Thanks Mariia. I love the fact that you have begun by saying your approach to teaching defines your approach to materials writing. That's exactly what Tomlinson and other experts say. Materials writing principles come from language and learning principles. I agree that emotional and social needs of the learner need to be catered for. The most interesting point you have raised here (for me) is the third one, about raising intercultural awareness and specifically between Ukraine and other countries. This is when self-made materials become so valuable, isn't it? You can hone in on what the students need from a local perspective and link it to the global one. I look forward to seeing your materials.
Dear Katherine, thank you so much for your comment. Your feedback on my post means so much for me. This morning I experienced the feeling that every learner most likely feels when they get a positive reflection from their facilitator/teacher. It is very motivating. I was on cloud nine this morning. The night before I thought I'd quit. I am that older generation teacher who doesn't have computer skills to feel confident among the experienced participants on the course. It took me hours to figure out what to do to share Week 1 Disscussion Task :( I succeded, but what I saw didn't make me happy :( as it's not user friendly. The letters are too small for comfortable reading. I usually create materials for my students by using flipboard and felt - tip - pens, chalk and classboard. I like spontaeous paraphrasing of ready made tasks with the help of my learners, asking them what they would like to change and work on. Dear Katherine I am tremendousky grateful for writing what you think about my post.
I'm really interested in your principles, and I find them in line with many of my own beliefs about teaching. Especially, you wrote, "They are not just the ones that engage only the mind, but emotional and social needs of the learner." I couldn't agree more. Materials reflect teaching, and teaching may or may not be related to learning. But if we want learning to be involved, I think we have to recognize that learners are people who need more than just information.
Thanks Mariia. I love the fact that you have begun by saying your approach to teaching defines your approach to materials writing. That's exactly what Tomlinson and other experts say. Materials writing principles come from language and learning principles. I agree that emotional and social needs of the learner need to be catered for. The most interesting point you have raised here (for me) is the third one, about raising intercultural awareness and specifically between Ukraine and other countries. This is when self-made materials become so valuable, isn't it? You can hone in on what the students need from a local perspective and link it to the global one. I look forward to seeing your materials.
ReplyDeleteDear Katherine, thank you so much for your comment. Your feedback on my post means so much for me. This morning I experienced the feeling that every learner most likely feels when they get a positive reflection from their facilitator/teacher. It is very motivating. I was on cloud nine this morning. The night before I thought I'd quit. I am that older generation teacher who doesn't have computer skills to feel confident among the experienced participants on the course. It took me hours to figure out what to do to share Week 1 Disscussion Task :( I succeded, but what I saw didn't make me happy :( as it's not user friendly. The letters are too small for comfortable reading. I usually create materials for my students by using flipboard and felt - tip - pens, chalk and classboard. I like spontaeous paraphrasing of ready made tasks with the help of my learners, asking them what they would like to change and work on.
ReplyDeleteDear Katherine I am tremendousky grateful for writing what you think about my post.
I'm really interested in your principles, and I find them in line with many of my own beliefs about teaching. Especially, you wrote, "They are not just the ones that engage only
ReplyDeletethe mind, but emotional and social needs of the learner." I couldn't agree more. Materials reflect teaching, and teaching may or may not be related to learning. But if we want learning to be involved, I think we have to recognize that learners are people who need more than just information.
Anne, that's exactly what I believe in as well. Thank you for such a great comment. I like it a lot.
ReplyDelete