Writing Practice Week XI

Ancient History

          For the long time ago, human lived with simple life and survival from the nature. As we know, the first age in the past is stone age. Human in stone age lived in the cave. We called "caveman" Everyday, They went to the forest for collect the food and hunting the animal. They use the tools with made from stone such as Spear, Axes and hammer. They wear the clothe from skin animal or leaf. Most people in stone Age travel a lot for finding the new land. They will move if where they lived wasn't safe. By the way, I think the last people in Stone age has to learnt for survival. They changed anything for better than old lived and made new technology. Finally, Stone Age became to Bronze Age.

          Bronze Age was after Stone Age. This era, human knew to build the house simply from the wood and stone. People in the Bronze Age were farming simple. They weren't go to forest for hunting anymore. They learnt to develop technology such as Ax, Spear, Bow and arrow etc. That's the thing has more effectively because it's made from bronze. but it's can't use longer. However, living condition in bronze age were better than old time. People were not travel a lot like before but they still learnt to contact another people in different land for to make relationship and exchange the products.

          After that, Iron Age was after Bronze Age for 5000 year ago. There are changed being of human and develop technology. technology in Iron age such as Tool or weapon etc. It's made from Iron or steel. That the thing will be use effectively. In addition, people were farming complex. And then,people learnt to build the house from concrete. It's very safety! They were the clothe with made from cotton,leather, and silk. It's comfortable. However, This era was begin the war. They were fight with each other for freedom and empire. Iron age is the first era that people begin to used the simple gun. Moreover, Strategy to use in the war is very important because it's can bring victory. That's all I know. 

          To conclude, These eras is different and change by the time. Either people in the Stone Age,Bronze Age and Iron Age, The one thing is same. That's "They weren't stop to develop themselves. For example, being,Technology and knowledge. From the past to the present, everything is precious gift. We own it! So, you don't throw it easily. 

___________________________________

Speaking Practice in Real Situation

From this Video , I'm practice to communicate with my friend by using English and asking about "Roti" 

I'm feel shy! many word that I speak is wrong. but I think that's OK. 

Writing Practice Week X

Iron Age in Thailand and Rome

Good Morning Teacher and students, lady and gentleman. My name is Mata. My major is English of Education. Today, I would like to talk about “Iron Age in Thailand and Rome” Have you ever heard of the “Iron Age?”

  Iron Age was begin after Bronze Age for the long time ago. There are changed being of human and develop from Bronze Age for better than old times. Namely, Technology in Iron Age such as Tools, Weapon etc. made from Iron or steel. That the thing will be use effectively. Everything was change! People in Iron Age lived in the house which build from wood like Bronze Age but it’s better. Moreover, People in Iron Age knew to connect with other people in different zones of the earth. Sometimes, they were took the land for to lived. That’s why begun the war. They were fight with each other for freedom and empire.

The Iron Age took place about 500 BC in Rome. I know just little bit but I’m sure Roman Empire was a great powerful in old time. They rule people with democracy. I don’t know who the great leader in Roman Empire. I just know only one. The one name is “Julius Caesar” He was a famous leader of Rome during the Iron Age, because he was a dictator. That’s all I know.

The Iron Age took place about 1700 year ago in Thailand. There are found the archeological evidence in many places such as Ong ba cave, None Nok Ta and Ban Don Ta Phet. These things showed history about civilization in Thailand.

   If I lived in the Iron Age Thailand, I think that so good because it’s calm and not crowded. Technology in Iron Age is nearly like today. But there are the one thing I’m afraid, that’s the war. We fight around the country. A prize to the man who take the leader’s head. I think I’m very rich if I fight the enemy. Thank you for your attention. I’m glad to speak with you. Thank you so much!

Learning Log Outside classroom #6

The 10 Principles of Listening

A good listener will listen not only to what is being said, but also to what is left unsaid or only partially said.

Effective listening involves observing body language and noticing inconsistencies between verbal and non-verbal messages.

For example, if someone tells you that they are happy with their life but through gritted teeth or with tears filling their eyes, you should consider that the verbal and non-verbal messages are in conflict, they maybe don't mean what they say.

1. Stop Talking

“If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear.” Mark Twain.

Don't talk, listen.  When somebody else is talking listen to what they are saying, do not interrupt, talk over them or finish their sentences for them.  Stop, just listen.  When the other person has finished talking you may need to clarify to ensure you have received their message accurately.

