals, and some think it is what teachers see that students need #eltchat

12:18 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @JoshSRound: What abt the part tutorials can play in identifying learner needs? - Indiv Learning Plans anyone? #eltchat> A v good idea

12:18 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@BrunoELT oh yes! communication with students is absolutely ESSENTIAL! We should built on that #eltchat

12:18 pm

ddeubel:

@cherrymp sad but true. But I wish staff would plan together and make this common practice. #eltchat

12:18 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @edumazing Pre-determined syllabus doesn't work as all student experiences are different #eltchat - So true!

12:19 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@barbsaka Like too many things, the formula was created to make it teachable / testable #ELTchat

12:19 pm

esolcourses:

@ddeubel agree & I often do... problem tho is often not the needs analysis, as the time involved in writing it up afterwards! #ELTChat

12:19 pm

waykatewit:

@mubeenfk @ddeubel So true! Tired of the Mc Donalds - style coursebooks... :( #ELTchat

12:19 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Shaunwilden: @teacher_prix I know, I used to have that 'fight' all the time when was DoS - parents need training as well as sts #ELTchat

12:19 pm

cherrymp:

class size is sth where many teachers won't have a say - that too affects how things are taught or learned #ELTchat

12:19 pm

barbsaka:

@teacher_prix That's why you always open to every page, even if you don't do much on it :-) #eltchat

12:19 pm

stopspanglish:

@yearinthelifeof Both. And more. I teach business learners, and a business learner who cannot write is TOAST. #eltchat

12:19 pm

ddeubel:

RT @waykatewit: #ELTchat @barbsaka making the meaningless meaningful - I see it as part of our job/role :)

12:19 pm

Marisa_C:

@JoshSRound Tutorials need to be structured in some way - that's what we have found - otherwise turn into aimless chats #eltchat

12:19 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

Teachers that are needed here are the ones who can answer all students' questions! Fail one and they find it hard to trust you #eltchat

12:20 pm

Shaunwilden:

@Marisa_C We introduced tutorials twice a year with sts, in my exp they worked as sts got the chance to ask and get gd 121 advice #eltchat

12:20 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @barbsaka the very first class I ever taught (English as L1) was the 5 p essay for high school seniors who needed it to graduate #ELTchat

12:20 pm

barbsaka:

@mickstout "English for no apparent reason" (I've taught that class!) #eltchat

12:20 pm

englishraven:

@BrunoELT Maybe we should also back ourselves as Ts and not always take Ss' perceived needs as the best/only indicator. #ELTChat

12:20 pm

bcnpaul1:

pre-determined syllabus is a starting point - what u do with it is the most important thing & student involvement in its evolutiion #eltchat

12:20 pm

mickstout:

@Marisa_C In Jp. Eng will be intro'd in primary school soon. HR Tt mostly can't speak Eng. ALTs aren't trained tt. #Eltchat

12:20 pm

cherrymp:

@yitzha_sarwono mmm - i can relate to wt u said - teacher is sb who's al d ans #ELTchat

12:20 pm

BrunoELT:

#eltchat most of EFL teachers fail to promote modes of meaning-making processes for the students. Don't you agree?

12:20 pm

edumazing:

@yearinthelifeof The 3Rs are guided by students. Providing Inquiry learning opportunities supports learners 2 discover connections #eltchat

12:20 pm

barbsaka:

@yearinthelifeof teachable, testable, and oh, so, very, boring :-) #eltchat

12:21 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @englishraven:Maybe we should also back ourselves as Ts and not always take Ss' perceived needs as best/only indicator. #ELTChat >agree

12:21 pm

JoshSRound:

@Marisa_C Yes, we have a 'template' for tutorials; the challenge is to ensure info on needs then gets to relevants Ts to 'act on'.. #eltchat

12:21 pm

cherrymp:

@englishraven @BrunoELT that's an interesting pt #ELTchat

12:21 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@harrisonmike #eltchat Is what you?re teaching relevant to what your students need? If not, Who/ what to blame?

12:21 pm

Marisa_C:

@mickstout that sounds like a pretty dire situation #Eltchat

12:21 pm

BlackCatCideb:

RT @teachingenglish: ideas for setting homework for young learners. http://bit.ly/h6vDor #teachingenglish #britishcouncil #TESOL #eltchat #efl #esl

12:21 pm

esolcourses:

@ddeubel IME, teachers often find themselves tied to working within rigid, inflexible systems with little scope for deviation #ELTChat

12:21 pm

cintiastella:

Ss see us as role models so our attitude determines in a great way whether sth is meaningful or not #eltchat

12:21 pm

waykatewit:

@englishraven @BrunoELT Absolutely! Too often students are not sure ab. what they need/their + needs change #ELTchat

12:21 pm

englishraven:

How many of you have taught lessons on ordering food to Ss who will probably never have to order food in English? :-) #ELTChat

12:22 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 true - teachers r to b equipped to innovate and adapt #ELTchat

12:22 pm

mickstout:

@barbsaka I often teach that class :-( and it's not always the admin's fault. Often sts CHOOSE a course that isn't relevant. #ELTchat

12:22 pm

teacher_prix:

What should be included in a 'needs analysis'? Do you believe this is the best way to raise sts' needs? #ELTChat

12:22 pm

Marisa_C:

@JoshSRound I think the 'template' could also include a 'progress' stocktaking character and then a goal defining section #eltchat

12:22 pm

sandymillin:

RT @JoshSRound: What abt the part tutorials can play in identifying learner needs? - Indiv Learning Plans anyone? #eltchat

12:22 pm

ddeubel:

Can students plan the curriculum? They do many times have a lot of experience with curriculum.... #eltchat

12:22 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @teacher_prix: What should be included in a 'needs analysis'? Do you believe this is the best way to raise sts' needs? #ELTChat

12:22 pm

BrunoELT:

@englishraven but surely their impressions and ideas must be taken into account as well and then we build knowledge in conjunction #ELTchat

12:22 pm

chucksandy:

@englishraven - or maybe it's a matter of striking a balance between what learners think they need & Ts know they need? #eltchat

12:22 pm

Collaborative:

#eltchat Training needs analysis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Training_needs_analysis

12:22 pm

cherrymp:

@Marisa_C @JoshSRound mm - bt d small size is sth that teachers can explore and exploit for students' adv #ELTchat

12:22 pm

englishraven:

RT @chucksandy: @englishraven - or maybe it's a matter of striking a balance between what learners think they need & Ts know they need? #eltchat

12:23 pm

JoshSRound:

@Marisa_C @Shaunwilden also need to have a range of tutorials - at start of course, then with regular follow-ups to monitor goals #eltchat

12:23 pm

edumazing:

The real world does not have exams. It has experiences that our students need to learn from and be part of . Edn not consistent #eltchat

12:23 pm

esolcourses:

RT @teacher_prix: What should be included in a 'needs analysis'? Do you believe this is the best way to raise sts' needs? #ELTChat

12:23 pm

BigWorldBgTeach:

RT @edumazing: I use the 3Rs in my work - Relevant-connected 2 student, Rich-deep in content, Real - related to their world #eltchat

12:23 pm

Marisa_C:

@JoshSRound agree #eltchat

12:23 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Shaunwilden @Marisa_C I have tutorials on a weekly basis - huge part of building a relationship with ss around what they need #ELTchat

12:23 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @englishraven I did! :)) they loved it, though :) #ELTchat

12:23 pm

worldteacher:

@sandymillin RT How often do you reassess syllabus? #eltchat It's a continuous process except for exam courses, but even those are 'tweaked'

12:23 pm

stopspanglish:

RT @JoshSRound: What abt the part tutorials can play in identifying learner needs? - Indiv Learning Plans anyone? #eltchat

12:23 pm

mickstout:

@Shaunwilden Right. Of course, unless you're forced to do it. In my case I seldom have alone looking over my shoulder :-) #ELTchat

12:23 pm

harrisonmike:

Always think a bit about previous experience and studies is useful, for English language learning and in general #eltchat

12:23 pm

cherrymp:

@englishraven i've - it's funny - esp in #myanmar ath in #english is quite distant to many of my students #ELTchat

12:23 pm

bcnpaul1:

question: when you teach same course & same book the nxt year - do you do it the same or different? #eltchat >i'd say different for most ppl

12:23 pm

stopspanglish:

@JoshSRound : Three cheers for individual learning plans!! #eltchat

12:23 pm

Marisa_C:

@yearinthelifeof every week seems a bit excessive - but OK if doing an intensive course #ELTchat

12:24 pm

barbsaka:

@Shaunwilden In Asia, if it's in the book, it's relevant! (Me from Calif. has taught British English pronunciation) #eltchat

12:24 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @JoshSRound: @Marisa_C @Shaunwilden also need to have a range of tutorials - at start of course, then with regular follow-ups to monitor goals #eltchat

12:24 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@englishraven Yep! That's why I really try to adapt the content of the coursebooks I teach from #eltchat >>use same gram in diff context

12:24 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @azangolszekely: #eltchat coursebooks... are hardly ever relevant... >agreed, but few teachers have time to prepare lessons without one

12:24 pm

englishraven:

@BrunoELT @chucksandy I think that's a really important priority: balance (Ss and T working together on the needs and relevance). #ELTChat

12:24 pm

esolcourses:

RT @bcnpaul1: question: when you teach same course & same book the nxt year - do you do it the same or different? #eltchat > different!

12:24 pm

theminddock:

#eltchat Training needs analysis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Training_needs_analysis

12:24 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

@cherrymp the good things is they look up to you ,the down side is they expect you to be perfect #eltchat

12:24 pm

bcnpaul1:

@marisa_c tweetgrid didn't work but hootsuite's holding up so far :) #eltchat

12:24 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@barbsaka @stopspanglish Where I work no professors ask them to write 5 parag essays - writing normally is 'define 'x' in 100 words #ELTchat

12:25 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@grahamstanley @azangolszekely ...or they HAVE TO use the course books :-(( #eltchat

12:25 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @stopspanglish: Three cheers for individual learning plans!! - are you a fan? :)) any tips? #eltchat

12:25 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @stopspanglish @JoshSRound How about the management then? overwhelming... ?

