May, 2007

How nice! One of the readers of this blog-you know who you are-has sent me a few words of encouragement. Thank you! I see that the number of readers has increased by one…..ooohh how exciting! Yesterday’s input session was on assessment: importance of, how to, terminology to describe and type of. Very interesting. There is so much to learn, and I genuinely enjoy most of the sessions. That is not to say that the workload doesn’t cause much stress and anxiety, of course. It’s just a good idea occasionally to remind myself that I CHOSE to do this course, and that I enrolled with my eyes wide open, so to speak. Everyone warns you how tough CELTA 2 is, so no sympathy is sought here.(Well, I say none sought, but please feel free to empathise as much as you wish!)
Oh, and we had a really helpful Q&A session with the tutor who will be marking this next assignment, which focuses on learner support. My anxieties were allayed somewhat after this, and I am determined to start this assignment a little earlier than I did the last two. Hmmmm! Well,I guess that won’t be too difficult, after being up until 4am completing the last two! It’s not that I don’t work on, research, think about, live breathe and die ASSIGNMENT. It’s just ……well, you all know about my affiction, so I won’t bore you with the gory details. I do so despise having to make decisions. Which policy to discuss? Which teaching approach to use and evaluate? And now which disability or barrier to learning? Oh, and which student? This is extremely difficult for someone who is barely able to choose the filling for her sandwich! Anyway, I digress. More news to share with you all….. I may be attending a Teaching and Learning conference in Birmingham which includes a workshop on……..yes, you guessed it: Task Based Learning!! I am awaiting confirmation from my team leader that Head Office has agreed to funding. Fingers crossed. It’s not ’til June 16th, which is a shame, because it will be too late to be of use for my next Observed Lesson on the 8th June.(Shivers with terror!!!) I’m already in ‘Eat, sleep, breathe Observation’ mode. This means that I’m constantly thinking of ideas, checking my resources, running a lesson plan through in my head, then swiftly changing my mind to the next ‘brilliant idea’. One would think that, at my age,a teacher would be rather more grounded and mature about these things. I have no idea why I crumble at the thought of being observed. I’m almost as anxious when I have my regular observations at work! Pathetic, isn’t it? Mustn’t complain. It’s a necessary part of the job and the course, and one must simply put up with it. Give me a good old-fashioned exam any day. Seriously!! Ok, that’s it for today. Next week is going to be very busy,with both course and work commitments. We have a trip to the Victorian Kitchen at Gunnersbury Museum next week, and a Writing Project to be finalised. Plus my middle daughter is due home from Uni-she graduates in July-so I must make room for her and her possessions. When she moved into Aberystwyth Uni three yaers ago we needed a Transit van for the journey. Now she has amassed even more!! This will mean SERIOUS de-cluttering in my house. As you may be aware, sufferers of procrastination and indecision find this type of task very distressing. Hasta la proxima!

Hello! Good news…..finished and handed in my second assignment!! Phew! Bad news…..my first assignment came back for re-submission.Now, I truly wasn’t surprised to get it back-honestly-but I WAS surprised at how useless I felt. The problem is mine, of course. I am beginning to realise that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. It’s still not exactly pleasant (I’ve never had to re submit anything before)Anyway, there were only a couple of adjustments to be made, which I shall endeavour to make asap. This was not the most enjoyable assignment I’ve ever had to do, and I must bear in mind that I AM learning all the time-that’s why I’m doing the course.Meanwhile I am preparing myself for a repetition with the next assignment. This one-Theoretical Frameworks-was far more enjoyable (Did I really say that??)even though i don’t feel confident of passing first time. No matter, I must share with you (all 24 of you) my views on Task Based Learning. Yes, I actually picked an approach and stuck with it! Teaching the lesson was a bit scary, but reassuring;I say this because I had to borrow one of the books-Willis-and make notes. This proved problematic because I then had to refer to notes after I’d handed it back. Ultimately the lesson was successful, even though I encountered several problems, the biggest of which was the order and structure.
Interestingly, since I taught the lesson and completed my evaluation, I have been reading much more on the subject, and I believe I am being converted!! I took delivery of two more books-yes, typical….. they arrive AFTER I’ve handed in the assignment! The newest one, ‘Doing Task Based Learning’(Jane and Dave Willis) is so good I have been reading non stop. The second is also useful as it includes evidence based views on specific types of task. Can’t remember the exact title but I’ll try to remember and post it on here soon.It is SOOOO reassuring looking at some of the recommended tasks and realising that I have actually taught lessons not too far removed from these. So, that’s the good news after the bad news after the good news.
