Monday, September 28, 2009

Cluster Meeting Ended

Two day's Cluster meeting to plan the strategies of the next unit's ended with new decisions hopes and aspirations. Importance on Story Preparation and on the expected questions of incoming terminal exam............

വലിയ കുഴപ്പങ്ങള്‍ ഇല്ലായിരുന്നു

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Lincon to His Son's Teacher

A Nice Citizen by Abraham Lincoln
He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just1,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish politician,
there is a dedicated leader...
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,
steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick...
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books...
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him
it is far honourable to fail
than to cheat...
Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong...
Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the bandwagon...
Teach him to listen to all men...
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.
Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad...
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness...
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he's right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage
to be impatient...
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order,
but see what you can do...
He is such a fine fellow,
my son!

Teaching of English in Kerala

Teaching the English language to students whose first language is not English certainly has its frustrations. English language learners may struggle with cultural barriers, comprehension of written or spoken English, or even fear of speaking English. Here are some tips for teaching English language .
Get to Know Your Students
Getting to know students is important for teaching any subject, but it is especially important for teaching English language learners because they are from different cultural backgrounds. It is helpful to do research on the cultural backgrounds of your students. Look especially for taboos and social norms. You do not want to speak or behave in a way that will offend your English learners.
English language learners need to be comfortable in the classroom so that they do not fear speaking up in English. Create a relaxed atmosphere. Use teaching strategies that encourage students to interact with each other and the teacher. Also, be careful not to make assumptions about what your English language learners know or about how they learn.
Vice versa, be aware that English language learners may be assuming certain things about your teaching methods or modes of assessment. In the United States most teaching encourages students to ask questions. Elizabeth Bifuh-Ambe points out that a student from Korea has learned by the Confucian method and will accept whatever the teacher says.
Know the Ability of English Language Learners
When teaching English language, match your expectations of student results to their ability. As suggested by Kathleen Vance and Dale Fitzpatrick, think about building students’ English skills like climbing a ladder one rung at a time. First build listening skills using English that is one level above them.
Teach Content-Specific English Vocabulary
An English language learner is trying to understand every word she hears. Lack of English vocabulary makes this frustrating. Teaching vocabulary is vital to student word recognition. Provide visuals and show videos with captions.
Think of how we have conversations with children. We use simpler English but at a normal pace. We use language about present situations like setting the table for dinner. We ask who and what, yes and no questions.
Provide a Structured English Language Classroom
English language learners need to know what is coming next. Note taking, written assignments and test taking are complicated by their lack of English skills. Teaching English language also involves teaching English learners strategies for doing these tasks.
Teaching how to learn before teaching concepts is vital because English language learners are hindered by their lack of prior knowledge of English and of their teachers’ methods.
Vance and Fitzpatrick suggest that teachers give English language learners mock tests and assignments. Feedback from mock tests makes the language learner familiar with English directions and classroom expectations.
In preparation for written or oral assignments, have students use graphic organizers to aid their comprehension.
Increase Prior Knowledge
English language learners need opportunities to learn English outside of the classroom. In a mainstream class, pair an English language learner with a peer coach who is a native speaker. In cooperative learning, have mixed groups. If the entire class consists of English language learners, look for peer coaches or socializing opportunities outside of the classroom.
If possible, arrange for English language students to visit classes and observe prior to being admitted to those classes.
Tell language students in advance what the next lesson topics are. Provide vocabulary and notes in advance where possible. Encourage English language learners to listen to books on tape in English. Show them how to watch television with the captions on.
As flies to the wanton boys
Are we to the gods
They kill us for their sport

A Forum 4 English Teacher's of Kerala

  • Clearing Doubts
  • New Orders
  • About our department
  • New Circulars
  • Post your new findings and works