Chapter 5 really got me nervous about having my teaching observed. (I have to be observed this coming week). I found the activities that were being observed more interesting than the findings; granted I want the information from the findings so I don't make those errors myself. I liked the activity in which one student had to describe a picture to another student who couldn't see it. I think this sounds difficult even with two native speakers, but fun. At one point there seemed to be some contradiction with the feedback results. On pg 127 it was stated that "...student uptake was least likely to occur after recasts..." and on page 128 it states "...learners notice and respond to recasts in ways that may contribute positively to their second language development...". Although they are talking about children and adults respectively, I would think similar techniques would be required across the board.
The statement in chapter six that really called out to me was that "learners' beliefs about the kind of instruction that is best can influence their satisfaction and success" (p139). I am dealing with this in the class I am teaching now. They really want comments and information on grammar, but I know that is not what they need.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Excellent observation about the efficacy of recasts for children vs. adults. It may also have to do with the way students are taught, i.e. recasts may be more successful in structure-based classrooms and less so in communicative/meaning-based classrooms.
With regards to your students, perhaps you could explain why you are doing what you are doing and back that up with research. You could also give them bits and pieces of grammar mini-lessons as you see fit based on their writing problems.
I think you should satisfied the students with what they asked for and if you think that is not what they want then you should divert them to the right path.
I always hate being observed. It's kind of like driving by a cop car; that's when you do something stupid. THings that never happen happen when someone is watching. Just remember, it feels worse than it is. Our nerves magnify everything.
Post a Comment