Oh, more good news……I had my tutorial last week, and I’m ‘to standard for this stage of the course’That was a relief. I think all of us find it really hard to cope with the workload, but we were all fully aware that this is a tough course so it’s not a shock.I think this factor tends to help the group ‘gel’ We’re all getting to know each other better now. Just as well really, since I’ve spotted another mini task on the schedule some time soon, so it could mean another presentation! (groan!!!!!!!!!)
My second observed lesson is due some time within the next week or two. I’m determined to plan it decisively and in advance this time………who am I trying to kid? I would love to have the nerve to try a task based lesson, but I don’t think I’ve quite got the confidence yet. Still, you never know……after all I ought to make the most of all the reading bearing in mind the money I have forked out for books recently!!!
I shall be feeling very envious of all college tutors next week what with half term looming. It’s been stressful in my house lately… Oldest daughter just started a Midwifery degree course, middle daughter had her last Uni exam Wednesday-she graduates in July, so it’s all up to Aberystwyth for the occasion. Youngest had her Year 9 SATS to contend with, but now that they’re over she can concentrate on her next piano exam. She is due to take Grade 7 in July, so I will be very grateful for the summer break from college at least. You may remember that, as I work for a training provider,we close only one week a year, so no long summer holidays from teaching for me!!!!!! Anyway, I have some presents to wrap-my son and grandson share their birthday on Monday, and the party is tomorrow, so i must go and search for the sellotape.

Just a quickie to share my excitement at a successful E3 lesson today.Wanted to focus on pronunciation after the input session this week. This was a successful lesson, enjoyed by the students, some of whom were already aware of the importance of the schwa from previous lessons with me. Having learned about the difference between stress-timed and syllable timed languages, I managed to design a worksheet for grouping words with the same stress pattern. Not all students were able to differentiate between the groups at first, and I reminded them that they needed to speak the words aloud in order to identify the stress pattern. All but one of the 7 managed to add at least one more word to each of the columns.
They also worked hard to pronounce the schwa in words and sentences, and I had persuaded two non teaching members of staff to record a short dialogue as a listening exercise. Unfortunately this was not very successful, as not all the conversation had recorded properly, and the quality of sound was abysmal, so I ended up abandoning it, and read it aloud myself, which is never as good. No matter, I felt quite pleased with myself and the students, and this has worked wonders for my confidence. I am going to try to adapt it for a shorter activity with my regular class of E1 learners.
The next week or two will be quite hectic, as I still have my Task Based Learning lesson to prepare.(Yes, I’m sure now that this is the approach I’ve chosen……..I think…..!!!!) In addition to this I must try to squeeze in some past tense practice for my student, as we are going on a trip to Gunnersbury Museum’s Victorian Kitchen at the end of the month. It’s been a while since I took a class here, but I can’t recommend it highly enough. The tour guides are brilliant, and incorporate ESOL related ‘tasks’into the session.
Two of my new books arrived today, one (Short texts and How to Use Them) is a resource book by Alan Maley, (whose book for using poetry in the classroom is brilliant)and a rather dated book which was on my original CELTA recommended reading list (At the Chalkface). Sadly, the Methodology book hasn’t arrived yet, nor the new Jeremy Harmer text book ‘Just Right’.I get carried away sometimes on amazon-there are so many ELT books, and I could spend a fortune if I still had a credit card!!! By the way, for those who are not on the OUP mailing list, do sign up-they send so many great offers; I have received free copies of several student books, an ESOL dictionary, and recently a copy of English for Life Elementary. I really like the format of this book, and intend to buy the teacher’s book soon……well, maybe when I get paid next month……perhaps!!! Found some great info on Task Based Learning today. You really can’t go wrong with the British Council website.
Looking forward to the long weekend. I have my first tutorial next week,and no doubt I will learn when my next observed lesson will be, so I shall try – no promises – to decide on a lesson and STICK to it!!! (Yeah, like that’s going to happen!)Still, stranger things have happened.Watch this space!

