Tuesday, March 6, 2007

I'm not Lion!


Reading Prompt #7
EGBERT Ch. 7. Content-Based Instruction
What are some important techniques for designing content instruction that supports both language and content learning? Egbert gives several examples of ways content and language objectives can be combined with technology objectives. Share some of your own experiences or ideas for combining these. In other words, give a specific exmple of how you could teach a content-area lesson with integrates technology and supports language learning for ELLs.


At Hitachi Semiconductors in Germany, I taught International Presentation Skills to Germans and Japanese. So this is a good example of Content (how to present) and language training, as English was a foreign language for all. Of course, some students had better speaking ability than others, but then others were better at standing up in front of the room and talking! I used a combination of readings in German and English (except for the Japanese) and lots of practice using a video feedback plus comments during the class. Where there were problems with the language, we would take time to review L1 to L2 structures to facilitate expression.

Technology was a great aid, as it supported the most basic of learning principles: PEOPLE DO NOT ARGUE WITH THEIR OWN DATA. Video clips are easier than people to "coach" and the whole class was always curious to see the recordings. Students were motivated to read and practice by virtually seeing themselves as professionals.

The best part was when we compared the clips from the first presentation to that made at the end of the six weekly lessons! The dramatic improvement and confidence was VISIBLE! Given all the tools that Dr. Wright has introduced, such as the facility of using video podcasts, surely there are even better ways of motivating people with more modern technology than at that time.
Carol

3 comments:

Joleen J said...

HI Carol.

That's interesting about the video clips. I like the idea of that or even audiotapes, but I wonder about students who freeze up in front of the camera? I have no concern over speaking in public, but in front of a video camera I do get nervous. My affective filter goes up like the glass window between the limo driver and the yahoos in the back seat! I guess it is a matter of getting used to it. That's so not American of me to not yearn for my time on TV and the like, but it's the truth!

About my technology quick share, check out my blog: we went over Web quests generally and one or two specific ones. There are links to actual webquests, a webquest search engine, and webquest templates all on my blog.

Dr. Wayne E. Wright said...

Carol,

Great tip about using video. I tried this back when I was teaching Kindergarten, and yep, its a great tool for self and peer evaluation!

-Dr. Wright

Yin said...

Hello Carol,

I got your message about placing your pic on the story map. We can edit it Tuesday before class. Could you please make sure to save the original kidspiration file onto your memory stick or you can send it to us by email. Rita and I have only the jpeg file, but not the original one. See you soon in class.
Koyin