12:25 pm

Marisa_C:

Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? I have done it and it works really well #ELTchat

12:25 pm

chucksandy:

RT @azangolszekely: "coursebooks... are hardly ever relevant..." That's sad to hear. What do you do with them then? #eltchat

12:25 pm

barbsaka:

@esolcourses @bcnpaul1 It's never the same between classes or from year to year #eltchat

12:25 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 interesting qn - i adapt and try to do sth different - keep wt went ok discard wt went wrong - fill d gaps #ELTchat

12:25 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @englishraven: @BrunoELT @chucksandy I think that's a really important priority: balance (Ss and T working together on the needs and relevance). #ELTChat

12:25 pm

mickstout:

@Marisa_C It is! Some HR Tt are Gr8. They model good language learning, but others...It'll be while till most Jp speak English :-( #ELTchat

12:25 pm

cybraryman1:

WedChat:#ClavEd #ELTchat #ntchat #ptchat #ecosys#PHDchat#edmusichat#SGAchat #web20chat #DistEd#smchat#yalitchat#FYCchat:http://bit.ly/9bCqR

12:25 pm

sandymillin:

@JoshSRound Who does the tutorials? Sounds like it's not the Ts themselves if the info has to get back to them #eltchat

12:25 pm

englishraven:

@vladkaslniecko Or adapt the context over the language. So, taking English speakers out to eat locally, for example. #ELTChat

12:25 pm

Shaunwilden:

@JoshSRound How do you do ind ones with so many classes? #eltchat

12:25 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@bcnpaul1 @englishraven 'perceived' is such a dangerous word sometimes #ELTchat

12:25 pm

mubeenfk:

RT @JoshSRound: @Marisa_C @Shaunwilden also need to have a range of tutorials - at start of course, then with regular follow-ups to monitor goals #eltchat

12:25 pm

stopspanglish:

@bcnpaul1 : Different, definitely. It's the academic equivalent of stepping in the same river twice... #eltchat

12:25 pm

worldteacher:

@Shaunwilden Absolutely, I'm a firm believer in skipping exercises if they are irrelevant for my learners. #eltchat

12:25 pm

Marisa_C:

First we worked on what they wanted out of it (needs analysis) then I brought them some books to look through #ELTchat

12:25 pm

waykatewit:

RT @englishraven: @BrunoELT @chucksandy I think that's a really important priority: balance (Ss and T working together on the needs and relevance). #ELTChat

12:25 pm

bcnpaul1:

point is when we get bogged down with this or that syllabus we forget we're already responding to sts needs by doing it differently #eltchat

12:25 pm

CeciELT:

RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? #ELTchat > I sometimes do for 1:1 students. Can`t do it for the school

12:25 pm

cherrymp:

@yitzha_sarwono yeah i was happy to use that sort of influence over students to help them stand on their feet #ELTchat

12:25 pm

theminddock:

#eltchat Targets > Needs > EU Language Levels > Job application, CV > Self Assessment Grid http://ht.ly/4kCpM

12:26 pm

esolcourses:

RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? I have done it and it works really well #ELTchat

12:26 pm

CeciELT:

Hello everyone! Just arrived, trying to catch up with #ELTChat :-)

12:26 pm

ddeubel:

RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? I have done it and it works really well #ELTchat

12:26 pm

Shaunwilden:

@Marisa_C I like that at least if they 'choose' the book they can't complain about ti :-) #eltchat

12:26 pm

bcnpaul1:

@stopspanglish same river twice - i like that idea #eltchat

12:26 pm

Begabungs:

RT @cybraryman1: WedChat:#ClavEd #ELTchat #ntchat #ptchat #ecosys#PHDchat#edmusichat#SGAchat #web20chat #DistEd#smchat#yalitchat#FYCchat:http://bit.ly/9bCqR

12:26 pm

grahamstanley:

@vladkaslniecko @azangolszekely #eltchat exactly - most teachers can't decide which/whether to use a coursebook

12:26 pm

barbsaka:

@Shaunwilden My pronunciation was hilarious! Almost as much fun as my Tasmanian colleague "doing" the American pron class #eltchat

12:26 pm

CeciELT:

RT @Marisa_C: First we worked on what they wanted out of it (needs analysis) then I brought them some books to look through #ELTchat

12:26 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C Some weeks it's a bit of a drag but worth it. A class of 18 ss is full of 18 people with diff needs #ELTchat

12:26 pm

stopspanglish:

@waykatewit : I do 1-on-1 classes, so my case is a little different. But it's still time-consuming. #eltchat

12:26 pm

englishraven:

@Shaunwilden Funny how often I've let classes choose the coursebook, and then want to ditch it three weeks later! #ELTChat

12:26 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @yearinthelifeof: @Marisa_C Some weeks it's a bit of a drag but worth it. A class of 18 ss is full of 18 people with diff needs #ELTchat

12:27 pm

chucksandy:

RT @bcnpaul1: when we get bogged down w/ this- that syllabus we forget we're already responding to SS needs by doing it differently #eltchat

12:27 pm

Marisa_C:

@Shaunwilden Yes! The nice thing about it is that they usually choose better than some teachers I know :-D #eltchat

12:27 pm

sandymillin:

@yearinthelifeof How many classes a week do you have with your students? I teach 13 different groups - wouldn't work for me! #ELTchat

12:27 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@Marisa_C i did it last year! they were really happy then :-)We had one session about different books...they made research, enjoyed #eltchat

12:27 pm

waykatewit:

@chucksandy @azangolszekely the grammar syllabus will usually be relevant - I add other vocabulary and situations #ELTchat

12:27 pm

mickstout:

@Marisa_C Never had chance 2 do that , but I've let sts choose content in project based classes. Works well, & makes it relevant. #ELTchat

12:27 pm

englishraven:

RT @sandymillin: @yearinthelifeof How many classes a week do you have with your students? I teach 13 different groups - wouldn't work for me! #ELTchat

12:27 pm

esolcourses:

@Marisa_C Don't use coursebooks, but often give learners a choice in topics/activities we do in class... find that works well, too #ELTChat

12:27 pm

barbsaka:

I do. Bring is a selection and we browse. RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? #ELTchat

12:27 pm

JoshSRound:

@Shaunwilden @sandymillin Cover T does tutorials for ss on courses of 4 wks or more, thn updates info into registers. Cd work betta #eltchat

12:27 pm

cherrymp:

@esolcourses @Marisa_C sounds interesting to give students such an opportunity - instead of coursebook wt dey wnt to learn #ELTchat

12:27 pm

CeciELT:

@englishraven @vladkaslniecko I used to do that. Once when teaching clothes vocab I took them to a dep store w/ a shopping list #ELTChat

12:27 pm

stopspanglish:

@JoshSRound : There's a good prelim questionnaire in CUP's "Learner Autonomy"; & ask abt short-, med- & long-term goals. #eltchat

12:27 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked Ss to choose their coursebook? #ELTchat > yes, for 1:1 classes, but often they want teacher to decide

12:27 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

@Marisa_C Sadly we can't choose our own course book here in indonesia,there are certain curriculum to be followed #eltchat

12:27 pm

bcnpaul1:

@grahamstanley i'd recommend NOT using a coursebook - it is immensely liberating & gives u freedom to work WITH students #eltchat

12:27 pm

barbsaka:

@yearinthelifeof Ah, the one-paragraph essay #eltchat

12:27 pm

sandymillin:

@JoshSRound Sounds like an interesting system though #eltchat

12:27 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @stopspanglish yes - but I agree it's great if you can handle it

12:28 pm

theminddock:

#eltchat Targets > Needs > People Capability Maturity Model P-CMM http://ht.ly/4kCuP

12:28 pm

worldteacher:

RT@JoshSRound also need to have a range of tutorials - at start of course, then with regular follow-ups to monitor goals #eltchat Agreed!!

12:28 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@sandymillin I can imagine! Lucky to have time to develop relationships with learners #ELTchat

12:28 pm

ddeubel:

We can go further than textbook choice. Why not choice of what happens day to day - give Ss options. #eltchat

12:28 pm

mickstout:

@JoshSRound Great for mature sts in private classes. Not always gd 4 immature sts in school, or even uni #ELTchat

12:28 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @ddeubel: Sue Swift has an awesome presentation on needs anal. - http://bit.ly/gYmQC5 #ELTChat - Thx! =)

12:28 pm

CeciELT:

RT @AnneSinclair1: Do my business sts need me to know sth about business? #eltchat > Maybe their 1st task should be to explain some to you.

12:28 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @englishraven: @Shaunwilden Funny how often I've let classes choose the coursebook, and then want to ditch it three weeks later! #ELTChat

12:28 pm

sandymillin:

@bcnpaul1 think that depends on the teacher and their motivation. could be mechanical #eltchat

12:28 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @bcnpaul1 i'd recommend NOT using a coursebook #eltchat > Yes, but it depends on how busy you are / how many classes you have

12:29 pm

CeciELT:

RT @ddeubel: We can go further than textbook choice. Why not choice of what happens day to day - give Ss options. #eltchat > If I could...

12:29 pm

Marisa_C:

Will be out of reach for 10 mins - sorry everyone - technician here wants me off web #ELTchat

12:29 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@englishraven Exactly!though, there r some topics I do have 2 change >> space-I had group of 10 women >>not interested at all :-))) #eltchat

12:29 pm

JoshSRound:

@sandymillin students really love it; wd like to do it for all students, but still working on how to :)) #eltchat

12:29 pm

cherrymp:

to be frank i'm a bit uncomfortable if i've nth to teach - i mean materials #ELTchat

12:29 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @grahamstanley: RT @bcnpaul1 i'd recommend NOT using a coursebook #eltchat > Yes, but schools might insist on it

12:29 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

RT @esolcourses: @Marisa_C Don't use coursebooks, but often give learners a choice in topics/activities we do in class... find that works well, too #ELTChat

12:29 pm

cybraryman1:

Have you together with your students developed your own coursebook over the course of a year? #eltchat

12:29 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? #ELTchat - I whish we could do that here! =)

12:29 pm

yearinthelifeof:

Question for all: What dictates the vocabulary you teach? Do you have some long-term goal? #ELTchat For me... viva AWL!

