Hi All! It's Ruki. Hope all of you are enjoing the E course so far. There's so much i have learnt from week 3 readings. The readings on developing listening skills were very useful in formulating appropriate listening exercises for Pre, While and Post Reading stages. I was reminded about the importance of using authentic materials to promote enhanced learning. Listening exercises are essential to help learners develop effective communication skills. I realized the importance of using native English models in listening activities for non native speakers, while keeping in mind not to devalue the input from our own native langauges. The usage of technology in media (Radio,TV, Video, Internet, CD Roms) is a must for teachers of English - an ideal source to locate authentic, update, relevant and appropriate teaching material.
Reading through the specified links for pronunication and speaking components of English Language Teaching opened my mind to a whole vista of knowledge and information. It was mind boggling to realize the creativity of materail available on different websites related to English language teaching. The applicaion of technology to langauge teaching would undoutedly enhance and enrich the learning process in non native learners of English. I realised that utlizing technology is very important and essential to overcome the drawbacks and inherent disadvanatges in a traditional and conventional classroom. But, I was also made aware of the limited access to technology in a developing country.
Hi Ruki,
ReplyDeleteI liked your post above highlighting the importance of authentic listening material to teach EFL/ESL from native speakers. We are all here not native speakers, although some might get pretty close. Students NEED to be exposed to native speakers to fine tune their ears and pronunciation to 'proper' English. Few days ago, on Nicenet, Yuliya argued the fact that English speakers do no mind 'broken' English pronunciation as long as they can understand their counterpart. I heard that from many Native English Speakers who come to work here in Lebanon too. Therefore, I believe that teaching pronunciation, though important, should not take top priority in our classes on the expense of more important skills, like grammar and writing.
On the other hand, I like that you raised the issue of limited access of technology in developing countries. From my experience, technology is becoming cheap and widely accessible even in developing countries. The problem remains in the available infrastructure to accompany the Hardware part of the technology. If available, it is usually expensive and not accessible to all. Some communities found their way with software and using 'pirated' copies of the applications.
The Internet has delivered a wide selection of information and material to use in our teaching, but it is quite frustrating and time consuming to download a piece of Video with slow connection.
Hassan, Lebanon
I,too, really liked your post, Ruki. As you mentioned, I'm boggled by all the resources available on the internet. There is so much good stuff (and some not so good stuff). I know I don't have time to look at all that is there. That's part of what I like about this class is to learn about the best one's others know and use.
ReplyDeleteJodi