Reflect learning of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

Reflect learning of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

Today is a last day for Seminar in English Language Teaching Course. We have a final examination. But teacher summarized the journal about Sociocultural Theory before testing. 

For this semester I learned : 

• Global English
• Context of English Language Teaching
• Factors affecting English Language Teaching and Learning
• Problems of English Language Teaching
• ICT and English Language Teaching and Learning
• Trends in ELT
• Seminar presentation

I find difficult that the most of article always use the academic vocabulary, so I have to translate these word into Thai language. It takes more time for reading. 

I find easy that teacher allow us to discuss in group, that can help us to more understand about reading, and teacher helps us to summarized the concept of the reading clearly. 

I think I have to read more information for seminar in classroom, and I have to learn more vocabulary for reading the article.

I think this course lets us to read more article and it provide the important knowledge for my teaching in the future.

Learning Reflections 15 Seminar in English Language Teaching

Today, we learned about Communicative approaches.

 Communicative approaches were influenced by functional linguistics.
-Goal
To enable learners to develop communicative competence in order to use the target language in communication.
-Teacher’s role
Been and Candlin specifics a variety of role:

•   Facilitator
•   Interdependent participant
•  organizer of resources, a resource, and a guide
•   Researcher

Richard and Rodger

• Analyst
• Counselor
• Group process manages

Learner-centeredness  has four central characteristics:

1.       Learner participant in the whole process of the course content and selecting learning procedures

2.       Learner participant in the design of language activities

3.       Learner are encouraged to take responsibility to a great degree of their learning

4.       Enhancing learner autonomy

Constraints of CLT

-          Focus on fluency over accuracy

-          Learner and teacher roles

-          Cultural appropriacy: ESL and EFL

-          Student’s lack of target language exposure

-          Traditional teaching and learning culture

-          Teacher expertise and student English proficiency level

-          Lack of learning resource/ support

-          Class size

Teacher assign us to read about Sociocultural Theory of Vygotsky and  “ The relevance and implications of Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory in the second language classroom of MAMOUR CHOUL TURUK”.

I think there are the best method for everyone, so teacher have to use the method to teach study in appropriate way. 

Learning Reflections 14 Seminar in English Language Teaching

Today, We discuss about “The end of CLT: a context approach to language teaching of Stephen Bax” 

We found that : Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has served the language teaching profession well for many years. The benefits of an emphasis on communication are widely accepted in principle by professionals everywhere.  Communicative Language Teaching recognize that the learning context, including learner variables, is the key factor in successful language learning.
CLT's main focus is on communication in various ways.

Then, professor taught me about Major trends in the Global ELT Field. She summarized that;

Trends 1 : Changing perspectives on English teaching and learning

Trends 2: Changes in goals of English teaching and learning

Trends 3: Changes in approaches to teaching

Trends 4: Changes in teaching content, curriculum design, and assessment

 Trends 5: Expanding the dimension of communicative competence

Trends 6: Changing views of an effective English educator
          
Trends 7: Rapid development and integration of information technology in ELT

Trends 8: Changing roles and increasing responsibilities of teachers

Learning Reflections 13 Seminar in English Language Teaching

Today, we learned about "Current Trends and Issues in English Language Education in Asia". Then, we discussed about it.

We discussed about 10 Key words but I will show you some example;

1) The starting Grade of English Language Education

English language education starts at first grade in 11 nations/regions, which means that students study English for about 10-13 years in these regions, excluding tertiary English education.

2) English Class Hours

In Thailand, English is taught from first grade and English class hours are larger than the other Asian countries in EFL context.

3) National English Curriculum

The results of the survey reveal that all the 18 Asian countries/regions have a national curriculum for primary or secondary English.

4)School Textbook
 primary and secondary English textbooks are national or government-authorized commercial, especially for state-run or public schools, in 12 Asian nations

5)Teaching English Through English
    -    English is taught in English.
    -    English is taught in Mother tongue.

Next, we learned about 21st century skills and Major Trends in the Global ELT Field.

Major Trends in the Global ELT Field

Trend 1: Changing perspectives on English teaching and learning

Trend 2: Changes in goals of English teaching and learning

Trend 3: Changes in approaches to teaching

Trend 4: Changes in teaching content, curriculum design, and assessment

Trend 5: Expanding the dimension of communicative competence

Trend 6: Changing views of an effective English educator

Trend 7: Rapid development and integration of information technology in ELT

Trend 8: Changing roles and increasing responsibilities of teachers

I think the 21st century skills is the important lesson because it can help us to prepare ourselves.  

Learning Reflections 12 Seminar in English Language Teaching

Learning Reflections 12 Seminar in English Language Teaching
Today, We learned about "Computer Assisted Language Learning: an Introduction" by Mark Warschauer.