12:29 pm

bcnpaul1:

@sandymillin you mean doing it differently each year? maybe - but those ppl shouldn't be teaching IMO :-) #eltchat

12:29 pm

englishraven:

@Shaunwilden @grahamstanley Another option is having Ss go through the coursebook and rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat

12:29 pm

stopspanglish:

I dunno if this works with YLs, but w/adults - address fears about learning and failure. #eltchat

12:29 pm

waykatewit:

@bcnpaul1 @grahamstanley some types of teachers do need a coursebook as scaffolding - just as the Ss #ELTchat

12:29 pm

sandymillin:

@JoshSRound I always appreciate tutorials as a student- teacher taking time out for me. But seldom saw that applied in class #eltchat

12:29 pm

chucksandy:

I find Ss from a certain background ( years of being told what to do & how to learn) need to be trained in choice & autonomy #eltchat

12:30 pm

CeciELT:

RT @englishraven: @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley Another option is having Ss go through the coursebook and rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat

12:30 pm

JoshSRound:

@mickstout true, depends on student 'investing' in the tutorial concept #eltchat

12:30 pm

sandymillin:

@bcnpaul1 That's what I think too, but unfortunately there aren't enough of US to go around ;) and feel sorry for SS #eltchat

12:30 pm

tatisequeira:

RT @esolcourses: teachers are often put under pressure to get s's to pass exams, but syllabus may not be relevant to what learners want or need #ELTChat

12:30 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

@mickstout @Marisa_C yes,not possible to choose a book,but it is possible to choose our project though still based on the book #eltchat

12:30 pm

esolcourses:

RT @Marisa_C: @Shaunwilden Agree YL's not in a position to identify needs - that's why they need EXPERT Ts not the least qualified #ELTchat

12:30 pm

tatisequeira:

RT @esolcourses: Think delivering what learners need is ultimately down to teachers, but teachers rarely get full say in deciding what to teach #ELTChat

12:30 pm

oyajimbo:

#ELTchat let ss choose have done: works, as they respected the choice & asked for advice. Same with readers

12:30 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @cherrymp: to be frank i'ma bit uncomfortable if i've nth to teach-i mean materials #ELTchat@cherrymp man? (cont) http://deck.ly/~sJ5b6

12:30 pm

grahamstanley:

@Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 #eltchat > I remember a no coursebook summer course we did and parents weren't happy either

12:30 pm

mickstout:

@esolcourses Different of course! You rflect on what yuo did and you add and subtract according to how it worked! #ELTchat

12:30 pm

ddeubel:

RT @englishraven: @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley Another option is having Ss go through the coursebook and rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat

12:30 pm

cherrymp:

@stopspanglish esp in s east asia - face is a big concept -nb wnts to make mistakes #ELTchat

12:30 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Shaunwilden: @Marisa_C I like that at least if they 'choose' the book they can't complain about ti :-) #eltchat - LOL! =)

12:30 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @englishraven: Another option is having Ss go through the coursebook and rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat gd idea

12:30 pm

chucksandy:

RT @waykatewit: @bcnpaul1 @grahamstanley some types of teachers do need a coursebook as scaffolding - just as the Ss.Yes it's true. #eltchat

12:31 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @englishraven: @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley Another option is having Ss go thru CB and rank units in order of interest/relevance. #eltchat

12:31 pm

bcnpaul1:

@shaunwilden schools insist on c'bk - true & a difficult one to get around - they bought it so they expect to use it, but... #eltchat

12:31 pm

waykatewit:

@englishraven @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley Great - but what if the Ss's attitudes differ? (groups i mean) #ELTchat

12:31 pm

sandymillin:

@Marisa_C Might be appreciated - but our SS go up a level a year. CB determined by what school ahs #ELTchat

12:31 pm

barbsaka:

@cherrymp What makes you feel uncomfortable? #eltchat

12:31 pm

cherrymp:

@englishraven @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley that's a good idea - a learning community where students too have a say #ELTchat

12:31 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @englishraven: @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley ...Ss go ... rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat > this I like a lot

12:31 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@JoshSRound @mickstout True - one way traffic in a tutorial doesn't benefit you or the learner #ELTchat

12:31 pm

stopspanglish:

@waykatewit : Many of my adult learners stuck @ A2/B1 level have the same issues, so you can recycle a lot of material & ideas. #eltchat

12:31 pm

theminddock:

#eltchat Targets > Job application, CV > EU Language Passport http://ht.ly/4kCCw

12:31 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Shaunwilden: @Marisa_C at least if they 'choose' the book they can't complain :-) #eltchat - They will still want ALL the pages!

12:31 pm

esolcourses:

@mickstout absolutely! Don't think I've ever taught a lesson that was identical to a previous one... always remix some elements #ELTchat

12:31 pm

bcnpaul1:

@grahamstanley really? when was that? #eltchat

12:31 pm

CeciELT:

RT @sandymillin: @Marisa_C Might be appreciated - but our SS go up a level a year. CB determined by what school ahs #ELTchat > Same here

12:31 pm

chucksandy:

RT @yitzha_sarwono: yes,not possible to choose a book,but it is possible to choose our project though still based on the book #eltchat

12:32 pm

englishraven:

@waykatewit Make it a group vote on each unit. Patterns inevitably emerge. #ELTChat

12:32 pm

edumazing:

Brilliant RT @Marisa_C: Have you ever asked your Ss to choose their coursebook? I have done it and it works really well #ELTchat

12:32 pm

naminoro:

B/c it is eFl and "foreign" often means irrelevant b/c the L2 is not needed outside of school #eltchat

12:32 pm

Shaunwilden:

@teacher_prix I explain / teach they why not all the pages are relevant and how its better to learn Eng than cover a book #eltchat

12:32 pm

chucksandy:

RT @englishraven: @waykatewit Make it a group vote on each unit. Patterns inevitably emerge. -- I do this too. #eltchat

12:32 pm

stopspanglish:

@cherrymp Very true, & many would sooner die than admit that they're afraid of something!! #eltchat

12:32 pm

CeciELT:

@AnneSinclair1 Agreed... I usually do some research prior to first class, but ask St to explain it #eltchat

12:32 pm

cherrymp:

@barbsaka wt to teach - i value my students' time and wonder whether i've sth to share with them if i don't have ath to take wid me #ELTchat

12:32 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 I know that >>parents can be suspicious about paperless teaching #eltchat

12:32 pm

worldteacher:

#eltchat Groups - it's impossible to be wholly relevant to every student at all times, but needs analyses and follow ups keep us on track

12:32 pm

grahamstanley:

#eltchat @cherrymp @englishraven @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 the most important thing is to include SS in the learning choices - > lrnr autonomy

12:33 pm

yearinthelifeof:

How I developed an academic vocabulary syllabus based on ss long-term needs http://bit.ly/eh9fpZ #ELTchat

12:33 pm

waykatewit:

@stopspanglish Agree! #ELTchat

12:33 pm

bcnpaul1:

@chucksandy @waykatewit c'bk as scaffolding yes. c'bk as the main tool for course syllabus no #eltchat

12:33 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat @cherrymp @englishraven @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 the most important thing is to include SS in the learning choices - > lrnr autonomy

12:33 pm

mickstout:

@esolcourses Exactly! Actually, I want to repeat courses. I usually takes doing it 2 or 3 times to START getting it right. #ELTchat

12:33 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat the most important thing is to include SS in the learning choices - > lrnr autonomy > agree

12:33 pm

LiamDunphy:

?@cybraryman1: Have you together with your students developed your own coursebook over the course of a year? #eltchat? wikis 4 student books

12:34 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@edumazing @Marisa_C Did they all choose the same book? Could make for a hectic class if they'd all chosen diff books #ELTchat

12:34 pm

CeciELT:

@vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 Change from traditional usually not well received. #eltchat

12:34 pm

oyajimbo:

#ELTchat Biz classes particularly appreciate choice of CB. Client pays anyway

12:34 pm

sandymillin:

@ddeubel Would be great to do that, but with bigger groups, exams to pass etc can be very difficult. Trying though! #eltchat

12:34 pm

englishraven:

@grahamstanley @chucksandy Yes, I agree. And Ss and groups always surprise me with their selections and rationales - every time! #ELTChat

12:34 pm

cherrymp:

i dn't stop with my students' ans - i ask them a follow up 'why' which many initially find it difficult - bt soon dey pick up #ELTchat

12:34 pm

JoshSRound:

@bcnpaul1 @chucksandy @waykatewit How much guidance is given to (new) Ts on how best to 'use' a CB? interested if any? #eltchat

12:34 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Marisa_C: @Shaunwilden Agree YL's not in a position to identify needs - that's why they need EXPERT Ts not the least qualified #ELTchat

12:34 pm

englishraven:

RT @CeciELT: @vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 Change from traditional usually not well received. #eltchat

12:34 pm

stopspanglish:

@cherrymp : Avoiding fears/problems doesn't make them go away. Plus nobody's got v. WEIRD fears about English (I don't think...!) #eltchat

12:34 pm

waykatewit:

@chucksandy @englishraven OK - that's a good idea. Anyway - what if you are aure the unpopulat topics should be studied ? :) #ELTchat

12:34 pm

CeciELT:

@vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 Today we have a PTA meeting coz parents don't accept our testless assessment #eltchat

12:34 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

@grahamstanley @cherrymp @englishraven @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 sound like a good idea to give them a chance to vote and autonomy #eltchat

12:35 pm

esolcourses:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat @cherrymp @englishraven @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 the most important thing is to include SS in the learning choices - > lrnr autonomy

12:35 pm

sandymillin:

RT @englishraven: @Shaunwilden @grahamstanley Another option is having Ss go through the coursebook and rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat

12:35 pm

mickstout:

@mubeenfk @mubeenfk At my uni we are finding that sts need to be taught HOW to be autonomous. and FORCED 2 b autonomous. Ironic ;-) #ELTchat

12:35 pm

chucksandy:

I did a prez called- deconstruct ur coursebook. 1st to cut it in pieces.The point: Ts have to make any coursebook their own. #eltchat

12:35 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@barbsaka Exactly - non-transferable skills are common in writing - you have to be a good writer to switch genres #ELTchat

12:35 pm

Shaunwilden:

@CeciELT And do you think you'll convince them? #eltchat

12:35 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Shaunwilden: RT @englishraven: Another option having Ss go through the cb rank units in order of interest/relevance. #ELTChat gd idea