Ok here goes: We have now started the second of four terms. Last week we all returned to college armed with our completed assignments-some far more professional than others (and I don’t include my own in that category) As per usual my affliction badly affected the quality of the assignment on Policies and Issues. ‘What is this affliction?’ you may ask. Well I have suffered from this ailment for as long as I can remember-I believe it is genetic, but I can’t be sure. It begins with P-have you guessed yet? PROCRASTINATION!!!!! In all areas of life, mind-not just as a learner! Coupled with my other, slightly less serious, disease (indecision) I am usually struck down quite badly when it comes to assignments and observed lessons. That reminds me, I must be due for my second observation soon.(But more of that later)
Anyway, having checked thoroughly the bullet points on the assignment brief, I feel confident that I have fully covered the required elements, and described efficiently how the policy is implemented in my workplace. I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to choose Lifelong Learning as my policy focus, as it was more relevant to the type of institution where I teach. Then you get to class, and glance nonchalantly at the perfectly presented masterpieces of the other students, with title front pages, colour coded referencing and your plain old two page offering seems….well, pathetic to say the least.(I was up till 4am the night before, so you can imagine how tired I was!) No matter, I was so excited because the first session was on syntax, and it was a really enjoyable session, both subject matter AND style of activity. Once again, I was struck by how much I DONT know; however this didn’t bother me, because I love learning more, especially when it’s grammar or phonology. The second session was quite heavy: correct terminology to describe different disabilities. Eye opening, difficult to take in, but reassuring that such a lovely young lady is in charge of this area. Looking forward to learning more about dyslexia in the next few weeks, as my younger son, now almost 19, is dyslexic, so I have a little to offer in the way of experience. It was sooooooooooo lovely going off to class today without the dark cloud of an assignment or presentation or observation looming overhead! Pure input-just what I love! First session was phonology-I had forgotten so much, I’m ashamed to say, but it was very interesting analysing students speaking on tape and identifying strengths and weaknesses. Picked up a few ideas for ways to improve pronunciation, and was happy to learn that some of the methods I already use in class were recommended. Yea!!!!!! I’m doing something right! I have my first tutorial next Tuesday and the next assignment is due in two weeks. I have to choose a teaching style I don’t normally use and teach a lesson, then evaluate it. As per usual, I have changed my mind at least three times. Silent Way???? Lexical Approach? Communicative? Latest choice is Task Based Learning, as it is the farthest removed from my usual method, however, watch this space, because………yes, you guessed it. I MAY change my mind! On a positive note, I have now logged 83 hours of lessons. Oh and I have also had another family crisis-this year has not been good to me. My daughter-in-law is in hospital with a clot on her lung; not ideal with three children, one of whom is only 12 weeks old. (you who have been faithfully reading my diary will know this, of course)My son is quite capable, but it’s not easy-as we mothers know-and I have had the odd phone call, such as the one yesterday asking me if I could remember where he put his car keys the night before, as he needed to leave for the hospital, and Kye was screaming the place down. Daughter-in-law is recovering slowly. I’m off now to track my Amazon account. I ordered three books which I need for my next assignment, and I’ve exhausted Petty for the moment!!!

Ok here goes: We have now started the second of four terms. Last week we all returned to college armed with our completed assignments-some far more professional than others (and I don’t include my own in that category) As per usual my affliction badly affected the quality of the assignment on Policies and Issues. ‘What is this affliction?’ you may ask. Well I have suffered from this ailment for as long as I can remember-I believe it is genetic, but I can’t be sure. It begins with P-have you guessed yet? PROCRASTINATION!!!!! In all areas of life, mind-not just as a learner! Coupled with my other, slightly less serious, disease (indecision) I am usually struck down quite badly when it comes to assignments and observed lessons. That reminds me, I must be due for my second observation soon.(But more of that later)
Anyway, having checked thoroughly the bullet points on the assignment brief, I feel confident that I have fully covered the required elements, and described efficiently how the policy is implemented in my workplace. I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to choose Lifelong Learning as my policy focus, as it was more relevant to the type of institution where I teach. Then you get to class, and glance nonchalantly at the perfectly presented masterpieces of the other students, with title front pages, colour coded referencing and your plain old two page offering seems….well, pathetic to say the least.