There are three phases of CALL

1) Behavioristic CALL
    -Based on the then-dominant behaviorist theories of learning
    -Entailed repetitive language drills and referred to as " drill and practice"
    -Practiced is Based on the model of computer as tutor : repeated exposure to the same material is beneficial, A computer is ideal for carrying out repeated drills, A computer can present such material on and individualized basis.

2) Communicative CALL
   -Based on communicative approach to teaching
   -focus more on using forms
   -teaches grammar implicitly 
   -encourage students to generate original utterances
   -does not judge and evaluate everything the students nor reward them
   -avoids telling students they are wrong
   -uses the target language and create an environment
   - never try to do anything that a book can do
   - Third model of computer in communicative CALL : computer as a tool, computer as a tutosr, computer as a stimulus.

3) Step toward integrative CALL: multimedia  and Step toward integrative CALL: the internet

I find easy that if we are familiar with the lesson , we will understand the contents easily.



            

Learning Reflections 10 of Seminar in English Language Teaching

Learning Reflections 10 of Seminar in English Language Teaching

        Today, we watched the video about effect of new technologies on English by David Crystal.

Then, we discussed about it with friends and teacher taught us about " Computer Assisted Language Learning: an Introduction by Mark Warschauer". Next,We have the midterm examination.

I found that technology has more influences to teaching and learning English. Moreover, it has both advantages and limitation.

I found difficult that I have no confident when I speak English because I always afraid about Grammatical and pronunciation. I have to more practice about my speaking.

Learning Reflections 9 Seminar in English Language Teaching

Today we learned about English-Teaching Problem in Thailand and Thai teacher's Professional Development needs. Then, teacher assigns us to discuss about this topic together.

We found that the main factor contributing to the failure of English-Teaching and learning are unqualified and poorly-trained teachers, poorly-motivated students, learners of mixed abilities in overly large classes and rare opportunities for student exposure to English outside of class time.

There are 3 main problems about teaching and learning English in Thailand  as follows :

1. Teacher problem : Most of  Thai teachers have problem about teaching writing, incorporating experiential learning into English classes, their own minimal use and exposure to English, teaching listening ans speaking and using games and song effectively in English classes.

2.Student problem : Most of  Thai students have problem about not having enough practice in English, lacking opportunities for English exposure outside class, insufficient knowledge and skills of English, thinking in Thai before translating to English, problem about writing, lacking patient to practice English, having problems about listening and pronunciation and lacking confidence in speaking English.

3.Textbook : There are problems about textbook and curriculum as follows the curriculum have too much to cover, teachers can't manage the activity with the curriculum and teacher not understanding the details in the curriculum.


I think there are many problem about teaching and learning English in Thailand, which need to solving.

Learning Reflection 7 of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

Today, we learned about the factors affecting English Language Teaching and Learning. There are many factors as follows : 

- age
- learner differences
- motivation

Then, teacher taught about  the factors that effect the teacher such as

- beliefs
- ability in using English
- method and styles
- use of teaching and learning materials 
- etc. 

I found that there are many factors that affecting ELT and learning, so teachers should develop themselves, teaching styles, materials, environment in classroom in order to promote students' learning English and  motivation in learning.

I find easy because the factors in this article, it has more related  with problems of teaching and learning English in Thailand. So I can compare the factors in Thailand context. 

I think I have to learning more vocabulary especially academic vocabulary.   

Learning Reflection 6 of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

Today, we learned about Classroom learning contexts: teacher's descriptions. Teacher assign us to read the information and work in pair. The content about classroom management from different context, there are 3 learning contexts; Malaysia, Mozambique and China. 

I found that there are more differences between each context such as 

Sitting : Students will sit around the teacher at the front of class in Malaysia.But students will sit in pairs in Mozambique. For China, students sit in row and teacher stand in front of the class.

Teaching style :In Malaysia, teacher always interact with students such as teacher asks the students about the story that they will learn. But teacher gives the opportunities for students to practice and communicate with classmate in Mozambique. On the other hand, Teacher always lets students to listen and lecture in China.

Then, we learned about " Factors Affecting English Language Teaching and Learning in Higher Education" 

I find difficult : I don't know about culture because culture in each context have influences for teaching and learning English such as teaching style, Interaction.

I find easy : I know about factors of teaching and learning.
I think I have to read more information because it can help me to understand the text. 

Learning Reflection 5 of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

Today, we make groups by counting the number 1 to 6, teacher assigned to discuss about  " The role of English Language Education in Asian context" by Bok-Myung Chang (Namseol University). It about the history of English language in the country of Asian such as China, Korea, Hongkong, Singapore, Philippine, Japan and Malaysia. Then, we present our work in front of the class. 