12:35 pm

waykatewit:

@vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 True, and we have to respect that #ELTchat

12:35 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@CeciELT @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 yes, it takes time >> happens also with adult classes (but satisfied then usually:)) #eltchat

12:35 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

RT @chucksandy: I did a prez called- deconstruct ur coursebook. 1st to cut it in pieces.The point: Ts have to make any coursebook their own. #eltchat

12:35 pm

barbsaka:

@cherrymp So you use the coursebook as a syllabus--valid choice, I think. Many places, no book=not real class #eltchat

12:35 pm

englishraven:

@waykatewit In that case, perhaps T and Ss can take turns choosing what to look at next lesson. #ELTChat

12:36 pm

bcnpaul1:

@joshsround interesting question. action research gps mainly here plus the wonders of staffroom /phtcopy room conversation #eltchat

12:36 pm

sandymillin:

@chucksandy I agree SS need 'choice' training - difficult when only w/ them 90 mins a wk for 1 yr - then another TT! All change... #eltchat

12:36 pm

cybraryman1:

My Dogme page: http://bit.ly/dcmiig #eltchat

12:36 pm

cherrymp:

@stopspanglish d prob is wen dey think of their prof in english getting equated wid deir intelligence and all #ELTchat

12:36 pm

JoBudden:

@waykatewit @bcnpaul1 @grahamstanley I agree! Course books give busy teachers a starting point. Can adapt materials for their ss. #ELTchat

12:36 pm

barbsaka:

@cherrymp You have to do what works for you and your students #eltchat

12:36 pm

chucksandy:

@waykatewit: unpopular topics w/ useful language? Cover the same language w/ topics that are interesting & relevant. Just replace #eltchat

12:36 pm

EclipsingX:

Hi. I've made it. Apologies for being late. Just catching up #ELTCHAT

12:36 pm

worldteacher:

@englishraven RT have Ss go through the coursebook and rank units in order of interest/relevance #ELTChat Good idea esp. for bus. english

12:36 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@englishraven @grahamstanley @chucksandy Surprise in a good way? #ELTchat

12:36 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @CeciELT @vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 so there should B 2 kinds of assessment - 4 parents + 4 SS?

12:36 pm

bcnpaul1:

@cecielt good that yr having a meeting. maybe you can persuade them ;-) #eltchat

12:37 pm

CeciELT:

@Shaunwilden We're going to try! Show how assessment thru portfolios and no tests r more realistic and fair. Prob not convince all #eltchat

12:37 pm

cherrymp:

@barbsaka it's like an anchor - sth to test against - wt u thought and how rel or wtever - rather than talking in d air #ELTchat

12:37 pm

teacher_prix:

@Shaunwilden: We have put a Ts and Parents meeting to explain not every page will be used, but the syllabus will be fully covered #eltchat

12:37 pm

stopspanglish:

The one thing I don't envy you Ts of YLs - having to do battle with the expectations of parents, rather than the kids themselves. #eltchat

12:37 pm

edumazing:

What about experiential learning? This is a very powerful way 2 teach languages without coursebooks #eltchat

12:37 pm

grahamstanley:

how come we always seem to end up talking about #dogme on #eltchat :-)

12:37 pm

englishraven:

@yearinthelifeof Students almost always surprise me in a good way. As a teacher, I love surprises!!! #ELTChat

12:37 pm

waykatewit:

@yitzha_sarwono @grahamstanley @cherrymp @englishraven @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 And motivating, too #ELTchat

12:37 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@bcnpaul1 @cecielt Doubt it (not that I'm happy to say it) #ELTchat

12:37 pm

chucksandy:

@sandymillin - oh, i don't know. I think one can nurture a lot of change in people w/ 90 mins a week for a year :-) #eltchat

12:37 pm

Shaunwilden:

@waykatewit I def think it needs to be explained to parents at the beginning of a course #eltchat

12:37 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@waykatewit @CeciELT @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 not sure the result would be the same! what then?? #eltchat

12:37 pm

bcnpaul1:

@waykatewit lol! not a bad idea - i think communicating rationale is best. #eltchat

12:37 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @stopspanglish: The one thing I don't envy you Ts of YLs - having to do battle with the expectations of parents, rather than the kids themselves. #eltchat

12:37 pm

JoshSRound:

@bcnpaul1 often think Ts approach a CB thinking 'How best to do this page' rather than 'Why do this page?' #eltchat

12:37 pm

BrunoELT:

Id love to see that RT @chucksandy: I did a prez called- deconstruct ur coursebook. point: Ts make any coursebook their own. #eltchat

12:37 pm

ddeubel:

@teacher_prix - I'll find it later. Univ. may have some ownership but I'll find a workaround to my curriculum dev. material. #eltchat

12:37 pm

CeciELT:

@waykatewit No.... Just one, but you have to stand up and stick to it til parents see the benefits #ELTchat

12:37 pm

barbsaka:

@EclipsingX Welcome! Interesting chat tonight (as always!) #eltchat

12:37 pm

sandymillin:

@chucksandy I do too! Just think it's sth we often forget...especially SS who've been studying for a while #eltchat

12:38 pm

grahamstanley:

@waykatewit #eltchat teachers / schools do need to keep everyone happy

12:38 pm

englishraven:

RT @grahamstanley: how come we always seem to end up talking about #dogme on #eltchat :-) > I assure you, we don't (tho welcome!)

12:38 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

@waykatewit @grahamstanley @cherrymp @englishraven @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 hear hear! re:motivating #eltchat

12:38 pm

waykatewit:

RT @chucksandy: @waykatewit: unpopular topics w/ useful language? Cover the same language w/ topics that are interesting & relevant. Just replace #eltchat

12:38 pm

CeciELT:

@yearinthelifeof @bcnpaul1 Sad to say I think you're right Adam... I hope the majority will believe and trust us though... #ELTchat

12:38 pm

sandymillin:

RT @Shaunwilden: I explain / teach them y not all the pages are relevant and how its better to learn Eng than cover a book #eltchat

12:38 pm

barbsaka:

@stopspanglish expectations are expectations whether they come from students or parents :-) #eltchat

12:38 pm

cherrymp:

@Shaunwilden @waykatewit dey too are imp stakeholders - taking e'1 into confidence & communicating wid all of ur intentions helps #ELTchat

12:38 pm

EclipsingX:

@CeciELT @vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 that's really interesting and what happened? #ELTCHAT

12:38 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @jobudden: Course books give busy teachers a starting point. adapt materials for their ss. #ELTchat > as long as materials ARE adapted

12:38 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @jobudden: Course books give busy teachers a starting point. adapt materials for their ss. #ELTchat > as long as materials ARE adapted

12:39 pm

stopspanglish:

@barbsaka : Yeah, but the parents aren't the ones in the classroom. #eltchat

12:39 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@chucksandy @sandymillin OH definitely! You should see my adult classes...how they accepted my changes :-)) ...and seem to be happy #eltchat

12:39 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @grahamstanley: how come we always seem to end up talking about #dogme on #eltchat :-) - Funny!

12:39 pm

CeciELT:

@EclipsingX I can tell you tomorrow.... meeting is in about 10 hours ;-) #ELTCHAT

12:39 pm

sandymillin:

@vladkaslniecko @grahamstanley @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 Although coursebook-less doesn't necessarily = paperless #eltchat

12:39 pm

cherrymp:

@englishraven @yearinthelifeof yeah sometimes i feel they're d real judges of teachers and wtever v do in class #ELTchat

12:39 pm

edumazing:

If every class we have is different , with different students, then why would we be using the same coursebooks? #eltchat

12:39 pm

barbsaka:

@chucksandy I would say even in 60 minutes a week--that's all most of us have! #eltchat

12:39 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @joshsround: often think Ts approach a CB thinking 'How best to do this page' rather than 'Why do this page?' #eltchat > how true!!

12:39 pm

waykatewit:

@chucksandy - I mean, unpopular topics that should be taught - as 4 language - I do as you described #ELTchat

12:39 pm

sandymillin:

RT @yearinthelifeof: How I developed an academic vocabulary syllabus based on ss long-term needs http://bit.ly/eh9fpZ #ELTchat

12:39 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @chucksandy: @sandymillin - oh, i don't know. I think one can nurture a lot of change in people w/ 90 mins a week for a year :-) #eltchat

12:39 pm

EclipsingX:

@barbsaka TY for welcome @stopspanglish changing those expectations takes time and trust #ELTCHAT

12:39 pm

worldteacher:

RT @sandymillin: RT @Shaunwilden: I explain / teach them y not all the pages are relevant and how its better to learn Eng than cover a book #eltchat

12:39 pm

waykatewit:

RT @grahamstanley: @waykatewit #eltchat teachers / schools do need to keep everyone happy

12:40 pm

grahamstanley:

#eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:40 pm

CeciELT:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @joshsround: often think Ts approach a CB thinking 'How best to do this page' rather than 'Why do this page?' #eltchat > how true!!