2. Prepare Yourself to Listen

Relax.  Focus on the speaker.  Put other things out of mind.  The human mind is easily distracted by other thoughts – what’s for lunch, what time do I need to leave to catch my train, is it going to rain – try to put other thoughts out of mind and concentrate on the messages that are being communicated.

3. Put the Speaker at Ease

Help the speaker to feel free to speak.  Remember their needs and concerns.  Nod or use other gestures or words to encourage them to continue.  Maintain eye contact but don’t stare – show you are listening and understanding what is being said.

4. Remove Distractions

Focus on what is being said: don’t doodle, shuffle papers, look out the window, pick your fingernails or similar. Avoid unnecessary interruptions.  These behaviours disrupt the listening process and send messages to the speaker that you are bored or distracted.

5. Empathise

Try to understand the other person’s point of view.  Look at issues from their perspective.  Let go of preconceived ideas.  By having an open mind we can more fully empathise with the speaker.  If the speaker says something that you disagree with then wait and construct an argument to counter what is said but keep an open mind to the views and opinions of others. 

See our page: What is Empathy?

6. Be Patient

A pause, even a long pause, does not necessarily mean that the speaker has finished.  Be patient and let the speaker continue in their own time, sometimes it takes time to formulate what to say and how to say it.  Never interrupt or finish a sentence for someone.

7. Avoid Personal Prejudice

Try to be impartial.  Don't become irritated and don't let the person’s habits or mannerisms distract you from what they are really saying.  Everybody has a different way of speaking - some people are for example more nervous or shy than others, some have regional accents or make excessive arm movements, some people like to pace whilst talking - others like to sit still.  Focus on what is being said and try to ignore styles of delivery.

8. Listen to the Tone

Volume and tone both add to what someone is saying.  A good speaker will use both volume and tone to their advantage to keep an audience attentive; everybody will use pitch, tone and volume of voice in certain situations – let these help you to understand the emphasis of what is being said. 

See our page: Effective Speaking for more.

9. Listen for Ideas – Not Just Words

You need to get the whole picture, not just isolated bits and pieces.  Maybe one of the most difficult aspects of listening is the ability to link together pieces of information to reveal the ideas of others.   With proper concentration, letting go of distractions, and focus this becomes easier.

10. Wait and Watch for Non-Verbal Communication

Gestures, facial expressions, and eye-movements can all be important.  We don’t just listen with our ears but also with our eyes – watch and pick up the additional information being transmitted via non-verbal communication.

Reference:  http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/listening-skills.html#ixzz2i4mYx2RK

Learning Log Outside Classroom #5

The Value of Observation

          Observation is an important part of learning how to teach. Much of what beginner teachers need to be aware of can not be learned solely in the university class. Therefore classroom observationpresents an opportunity to see real-life teachers in real-life teaching situations. In their reflections, many of our teacher friends mention their observations and how these observations influence the way they plan and teach. Teachers are forever reflecting and making decisions, and when they see someone else in action, in as much as they are seeing someone else, they are almost simultaneously seeing themselves. This means that observation is important at every stage of a teacher’s career. In this section we will discuss the importance and value of observation, not only for student teachers, but for ALL teachers.

What is classroom observation? Why is it important?

          Classroom observation describes the practice of sitting in on another teacher’s class to observe, learn and reflect. Various aspects of the class can be examined, such as routines, use of time, schedule, participation, teaching strategies, management strategies, learner interest, and much more. A teacher will naturally look for support on an issue that is difficult for him or her, but it is often a great method of being exposed to a new and different approach to teaching. 

Observation is important at every stage of a teacher’s career. In areas of Asia, professional development has for a very long time included what is known as demonstration lessons; a master teacher, who has perhaps prepared students with some new strategies, invites many local teachers into their classroom to observe, and following the lesson a question and answer period takes place. All of the teachers involved, regardless of whether they are master teachers or beginning teachers, have the opportunity to dialogue together and learn from one another. This is a more recent trend in North America; schools are now trying to create opportunities for teachers to observe other teachers in their subject area, either in their own school or in other schools.

What should observation for a beginner teacher include? 

          For a teacher at the beginning of their career, there are some general issues that the teacher would need to observe and identify.  The focus would be on general pedagogic knowledge, which includes issues such as classroom management, differentiation and instructional strategies.

However, with training and experience teachers would need to progress to focus on other issues, which can be categorized as Pedagogic Content Knowledge (PCK). In this case, the teachers would focus on the overlap between pedagogic knowledge and content knowledge and specifically with an interest in what takes place in an SL classroom.