I will give some example of information :

History of Learning English in China 

China's first contact with the English language occurred between Chinese and English traders, and the first missionary schools to teach English were established in Macau in the 1630s. And English was teach in high status people such as government, trading,etc.

What I found it easy : If you read the article already,it will easy to understand and you can think about the contents that you read. 

I think this lesson is good for the peoples who studying in English Education because it can teach the background of English language in many context.

Learning Reflection 4 of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

Today, we discussed about differences between Teaching&Learning English as a Foreign Language(EFL) and Teaching&Learning English as a Second Language(ESL).

In our group, we summarize the differences between Teaching&Learning English as a Foreign Language(EFL) and Teaching&Learning English as a Second Language(ESL) that :

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.On the other hand, TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language.

EFL
An English teacher who teaches English to speakers of other languages in a non-English speaking country is teaching EFL. For example, an American living and teaching English in Spain is an EFL teacher. 

ESL
A teacher living and teaching English in an English speaking country, such as the U.S. or Australia, is teaching ESL. 

An English language learner studying ESL may have more immediate English needs. The student may not need to worry about grammar right away, but may need to learn basic survival skills as quickly as possible.

A student studying EFL may not be as concerned about learning English as quickly as possible because he or she is probably living in a country where he or she speaks the primary language of the country and is able to take care of the necessities of daily life.

Then, we send the representative form our group to present in front of the class. Next, teacher teaches about Learning Pedagogical Perspective.

I think learning by discussion is good for learners, it can help learners try to speak and express their idea in English language. Moreover, It can give students more confident when they present the work in front of the class. 

Learning Reflection 3 of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

We presented about  Global English, EFL, ESL and EIL continue from last week. Then, teacher lets us to watch the video about World Englishes by David Cystal. 

First round, we only watched the video.
Second round, we watched and took a note from the video.

The first round, I can't understand all about this video because he speaks very fast, and it have no sub title, it's very difficult for me. 
For the second round, we have to take a note about this video, I can understand some parts of this video. Next, we make a group of 7 peoples, and we discussed about this video in groups. 

Then, we send the representatives form each group to present in front of the class.

I learned about language and culture such as peoples in south america say the word " Robot " for traffic light. It show that culture have influences to language.

Learning Reflections 2 Seminar in English Language Teaching

Today, I have Seminar class in the morning. The class start at 8.30 am. This is second period for this semester. Before start the lesson, teacher asks to make groups and discuss about  
   
           - Global English

           - EFL

           - ESL

           - EIL

          

Then, we present the our work in front of class.

I get the knowledge from this class as followed : 

Global English refers to the use of the English language as a common means of communication across cultures--a lingua franca. 

EFL or English as a Foreign Language is taught in countries where the native language is not English. For example, if you are learning English in Thailand the local language is Thai and you'd therefore be studying English as a Foreign Language.n

ESL or English as a Second Language is used where English is bring taught to students who are from a non-English speaking country, but studying English in an English speaking country.

EIL  or English as an Intertional Language refers to the use of English by people of different nations in order to communicate with one another.

I think group working can help to share information and we will get the information in many way. We can express our idea to the members in the group and we will summarize the information together.

In my opinion, it is difficult because we need to understand the contents in the article. But I will improve my reading comprehension skill. 

Learning reflection 1 of Seminar in English Language of Teaching

1. What did you learn in this lesson ?
     In this course, I will learn 7 units as follows
 Unit1 Global English
 Unit2 Contexts of English Language Teaching
 Unit3 Factors affecting English Language Teaching and Learning
 Unit4 Problems of English Language Teaching
 Unit5 ICT and English Language Teaching and Learning
 Unit6 Trends in ELT
 Unit7 Seminar presentation

     

   For the first time, teacher describes about course outline, then she asks to make a group of 8-9 peoples. Teacher asks to discussion about 4  subjects that we learned in last semester. 

    1) Assessment and evaluation in English 

    2) English Methodology 1

    3) Learning English through project

    4) Cultures of Speakers of English 

Then, we present in front of class. I think this subject is very difficult for me because we have to read many article, research and understanding all of content in the writing.And we have to present the writing in own way.

2.What did you find easy?

In my opinion, It is not easy and challenge,but we can learn from the classroom and search the others information from internet.  

3. What did you solve the problem?

 I have to read more article and research because it can help me to get more academic vocabulary and help me to understand the context in the writing.

4. What did you attitude towards the lesson?

I think this course is very important and useful for learning because we can get knowledge from reading articles and researches. It can help me to practice reading skill, I can express my opinion about articles and researches through seminar.