12:40 pm

englishraven:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:40 pm

CeciELT:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:40 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 @jobudden yeah v often to adapt means extra work - many places teachers don't have that luxury of time #ELTchat

12:40 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @sandymillin: Although coursebook-less doesn't necessarily = paperless #eltchat > no. and it shouldn't IMO

12:40 pm

EclipsingX:

@Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 @jobudden yes there is a danger if the foundation of the course is the book. It can hinder learning #ELTCHAT

12:40 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:40 pm

chucksandy:

@vladkaslniecko I can just imagine ^^ And what i imagine is you're easy to follow. So much depends on a good rapport w/ Ss yes? #eltchat

12:40 pm

sandymillin:

@JoshSRound A bit of guidance at my school, but with a syllabus with lots to cover think it can be forgotten. TT here are good tho! #eltchat

12:40 pm

CeciELT:

@grahamstanley Beautifully said Graham... And then you go on a restrictive diet after binge-coursebooking? #eltchat

12:40 pm

esolcourses:

@mickstout agree, too. Something I always try to do B4 teaching unfamilar courses is shadow/observe others teaching it, first #ELTChat

12:40 pm

waykatewit:

RT @cherrymp: @Shaunwilden @waykatewit dey too are imp stakeholders - taking e'1 into confidence & communicating wid all of ur intentions helps #ELTchat

12:41 pm

edumazing:

@vladkaslniecko Parents will only be suspicious if we don't show them the value of alternatives #eltchat

12:41 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@CeciELT Many great learners fail to show their competencies in assessed situations #ELTchat

12:41 pm

Shaunwilden:

@grahamstanley Hang on fast food, does that you'll be mentioning grammr mcnuggets next? :-) #eltchat

12:41 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:41 pm

chucksandy:

@waykatewit - can you give some examples of unpopular topics that should be taught? #eltchat

12:41 pm

waykatewit:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @jobudden: Course books give busy teachers a starting point. adapt materials for their ss. #ELTchat > as long as materials ARE adapted

12:41 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 @joshsround true - teaching as performance - how well to perform and get all the applause #ELTchat

12:41 pm

stopspanglish:

@barbsaka : We laugh about "stage moms" but there are also parents who force their kids to master Eng because the parents couldn't. #eltchat

12:41 pm

sandymillin:

@CeciELT How are you going to present paperless assessment to the parents? #eltchat

12:41 pm

EclipsingX:

@Shaunwilden @chucksandy @sandymillin I think it depends on the teacher and their attitude #ELTCHAT

12:41 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @EclipsingX: @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 @jobudden ... danger if the foundation of the course is the book... #ELTCHAT > agree

12:41 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

@edumazing same coursebook? Here...for the sake of standard made by government -sigh- #eltchat

12:41 pm

Shaunwilden:

@EclipsingX Agreed too many syllabi I've seen in schools are simply based on the cbk #eltchat

12:41 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @bcnpaul1 @jobudden yes - DOS should oversee that, maybe...

12:42 pm

grahamstanley:

@Shaunwilden I promise not to if you don't :-) #eltchat

12:42 pm

cherrymp:

guess i miss a lot - bt i guess #ELTchat is all about that - live time chat wid so many ppl - so many threads

12:42 pm

englishraven:

@CeciELT I think, once you (AND students) get to point where you don't need cbooks, it is VERY hard to go back! #ELTChat

12:42 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat cbs ar the fast food of ELT: attractively packaged, quick + easy to consume, + leaves u feeling full but guilty

12:42 pm

esolcourses:

RT @grahamstanley: RT @EclipsingX: @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 @jobudden ... danger if the foundation of the course is the book #ELTCHAT > agree

12:42 pm

CeciELT:

@yearinthelifeof #ELTchat Completely agree Adam, and it's about what the test asks you, never about what you can produce naturally.

12:42 pm

barbsaka:

@cherrymp you take what works for you, and try new things little by little #eltchat

12:42 pm

dreadnought001:

I think Ss (& parents) need the reassurance of a book, I prefer to create own material but with gd grammar book as reference for Ss #eltchat

12:42 pm

stopspanglish:

@barbsaka: ... but if I see a kid who can sing the "SpongeBob" theme in English, that gives me hope! #eltchat

12:42 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@grahamstanley I often felt nauseous after, too #ELTchat

12:42 pm

Marisa_C:

@yearinthelifeof Didn't all choose same but finally negotiated down to one title #ELTchat

12:42 pm

oyajimbo:

Not dogme: key point 4 my ss is the 'free' extras eg Cd-rom, website #ELTchat as 4 YL, educate patents key

12:42 pm

esolcourses:

RT @edumazing: If every class we have is different , with different students, then why would we be using the same coursebooks? #eltchat

12:42 pm

cherrymp:

@grahamstanley nice thought - accountability - that's wt counts - how well i've spent mine and my students' time #ELTchat

12:43 pm

EclipsingX:

RT @grahamstanley:coursebooks are the fast food of ELT:attractively packaged, quick to consume,leaves you feeling full but guilty #ELTCHAT

12:43 pm

waykatewit:

@grahamstanley Great - I just compared Coursebooks 2 Mc Donalds' a few mins ago in this chat :)) #ELTchat

12:43 pm

vladkaslniecko:

@chucksandy always try 2 show them there is a PURPOSE in change :-)) and collaboration w/ stds is so vital for classr. dynamics #eltchat

12:43 pm

ddeubel:

RT @teacher_prix: RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat cbs ar the fast food of ELT: attractively packaged, quick + easy to consume, + leaves u feeling full but guilty

12:43 pm

waykatewit:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:43 pm

cherrymp:

@EclipsingX @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 @jobudden courseboos can be the starting point - bt v need to go beyond #ELTchat

12:43 pm

sandymillin:

RT @JoshSRound: @bcnpaul1 often think Ts approach a CB thinking 'How best to do this page' rather than 'Why do this page?' #eltchat <agreed

12:43 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat c'bks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, qk and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full...

12:43 pm

worldteacher:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:43 pm

CeciELT:

@sandymillin We're going to list the benefits, explain what a portfolio is, talk about ST responsibility and integrated skills.... #eltchat

12:43 pm

EclipsingX:

@CeciELT @grahamstanley absolutely.) Maybe a harsh detox with the learners!!! #ELTCHAT

12:43 pm

edumazing:

@yearinthelifeof It works if u provide open-ended questions that are relevant 2 all books. Ss can also create own inquiry questions #eltchat

12:44 pm

yearinthelifeof:

Why teaching formulaic writing doesn't meet long-term needs - good article http://www.jstor.org/stable/3588074 Baaddd 5 parag essay #ELTchat

12:44 pm

cherrymp:

@esolcourses @mickstout that's an interesting thought - watching how others teach - obs in a non-threatening way #ELTchat

12:44 pm

chucksandy:

@barbsaka actually it's possible to nurture change in ppl w/ less than 60 mins/wk.Short regular/encouraging talks can do it. #eltchat

12:44 pm

CeciELT:

@sandymillin And show some student portfolios so parents see their kids producing authentically, not just replying #eltchat

12:44 pm

stopspanglish:

@bcnpaul1 @grahamstanley Depends on the coursebook and how much leeway you've got to supplement.... #eltchat

12:44 pm

EclipsingX:

@bcnpaul1 @sandymillin nice point #ELTCHAT

12:44 pm

sandymillin:

@CeciELT Sounds perfect #eltchat

12:44 pm

waykatewit:

@sandymillin @CeciELT If you can video SS before and after the term - parents R sure to see the difference - B satisfied #ELTchat

12:44 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @sandymillin: @CeciELT How are you going to present paperless assessment to the parents? #eltchat

12:44 pm

barbsaka:

Yes!RT @chucksandy: @barbsaka Possible to nurture change in ppl w/ less than 60 mins/wk.Short regular/encouraging talks can do it. #eltchat

12:44 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@grahamstanley @EclipsingX @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 @jobudden Any of you have goals in mind when teaching vocab? #ELTchat

12:45 pm

chucksandy:

RT @stopspanglish: @barbsaka: ... but if I see a kid who can sing the "SpongeBob" theme in English, that gives me hope! Love it! #eltchat

12:45 pm

englishraven:

Getting back to main topic... 'global' coursebooks will struggle to meet the localised needs of your Ss. Ts need to add/adapt. #ELTChat

12:45 pm

CeciELT:

@englishraven Agreed Jason. The problem is getting some reluctant students to see that no CBs doesn't mean no direction / map! #ELTChat

12:45 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @Shaunwilden: @EclipsingX Agreed too many syllabi I've seen in schools are simply based on the cbk #eltchat

12:45 pm

cherrymp:

@dreadnought001 yeah sth to take back with them and read and study #ELTchat

12:45 pm

bcnpaul1:

maybe do/don't use c'bk is getting off the point. c'bks don't mean sts not involved - if using a c'bk we still need to involve sts #eltchat

12:45 pm

Shaunwilden:

@waykatewit That works really well, we use the videos at the end of year certificate presentation #eltchat

12:45 pm

CeciELT:

@englishraven I remember a certain Brazilian student you had... you know what I'm talking about ;-) #ELTChat

12:45 pm

bcnpaul1:

can't blame tools for bad work #eltchat

12:45 pm

barbsaka:

Agreed! RT @bcnpaul1: can't blame tools for bad work #eltchat

12:45 pm

CeciELT:

@sandymillin Fingers crossed here!!! :-) #eltchat

12:45 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C Great way of focusing on the learners. Did they reflect on their decisions at a later date? #ELTchat

12:45 pm

chucksandy:

@vladkaslniecko - Yes! Right on! always try 2 show them there is a PURPOSE in change :-)) #eltchat

12:46 pm

cherrymp:

@barbsaka :) - teachers need to monitor wt works and wt won't in order to do that - responsibility doesnt end after class #ELTchat

12:46 pm

azangolszekely:

@englishraven or better still, create their own stuff with a local context #eltchat

12:46 pm

EclipsingX:

@vladkaslniecko @chucksandy definately. Even if a few change at a time that starts to add up to a whole amount of change.) #ELTCHAT

12:46 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @englishraven: Getting back to main topic... 'global' coursebooks will struggle to meet the localised needs of your Ss. Ts need to add/adapt. #ELTChat

12:46 pm

sandymillin:

@chucksandy @waykatewit Think unpopular topics are an issue w/ teens whn you should teach thm about world too e.g. 'serious' topics #eltchat

12:46 pm

englishraven:

@CeciELT Ooh yeah. But in her defense, I hadn't perhaps given her fair enough warning about the how/why of my teaching :-) #ELTChat

12:46 pm

CeciELT:

@waykatewit Agreed... but at the same time, maybe that would be exposing the students? #ELTchat

12:46 pm

barbsaka:

Sounds like lots of teachers are "stuck" with apparently irrelevant materials. How do you make them relevant? #eltchat

12:46 pm

Shaunwilden:

@yearinthelifeof My goal would be teach what they want but make sure they get high surrender value vocab if it's Gen eng course #eltchat

12:46 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @barbsaka: Sounds like lots of teachers are "stuck" with apparently irrelevant materials. How do you make them relevant? #eltchat

12:46 pm

Marisa_C:

@yearinthelifeof Yes - they did - eventually said they liked it better when I wasn't using it but made them feel safe :-D #ELTchat

12:47 pm

barbsaka:

@cherrymp That's what we all do :-) #eltchat

12:47 pm

oyajimbo:

#ELTchat that's parents btw not patents!

