Moya Daly » Half term-bilingualism-research

Now I know how my kids feel! I have never been so glad to know that there is a half term holiday! Input sessions this week were extremely contrasting. The first dealt with Objectives-unless the verbs used are actually something the students will be able to do at the end of the lesson- you just cannot use them!!! Structure of lessons and realistic objectives are weaknesses for me, so I felt very deflated and inadequate. It’s very daunting when you know that these are the things which will be scrutinised when you are being observed. I am also experiencing something I have never had to deal with before-cliques! In all my years as a mature student, I have always integrated well with my fellow trainees, however over 50% of this group is already working in the college, so there seems to be a bit of a divide, which is a real shame, as it does make things quite difficult. I am fortunate that I am quite confident and chatty, and I have to say that they’re not all like that, but nevertheless it’s a shock-and a first for me. Still fretting over the dreaded presentation-haven’t done any real research yet but it’s due on the 6th March I think, and I cant think of it without going cold all over!! Anway now to the positives-yes, there are some- the second half of the input session was bilingualism, accent and dialect and we discussed the demise of received pronunciation and the value(???) and acceptance of estuary English. This subject fascinates me and oh how I wish that the presentation were on this subject! Instead we have a mini task to do which isn’t even going to be marked or assessed!!! Just my luck.
I have yet to start logging my required 114 hours of teaching and I am the only one in the group to be so remiss. Every one of my lessons on a daily basis now seems to be lacking in almost every way! I must start some serious forward planning to ensure good lessons for the observations.
Apparently I am being overindulgent with my objectives-one is ideal-two is the maximum………….some days I have four or five!!!!!!!!!!! Note to self:-choose one, stick to it, time your activities and ensure the objectives are easily met. Oh it sounds so easy, doesn’t it?
Have I mentioned on here that I have a new grandson? I’m sure i did. He was born last Monday at 7.05pm-Kye Preston. My fourth grandchild, my son and daughter-in-law’s third child. That was my excuse for not having researched enough about Inclusive Learning. Never mind-I will shine in the mini task, I’m sure. We have to focus on one person for whom English is not a mother tongue and ask lots of very intersting questions, then write it up. Oh it really isn’t fair this won’t be marked as i’m sure I could do better in this than in the other project.
Anyway, must go now. Need to start reading some more books. Geoff Petty has been recommended so I bought two of his and now I’m off to look for some of the recommended titles in the bilingualism field.
Happy Teaching everybody!