(I was up till 4am the night before, so you can imagine how tired I was!) No matter, I was so excited because the first session was on syntax, and it was a really enjoyable session, both subject matter AND style of activity. Once again, I was struck by how much I DONT know; however this didn’t bother me, because I love learning more, especially when it’s grammar or phonology. The second session was quite heavy: correct terminology to describe different disabilities. Eye opening, difficult to take in, but reassuring that such a lovely young lady is in charge of this area. Looking forward to learning more about dyslexia in the next few weeks, as my younger son, now almost 19, is dyslexic, so I have a little to offer in the way of experience. It was sooooooooooo lovely going off to class today without the dark cloud of an assignment or presentation or observation looming overhead! Pure input-just what I love! First session was phonology-I had forgotten so much, I’m ashamed to say, but it was very interesting analysing students speaking on tape and identifying strengths and weaknesses. Picked up a few ideas for ways to improve pronunciation, and was happy to learn that some of the methods I already use in class were recommended. Yea!!!!!! I’m doing something right! I have my first tutorial next Tuesday and the next assignment is due in two weeks. I have to choose a teaching style I don’t normally use and teach a lesson, then evaluate it. As per usual, I have changed my mind at least three times. Silent Way???? Lexical Approach? Communicative? Latest choice is Task Based Learning, as it is the farthest removed from my usual method, however, watch this space, because………yes, you guessed it. I MAY change my mind! On a positive note, I have now logged 83 hours of lessons. Oh and I have also had another family crisis-this year has not been good to me. My daughter-in-law is in hospital with a clot on her lung; not ideal with three children, one of whom is only 12 weeks old. (you who have been faithfully reading my diary will know this, of course)My son is quite capable, but it’s not easy-as we mothers know-and I have had the odd phone call, such as the one yesterday asking me if I could remember where he put his car keys the night before, as he needed to leave for the hospital, and Kye was screaming the place down. Daughter-in-law is recovering slowly. I’m off now to track my Amazon account. I ordered three books which I need for my next assignment, and I’ve exhausted Petty for the moment!!!

Ok here goes:We have now started the second of four terms. Last week we all returned to college armed with our completed assignments-some far more professional than others (and I don’t include my own in that category)As per usual my affliction badly affected the quality of the assignment on Policies and Issues. ‘What is this affliction?’you may ask. Well I have suffered from this ailment for as long as I can remember-I believe it is genetic, but I can’t be sure. It begins with P-have you guessed yet? PROCRASTINATION!!!!! In all areas of life, mind-not just as a learner! Coupled with my other, slightly less serious, disease ( indecision) I am usually struck down quite badly when it comes to assignments and observed lessons. That reminds me, I must be due for my second observation soon.(But more of that later)
Anyway, having checked thoroughly the bullet points on the assignment brief, I feel confident that I have fully covered the required elements, and described efficiently how the policy is implemented in my workplace. I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to choose Lifelong Learing as my policy focus, as it was more relevant to the type of institution where I teach. Then you get to class, and glance nonchalantly at the perfectly presented masterpieces of the other students, with title front pages, colour coded referencing and your plain old two page offering seems….well..pathetic to say the least.(I was up till 4am the night before, so you can imagine how tired I was!) No matter, I was so excited because the first session was on syntax, and it was a really enjoyable session, both subject matter AND style of activity. Once again, I was struck by how much I DONT know; however this didn’t bother me, because I love learning more, especially when it’s grammar or phonology. The second session was quite heavy: correct terminology to describe different disabilities. Eye opening, difficult to take in, but reassuring that such a lovely young lady is in charge of this area.Looking forward to learning more about dyslexia in the next few weeks, as my younger son, now almost 19, is dyslexic, so I have a little to offer in the way of experience. It was sooooooooooo lovely going off to class today without the dark cloud of an assignment or presentation or observation looming overhead!Pure input-just what I love! First session was phonology-I had forgotten so much, I’m ashamed to say, but it was very interesting analysing students speaking on tape and identifying strengths and weaknesses. Picked up a few ideas for ways to improve pronunciation, and was happy to learn that some of the methods I already use in class were recommended. YeA!!!!!!I’m doing something right! I have my first tutorial next Tuesday and the next assignment is due in two weeks. I have to choose a teaching style I don’t normally use and teach a lesson, then evaluate it. As per usual, I have changed my mind at least three times. Silent Way???? Lexical Approach? Communicative? Latest choice is Task Based Learning, as it is the farthest removed from my usual method,however, watch this space, because………yes, you guessed it. I MAY change my mind! On a positive note, I have now logged 83 hours of lessons. Oh and I have also had another family crisis-this year has not been good to me. My daughter-in-law is in hospital with a clot on her lung; not ideal with three children, one of whom is only 12 weeks old. (you who have been faithfuly reading my diary will know this, of course)My son is quite capable, but it’s not easy-as we mothers know-and I have had the odd phone call, such as the one yesterday asking me if I could remember where he put his car keys the night before, as he needed to leave for the hospital, and Kye was screaming the place down. Daughter-in-law is recovering slowly. I’m off now to track my amazon account. I ordered three books which I need for my next assignment, and I’ve exhausted Petty for the moment!!!