12:47 pm

englishraven:

@azangolszekely Absolutely. Just bearing in mind that in many contexts there will be insistence on a global cbook upfront. #ELTChat

12:47 pm

sandymillin:

RT @barbsaka: @cherrymp you take what works for you, and try new things little by little #eltchat

12:47 pm

waykatewit:

@yearinthelifeof @grahamstanley @EclipsingX @Shaunwilden @bcnpaul1 @jobudden> I do #ELTchat

12:47 pm

Marisa_C:

@yearinthelifeof which they also admitted was a bit silly :-D #ELTchat

12:47 pm

grahamstanley:

@CeciELT #eltchat yes! And however much you tell yourself not to do so... it's always too tempting if you're busy

12:47 pm

barbsaka:

@Marisa_C Welcome back! Missed you :-) #eltchat

12:47 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @Shaunwilden: @yearinthelifeof My goal would be teach what they want but make sure they get high surrender value vocab if it's Gen eng course #eltchat

12:47 pm

waykatewit:

RT @Shaunwilden: @waykatewit That works really well, we use the videos at the end of year certificate presentation #eltchat

12:47 pm

chucksandy:

@grahamstanley: Sure, coursebooks are fast food to experienced teachers, but aren't they a good meal to many? Some Ts need them. #eltchat

12:47 pm

bcnpaul1:

@yearinthelifeof I think vocab will primarily come with the topic and emergent needs of sts in communication #eltchat

12:47 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 true - bt many many workers won't agree - d buck has to stop s'where #ELTchat

12:47 pm

Marisa_C:

@barbsaka :-) luckily live 5 mins away from CELT #eltchat

12:47 pm

waykatewit:

RT @bcnpaul1: can't blame tools for bad work #eltchat

12:48 pm

mikecogh:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:48 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C We all need safety blankets sometimes - perhaps coursebook publishers rely on this fact #ELTchat

12:48 pm

Marisa_C:

Could we move away from CBs in the last quarter perhaps and talk about how to deal with our findings from NA? #ELTChat

12:48 pm

CeciELT:

@barbsaka Good question... spinning them, bringing other materials, approaching from a different angle... dumping them (shhhhhh!) #eltchat

12:48 pm

englishraven:

RT @yearinthelifeof: @Marisa_C We all need safety blankets sometimes - perhaps coursebook publishers rely on this fact #ELTchat

12:48 pm

stopspanglish:

I like the "Dog Whisperer" approach: Why are you here? How can I help you? What can I do that you can't do for yourself? #eltchat

12:48 pm

EclipsingX:

@vladkaslniecko @englishraven very valid. There are things that don't translate across culture or interest or need #ELTCHAT

12:48 pm

sandymillin:

@waykatewit Agreed - but what do you say to them during the term? ;) #ELTchat

12:48 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @Marisa_C: Could we move away from CBs in the last quarter perhaps and talk about how to deal with our findings from NA? #ELTChat

12:48 pm

barbsaka:

RT @Marisa_C: Could we move away from CBs in the last quarter perhaps and talk about how to deal with our findings from NA? #ELTChat

12:48 pm

azangolszekely:

with the publng tools put in our hands by the Internet it's never been easr to create good qulty mtrls or make use of authtic mtrls #eltchat

12:48 pm

grahamstanley:

@JoBudden I agree - there's healthy fast food and then there's junk food ... btw not writing a coursebook by any chance are we :-) #eltchat

12:49 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @barbsaka: teachers are "stuck" with apparently irrelevant materials. How do u make relevant? >> Teacher reflection important #eltchat

12:49 pm

CeciELT:

@englishraven Do you think it would have changed her attitude. Coz I don't. Ppl are suspicious of "novelties"#ELTChat

12:49 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@bcnpaul1 I'm in an academic context and focus on the AWL. Any thoughts on genre-specific lists in long-term? #ELTchat

12:49 pm

Marisa_C:

@azangolszekely That sounds like a good response to my Q - so Ts as course writers #eltchat

12:49 pm

edumazing:

@yitzha_sarwono Thanks for the clarification of coursebook. I am referring 2 textbook :-) See how real & relevant can be different? #eltchat

12:49 pm

chucksandy:

The big problem I see w/coursebooks (including my own)are DOS who choose for Ts then say"teach this way according to this schedule. #eltchat

12:49 pm

sandymillin:

@barbsaka personalisation wherever possible - sometimes forget tho as teaching lots of groups. depends on rapport w/ group #eltchat

12:50 pm

bcnpaul1:

@marisa_c are you slapping our wrists? :-) #eltchat

12:50 pm

stopspanglish:

...because what do you do when you've got a student who has this vague idea that he ought to learn Eng, but doesn't really need it? #eltchat

12:50 pm

englishraven:

@CeciELT Rapport is so important. If that and trust aren't there at the start, all change/newness will be seen as threatening. #ELTChat

12:50 pm

JoBudden:

Thanks for the food for thought! Have to go to class. Really pleased I finally made it to #ELTchat! Bye for now.

12:50 pm

esolcourses:

@cherrymp @mickstout Yep. peer observation is the way it should be done, IMO. Too often the focus is on box-ticking rather than CPD #ELTChat

12:50 pm

cherrymp:

@stopspanglish wt's dis 'dog whisperer' approach??? #ELTchat

12:50 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @chucksandy: ...cbs are fast food to experienced teachers, but .. a good meal to many? Some Ts need them. #eltchat > Agree - I use 'em

12:50 pm

oyajimbo:

We've had same class 4 approx 15 yrs...h'wives. Make it up every Wk? #ELTchat think not, need skeleton at least

12:50 pm

waykatewit:

NNEST teachers also need a book to rely on for the correct languiage! @yearinthelifeof @Marisa_C #ELTchat

12:50 pm

chucksandy:

RT @stopspanglish: I like the Dog Whisperer approach: Why are you here? How can I help you? ..... ^^ #eltchat

12:50 pm

CELT_Athens:

So we need to invite more school leaders to #ELTchat !!!! :-D @chucksandy #eltchat

12:50 pm

barbsaka:

What do you do with student answers to your needs analysis? How do you meet their needs? #eltchat

12:50 pm

sandymillin:

RT @Marisa_C: Could we move away from CBs in the last quarter perhaps and talk about how to deal with our findings from NA? #ELTChat

12:50 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @CELT_Athens: So we need to invite more school leaders to #ELTchat !!!! :-D @chucksandy #eltchat

12:50 pm

EclipsingX:

@chucksandy yes and in several experiences in life this has been suffocating #ELTCHAT

12:50 pm

mubeenfk:

RT @grahamstanley: #eltchat coursebooks are the fast food of ELT : attractively packaged, quick and easy to consume, and leaves you feeling full but guilty

12:50 pm

Marisa_C:

@BrunoELT Needs Analysis = NA #ELTchat

12:50 pm

barbsaka:

RT @stopspanglish: I like the Dog Whisperer approach: Why are you here? How can I help you? #eltchat

12:51 pm

grahamstanley:

RT @englishraven: @CeciELT Rapport is so important. If that and trust aren't there at the start, all change/newness will be seen as threatening. #ELTChat

12:51 pm

yitzha_sarwono:

RT @stopspanglish: I like the "Dog Whisperer" approach: Why are you here? How can I help you? What can I do that you can't do for yourself? #eltchat

12:51 pm

BrunoELT:

I see. Thanks! RT @Marisa_C: @BrunoELT Needs Analysis = NA #ELTchat

12:51 pm

sandymillin:

@azangolszekely Agree - easy for those of us net-literate, but sooooo many teachers aren't #eltchat

12:51 pm

waykatewit:

RT @chucksandy: The big problem I see w/coursebooks (including my own)are DOS who choose for Ts then say"teach this way according to this schedule. #eltchat

12:51 pm

dreadnought001:

@chucksandy @grahamstanley yes, just finished running a CELTA course, the trainees need the c'bk crutch to get 'em through 1st job #eltchat

12:51 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @JoshSRound: RT @barbsaka: Ts are "stuck" w/ apparently irrelevant materials. How do u make relevant? >> T reflection important #eltchat

12:51 pm

sandymillin:

RT @chucksandy: The big problem I see w/coursebooks (including my own)are DOS who choose for Ts then say"teach this way according to this schedule. #eltchat

12:51 pm

englishraven:

@barbsaka I see a lot of NAs and then just back to the usual approach/content. Ss might come to distrust NAs? #ELTChat

12:51 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @chucksandy As a DOS I always collaborate with teachers on CB choice/schedule/syllabus

12:51 pm

grahamstanley:

@bcnpaul1 surely even you put your shoes on sometimes, Paul ? #eltchat

12:52 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @englishraven: @barbsaka I see a lot of NAs and then just back to the usual approach/content. Ss might come to distrust NAs? #ELTChat

12:52 pm

cherrymp:

@esolcourses @mickstout to win d confidence of those who're obs is sth that i find it difficult in #myanmar #ELTchat

12:52 pm

bcnpaul1:

@yearinthelifeof eek -sorry but not sure what AWL is. could you tell me? #eltchat

12:52 pm

edumazing:

Authentic assessment is the key 2 showing ss real potential 2 parents #eltchat

12:52 pm

Shaunwilden:

@englishraven @barbsaka Distrust or not fully understand their purpose #eltchat

12:52 pm

worldteacher:

The longer you teach, the more personal resources you should have - during NA you should already be earmarking relevant materials #eltchat

12:52 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @waykatewit: #ELTchat @chucksandy As a DOS I always collaborate with Ts on CB choice/schedule/syllabus > me too, consult Ts #eltchat

12:52 pm

EclipsingX:

Needs Analysis are not only at the beginning but continue throughout the course. You change based on your learners needs. #ELTCHAT

12:52 pm

Marisa_C:

RT @waykatewit: NNEST teachers also need a book to rely on for the correct languiage! @yearinthelifeof @Marisa_C #ELTchat > not all

12:52 pm

sandymillin:

@stopspanglish But when they do need it, can be hard to start. Met new adult SS w/ 0 English this wk - he needs it now bt no time #eltchat

12:52 pm

waykatewit:

@Marisa_C @CELT_Athens @chucksandy Absolutely #ELTchat

12:52 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @englishraven: @barbsaka I see a lot of NAs and then just back to the usual approach/content. Ss might come to distrust NAs? #ELTChat

12:52 pm

chucksandy:

@grahamstanley - actually I don't use course books ^^I write them tho & try to put in the useful things I come up w in my classes. #eltchat

12:52 pm

stopspanglish:

@chucksandy +1!! #eltchat

12:52 pm

ddeubel:

How many schools have a "good" curriculum developer on staff? Not many me thinks... #eltchat

12:52 pm

CeciELT:

@englishraven Yes! SS hve 2 trust u & they'll know u have a gd reason 4 doing things. U dont question a pill a dr prescribes, do U? #ELTChat

12:52 pm

teacher_prix:

@BrunoELT Check it out: RT @ddeubel: Sue Swift has an awesome presentation on needs anal. - http://bit.ly/gYmQC5 #ELTChat

12:53 pm

dreadnought001:

@englishraven agreed, NA becomes a sop, the veneer of personalisation, many teachers do it and never act on it (myself included!) #eltchat

12:53 pm

bcnpaul1:

@grahamstanley shoes? shoes? er... well... I occasionally slip them on just to pop to McDonalds :) #eltchat

12:53 pm

chucksandy:

JoshSRound RT @waykatewit: well you're one of those good DOS ^^ #eltchat

12:53 pm

CeciELT:

RT @EclipsingX: Needs Analysis are not only at the beginning but continue throughout the course. You change based on your learners needs. #ELTCHAT

12:53 pm

edumazing:

@chucksandy I wouldn't just want recitals. I would want ss 2 share what it's about & their opinion as well #eltchat

12:53 pm

englishraven:

RT @dreadnought001: NA becomes a sop, the veneer of personalisation, many teachers do it and never act on it (myself included!) #eltchat

12:53 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@bcnpaul1 Academic Word List http://simple.wiktionary.org/wiki/Wiktionary:Academic_word_list You're lucky not to know! #ELTchat

12:53 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @ddeubel: How many schools have a "good" curriculum developer on staff? Not many me thinks.#eltchat Probably not,it's a specialist skill

12:53 pm

Marisa_C:

@ddeubel Too few - most schools think syllabus=coursebook > never heard otherwise #eltchat

12:53 pm

stopspanglish:

@sandymillin : THAT's when it gets tough. Does he play any sports? Can you draw parallels btwn training and taking time to learn? #eltchat

12:53 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @cecielt: SS hve 2 trust u & they'll know u have a gd reason 4 doing things. U dont question a pill a dr prescribes, do U? #ELTChat >

12:53 pm

sandymillin:

@barbsaka How do you apply needs analysis answers to course? Still working on it, esp when I have a pre-prepared syllabus frm schl #eltchat

12:53 pm

EclipsingX:

Needs Analysis can be in many forms, a chat, a peice of work, a reaction from a learner,in the class, in tutorials . It is fluid #ELTCHAT

12:54 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@Marisa_C @waykatewit Not all of us natives either! #ELTchat

12:54 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @ddeubel: How many schools have a "good" curriculum developer on staff? Not many me thinks... #eltchat

12:54 pm

cherrymp:

@ddeubel they wouldn't even have thought of ath like that i guess - many often it's taken for granted that cbs are d norm #ELTchat

12:54 pm

stopspanglish:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @cecielt: SS hve 2 trust u & they'll know u have a gd reason 4 doing things. U dont question a pill a dr prescribes, do U? #ELTChat >

12:54 pm

padgets:

RT @cybraryman1: WedChat:#ClavEd #ELTchat #ntchat #ptchat #ecosys#PHDchat#edmusichat#SGAchat #web20chat #DistEd#smchat#yalitchat#FYCchat:http://bit.ly/9bCqR

12:54 pm

Marisa_C:

And they don't want to pay anyone EITHER to write a syllabus for them #ELTchat - I know from 1st hand experience

12:54 pm

grahamstanley:

@chucksandy lol a coursebook writer who doesn't use them in class - I like it! #eltchat - like the poet who only writes (not reads) poetry?

12:54 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @EclipsingX: Needs Analysis can be in many forms, a chat, a peice of work, a reaction from a learner,in the class, in tutorials . It is fluid #ELTCHAT

12:54 pm

chucksandy:

I do NA at beginning of every course. Part survey. Part dog whisperer. Then use data to shape the course in ways that make Ss happy #eltchat

12:54 pm

vladkaslniecko:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @cecielt: SS hve 2 trust u & they'll know u have a gd reason 4 doing things. U dont question a pill a dr prescribes, do U? #ELTChat >

12:54 pm

CeciELT:

RT @Marisa_C: And they don't want to pay anyone EITHER to write a syllabus for them #ELTchat - I know from 1st hand experience

12:54 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @cecielt: SS hve 2 trust u & they'll know u have a gd reason 4 doing things. U dont question a pill a dr prescribes, do U? #ELTChat >

12:54 pm

barbsaka:

RT @EclipsingX: Needs Analysis many forms: chat, peice of work, reaction from a learner,in the class, in tutorials . It is fluid #ELTCHAT

12:54 pm

edumazing:

Could someone please provide a link 2 this 'coursebook' u r referring 2? This will help create relevance for me #eltchat

12:54 pm

englishraven:

@Shaunwilden How many schools can afford to have a good curriculum developer on board (and give them time to do the job)? #ELTChat

12:54 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @chucksandy Thanx :) - this collaboration improved results + attendance + group stability + teacher satisf. + $$ - tell ya DOS!

12:54 pm

stopspanglish:

@sandymillin ...b/c those "I want it all and I want it now" Ss are a nightmare when they start complaining to your DOS. #eltchat

12:54 pm

sandymillin:

@stopspanglish He's very enthusiastic but VERY busy - has listening to do in his car and flashcards for home + lessons when fit #eltchat

12:54 pm

barbsaka:

@edumazing Which coursebook? #eltchat

12:55 pm

CeciELT:

@Marisa_C Sad but true, I know it 1st hand too. What usually happens is putting Ts with no training for that in charge of it #ELTchat

12:55 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 @cecielt coz u think dr knows wt's best for u - teaching eb thinks they know sth #ELTchat

12:55 pm

chucksandy:

@edumazing "I wouldn't just want recitals. I would want ss 2 share what it's about & their opinion as well" Well ... of course ^^ #eltchat

12:55 pm

bcnpaul1:

@yearinthelifeof sounds painful! And that's what your syllabus is based around? #eltchat

12:55 pm

esolcourses:

RT @englishraven @Shaunwilden How many schools can afford to have a good curriculum developer on board (& give them time to do job? #ELTChat

12:55 pm

Marisa_C:

@englishraven I ve hear what some curriculum developers charge and I think their prices are smtms crazy #ELTChat

12:55 pm

waykatewit:

RT @stopspanglish: @sandymillin ...b/c those "I want it all and I want it now" Ss are a nightmare when they start complaining to your DOS. #eltchat

12:55 pm

sandymillin:

@waykatewit @chucksandy and depends on when syllabus is made - IME often b4 academic yr w/o SS input #ELTchat

12:55 pm

stopspanglish:

@sandymillin ...and the iPod. Tons of great podcasts... just as long as he doesn't think he's gonna be Olivier by the summer... #eltchat

12:56 pm

ddeubel:

Seems a lot of thought is not put into curriculum - planning or during .... and then we wonder about the results. #eltchat

12:56 pm

CeciELT:

RT @cherrymp: @bcnpaul1 coz u think dr knows wt's best for u - teaching eb thinks they know sth #ELTchat > Yes, but why? What's different?

12:56 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@englishraven @Shaunwilden How many good curriculum developers are there - if those EAQUALS people are 'good' what chance #ELTchat

12:56 pm

sandymillin:

@stopspanglish When I say zero, I mean it! Not even numbers 1-20...I've recorded them for him. Personalised! #eltchat

12:56 pm

ddeubel:

RT @CeciELT: @Marisa_C Sad but true, I know it 1st hand too. What usually happens is putting Ts with no training for that in charge of it #ELTchat

12:56 pm

teacher_prix:

I like having sts write a grid w/ happy + sad faces list down activities, skills, songs, materials... #ELTchat Not elaborated NA but works!

12:56 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @teacher_prix: I like having sts write a grid w/ happy + sad faces list down activities, skills, songs, materials... #ELTchat Not elaborated NA but works!

12:57 pm

stopspanglish:

NA can also be a road map, a shopping list, a checklist.... #eltchat

12:57 pm

chucksandy:

@waykatewit "this collaboration improved results+attendance+group stability +teacher satisf+$$" Good on Ya! Here i'm the DOS ^^ #eltchat

12:57 pm

barbsaka:

@teacher_prix I love this idea! #eltchat

12:57 pm

JoshSRound:

RT @yearinthelifeof: How many good curriculum developers are there - if those EAQUALS people are good what chance >>LOL #eltchat

12:57 pm

ddeubel:

RT @teacher_prix: I like having sts write a grid w/ happy + sad faces list down activities, skills, songs, materials... #ELTchat Not elaborated NA but works!

