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.
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
Carol