12:57 pm

sandymillin:

@ddeubel Think it's often sth DOS does on top of everything else #eltchat

12:57 pm

Marisa_C:

@teacher_prix SO you are talking about negotiating content and activities from day to day - nice way on a daily basis #ELTchat

12:57 pm

englishraven:

@esolcourses @Marisa_C @yearinthelifeof In my case, was often hired as curriculum developer, then spent more time covering classes! #ELTChat

12:57 pm

cybraryman1:

My Writing Curriculum page: http://bit.ly/f0WjHf #eltchat

12:57 pm

cherrymp:

@CeciELT @bcnpaul1 specialist knowledge - eb seem to have an opinion of how to teach whereas few tell how to treat #ELTchat

12:57 pm

waykatewit:

@sandymillin @chucksandy Better B4 acad. year based on previous year's research/feedback #ELTchat

12:57 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@ddeubel That's how publishers want it - follow that plan at the start of the book... or else! #ELTchat

12:57 pm

chucksandy:

@sandymillin "depends on when syllabus is made - IME often b4 academic yr w/o SS input" But why do ppl do that? #eltchat

12:58 pm

Marisa_C:

@teacher_prix Needs Analysis can be an ongoing daily process - but more prep for T #ELTchat

12:58 pm

ddeubel:

I've used the smiley face approach with station teaching - helps Ss reflect on their own learning too. #eltchat

12:58 pm

bcnpaul1:

@cherrymp eb? #eltchat

12:58 pm

cherrymp:

@teacher_prix sounds simple - as long as it works - that's it rt? #ELTchat

12:58 pm

sandymillin:

@chucksandy Not enough time to do it in 1st wk w/ placement, new Ts etc. Also one syllabus for many classes at same level #eltchat

12:58 pm

Dawg_Houston:

It is what it is, the most important is that it is important, ya know! be the difference in what can't be the same! #ELTchat

12:58 pm

EclipsingX:

I also get them to meet for 20-30 minutes and fill in a NA without me every four weeks. They also have a Personal Learning Plan #ELTCHAT

12:58 pm

barbsaka:

@yearinthelifeof Most Teacher's guides I've seen suggest that Ts should adapt coursebook to work for their individual classes #eltchat

12:58 pm

esolcourses:

@Marisa_C @englishraven @ddeubel @Shaunwilden IME, onus is on teachers to map curriculum/schemes of work (rarely in paid time!) #ELTChat

12:58 pm

dreadnought001:

curriculum design is tough, very few of us have training in it, most Ts just 'feel' what's right for Ss, Ss often don't agree :-) #eltchat

12:58 pm

teacher_prix:

@Marisa_C @ddeubel I workED in a school where the DOS would skip some units or change the order to fit a syllabus instead! #eltchat

12:59 pm

cherrymp:

@JoshSRound @yearinthelifeof can one size fit all??? no still that hunt for that ever-elusive std goes on #ELTchat

12:59 pm

Marisa_C:

I do a lot of supervising of Syllabus writing on my DELTA courses - Not such a big deal as syllabus designers make it out to be #eltchat

12:59 pm

Shaunwilden:

@EclipsingX The imp point there is that the NA is done regualry, again so many do it just at the start of a course #ELTchat

12:59 pm

barbsaka:

@edumazing I have link to mine handy (for YLs) http://bit.ly/gNyOCD (lots of samples to check out) #eltchat

12:59 pm

cherrymp:

@bcnpaul1 everybody #ELTchat

12:59 pm

englishraven:

NAs start to work well when Ts can move away from transmission models to transmutation approaches! #ELTChat

12:59 pm

chucksandy:

@grahamstanley I write&read poetry actually ^^As for course books,I use em in a sense by piloting/refining what I write in classes. #eltchat

1:00 pm

waykatewit:

#ELTchat @Marisa_C @teacher_prix yes but with experience U can anticipate some needs

1:00 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@JoshSRound Wish I had gotten that gig - sit around in Brussels (or wherever) for a year then open Headway content page #ELTchat

1:00 pm

worldteacher:

@englishraven @barbsaka NAs are useless if they are not followed up. Sts have to have confidence in the process. #eltchat

1:00 pm

cherrymp:

@ddeubel bt once my students weren't familiar with smiley and i ran into trouble #ELTchat cul gaps - dig divide

1:00 pm

JoshSRound:

Can try to integrate NA into communicative tasks e.g. surveys, interviewing - get info on interests/needs from that #eltchat

1:00 pm

barbsaka:

@edumazing What level do you teach? #eltchat

1:00 pm

Shaunwilden:

RT @worldteacher: @englishraven @barbsaka NAs are useless if they are not followed up. Sts have to have confidence in the process. #eltchat

1:00 pm

Marisa_C:

@waykatewit and with experience you will tend to have a lot of ready material on hand #ELTchat

1:00 pm

barbsaka:

Agree! RT @worldteacher:NAs are useless if they are not followed up. Sts have to have confidence in the process. #eltchat

1:00 pm

teacher_prix:

@barbsaka =) It works!!! Sts like and don't feel awkward w/ listing theirs dislikes! #ELTchat

1:00 pm

yearinthelifeof:

@englishraven @esolcourses @Marisa_C Been there, done that (or didn't, more to the point) #ELTchat

1:00 pm

chucksandy:

@sandymillin I hear ya! But isn't there then time for syllabus tweaking once Ss arrive & you get a feel for them? #eltchat

1:01 pm

cherrymp:

@barbsaka @yearinthelifeof mmm bt few teachers do that - dey think sth sacrosanct of wt's in d cbs #ELTchat

1:01 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @dreadnought001: curriculum design is tough, very few of us have training in it, most Ts just 'feel' what's right for Ss, Ss often don't agree :-) #eltchat

1:01 pm

bcnpaul1:

RT @marisa_c: @teacher_prix SO you are talking about negotiating content and activities from day to day - nice way on a daily basis #ELTchat

1:01 pm

yearinthelifeof:

RT @barbsaka: @yearinthelifeof Most Teacher's guides I've seen suggest that Ts should adapt coursebook to work for their individual classes #eltchat

1:01 pm

EclipsingX:

Sorry guys I have to go. Thanks for a great chat #ELTCHAT

1:01 pm

englishraven:

@esolcourses That's huge. Ts are often paid only for time on classroom floor, & not for time to think through the syllabus issues. #ELTChat

1:01 pm

waykatewit:

@Marisa_C @teacher_prix yes but with experience you R able 2 anticipate some needs #ELTchat

1:01 pm

sandymillin:

@chucksandy Depends on your partner teacher - works sometimes. But SS also have same mid-year /end-year test... poss. complaints?#eltchat

1:01 pm

barbsaka:

@teacher_prix I have my students do the same with their extensive reading choices (since they don't really write yet) #eltchat

1:01 pm

oyajimbo:

#ELTchat often inherited classes after NA, done by HR Dept in-house/foreign. T given shopping list & 6 months 2 achieve.

1:01 pm

Shaunwilden:

@EclipsingX Bye bye thanks for dropping by :-) #ELTchat

1:01 pm

englishraven:

RT @bcnpaul1: RT @marisa_c: @teacher_prix SO you are talking about negotiating content and activities from day to day - nice way on a daily basis #ELTchat

1:01 pm

cherrymp:

@Shaunwilden @EclipsingX continuing NA - like an evaluation - interesting #ELTchat

1:02 pm

bcnpaul1:

@cherrymp thx :-) thought so but sometimes new acronyms come up & I'm not sure. #eltchat

1:02 pm

chucksandy:

@waykatewit @ "Better B4 acad. year based on previous year's research/feedback" But then new Ss come & they're so different, no? #eltchat

1:02 pm

teacher_prix:

@Marisa_C Maybe 'cos I workd w/ teens a lot and they keep complaining they don't like English thay are there for parents>>> #ELTchat

1:02 pm

JoshSRound:

@yearinthelifeof :-)) #eltchat

1:02 pm

Shaunwilden:

@cherrymp @EclipsingX Well needs might change - esp over a year long course #ELTchat

1:02 pm

edumazing:

@barbsaka Thanks. Are these courses mandated? I get the impression from what is being said that they are. #eltchat

1:02 pm

sandymillin:

@barbsaka Me too...but not all teachers read the guides! Or they skim over that sentence... #eltchat

1:02 pm

yearinthelifeof:

Great #ELTchat today everyone, thanks for choosing my topic and giving tons of great ideas. You're all stars.

1:02 pm

esolcourses:

@yearinthelifeof @englishraven @Marisa_C Am sure a lot of teachers skim it, though I'd say a rock solid SOW is pretty important #ELTChat

1:02 pm

englishraven:

Take a formative assessment approach to our own curriculums (not just summative)? #ELTChat

1:03 pm

cherrymp:

@worldteacher @englishraven @barbsaka exactly - it needn't be farcical - jst to show off coz students gen don't forget #ELTchat

1:03 pm

barbsaka:

@edumazing It depends on the school/country. Some mandated, some choice. usually only "State" CBs are mandated #eltchat

1:03 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @Marisa_C: so entering their world and doing some 121 even in a 16 sts helps me involve and 'follow the syllabus'... #ELTchat

1:03 pm

chucksandy:

RT Shaunwilden The imp point there is that NA is done regualry, again so many do it just at the start of a course. -in every class #eltchat

1:03 pm

dreadnought001:

@englishraven @barbsaka now with NA I publish it for Ss and explain what I can/can't do in class to meet their needs. #eltchat

1:03 pm

ddeubel:

I have never heard of ELT doing curriculum mapping. Meaning taking what happens one semester and mapping it for use the next. #eltchat

1:03 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @cherrymp: @teacher_prix sounds simple - as long as it works - that's it rt? #ELTchat True! =)

1:03 pm

englishraven:

@dreadnought001 That strikes me as a fair and responsible approach. #ELTChat

1:03 pm

bcnpaul1:

ok. gotta go & do some syllabus writing / lesson planning stuff for this wk's class... erm.. page 64 wasn't it!! :) #eltchat

1:03 pm

CeciELT:

RT @englishraven: Take a formative assessment approach 2 our own curriculums (not just summative)? #ELTChat > Sadly I can only wish 4 that..

1:03 pm

dreadnought001:

@JoshSRound great idea! stealth NA :-) #eltchat

1:04 pm

waykatewit:

@Marisa_C I LOVE writing syllabi - and never stick to them :))) #ELTchat

1:04 pm

barbsaka:

@ddeubel curriculum mapping sounds like a teacher or school level activity--not ELT as a profession #eltchat (or am i misunderstanding?)

1:04 pm

chucksandy:

@sandymillin - sounds like you're in a difficult situation w/ lots of constraints. #eltchat

1:04 pm

teacher_prix:

RT @waykatewit: #ELTchat @Marisa_C @teacher_prix yes but with experience U can anticipate some needs - Or not... Sts can always surprise! =)

1:04 pm

sandymillin:

@chucksandy Not as many as there could be ;) Playing devil's advocate too... #eltchat

1:04 pm

CeciELT:

RT @chucksandy: @sandymillin - sounds like you're in a difficult situation w/ lots of constraints. #eltchat > Same here Sandy!

1:04 pm

edumazing:

@barbsaka Are ALL students able to apply the learning 2 real life or 2 pass a test? That 2 me determines the success of coursebooks #eltchat

1:05 pm

esolcourses:

@englishraven yep. Part of problem I think, is that admins often don't realise how much time it takes to do such things properly #ELTChat

1:05 pm

stopspanglish:

Good chatting w/ all of you, and thanks to the moderators for (as usual!) a job well done! #eltchat

 

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