For example, it would be difficult to imagine an SL classroom without pair work activities. In other classes and other subjects one might observe group work activities; however, due to the linguistic content, there would be significant differences between the interactive exercises. In other subjects group work or pair work might be optional; but in a language classroom they are absolutely necessary. Furthermore, beginner SL learners require much more structure in an activity than beginners in other courses, because the structure increases the likelihood of success.

Why participate in classroom observation?

          Classroom observation can often help expose teachers to new methods of teaching that might not have occurred to them beforehand. It may be threatening to be subject to peer observation since teachers might feel territorial and defensive in their classroom and protective of their resources and ideas. However, when it is done in a considerate and respectful fashion, observation can be beneficial for both the observing teacher and the teacher being observed. Below are some benefits of observation in the classroom.

• Observe new techniques, strategies, ideas and resources
• Gain insight into one's own strategies and techniques
• Observe student reactions from a different perspective
• Help create a professional learning community with the best interests of the students in mind
• Personal Professional Development and growth

Benefits for the observed…

• Chance to see class through someone else’ eyes
• Chance to re-evaluate the classroom from a different perspective
• Chance to receive input (suggestions, ideas, resources) from a colleague
• Creation of a professional learning community with the best interests of the students in mind
• Personal Professional Development and growth

Best practices involves the sharing of resources, techniques and strategies. Allowing another teacher into one’s classroom allows for sharing between both of them; it also allows for self-reflection by all involved. Teachers are responsible for their own growth and development, and observation is an excellent alternative to the traditional Professional Development seminars.

What might you be looking for during observation?

          One of the main challenges for observation is knowing what to look for. Some teacher education programs offer checklists for observation but it is often difficult to find specific checklists for subject areas, such as second language teaching.

Some specific things that one can look for when observing include how the teacher structures an activity; what the actual instructions are and whether they are given in English or the target language; if the teacher use synonyms for those basic instructions, or uses the same words, and what were those words; does the teacher give some visual cues to accompany those instructions; are the instructions divided into three or four steps with a visual icon visible on the board. These observations can be made because you are observing a more experienced teacher of second languages, or a teacher who is far more aware of what it takes to structure a classroom for the success of second language learners.

Reference: http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/observation.html

Learning Log Outside Classroom #4

Reading Teaching

Traditionally, the purpose of learning to read in a language has been to have access to the literature written in that language. In language instruction, reading materials have traditionally been chosen from literary texts that represent "higher" forms of culture.

The communicative approach to language teaching has given instructors a different understanding of the role of reading in the language classroom and the types of texts that can be used in instruction. When the goal of instruction is communicative competence, everyday materials such as train schedules, newspaper articles, and travel and tourism Web sites become appropriate classroom materials, because reading them is one way communicative competence is developed. Instruction in reading and reading practice thus become essential parts of language teaching at every level.

Integrating Reading Strategies

Instruction in reading strategies is not an add-on, but rather an integral part of the use of reading activities in the language classroom. Instructors can help their students become effective readers by teaching them how to use strategies before, during, and after reading.

Before reading:

            ·         Plan for the reading task

            ·         Set a purpose or decide in advance what to read for

            ·         Decide if more linguistic or background knowledge is needed

            ·         Determine whether to enter the text from the top down (attend to the overall meaning) or from the bottom up (focus on the words and phrases)

During and after reading:

            ·         Monitor comprehension

            ·         Verify predictions and check for inaccurate guesses

            ·         Decide what is and is not important to understand

            ·         Reread to check comprehension

            ·         Ask for help

After reading:

            ·         Evaluate comprehension and strategy use

            ·         Evaluate comprehension in a particular task or area

            ·         Evaluate overall progress in reading and in particular types of reading tasks

            ·         Decide if the strategies used were appropriate for the purpose and for the task

            ·         Modify strategies if necessary

Techniques for Reading Teaching

Reading aloud:

            1)      Basic Steps of Teaching (BST)  

            2)      Reading for Fluency (Chain Reading)

            3)      Reading and Look up

            4)      Speed Reading

            5)      Reading for Accuracy  

Silent Reading:

            1)      Pre-Reading

            2)      While-Reading

            3)      Post-Reading

References: 

 

http://khuanchira503.blogspot.com/p/reading-skill.html       http://www.nclrc.org/essentials/reading/goalsread.html

Writing Practice Week IX

Does modern day communication via social network put on end of true and sincere relationship? 

          Communication is important for contract people. all people use communication in different purpose such as business , entertain, news etc. there is use shortly time to connect. By the way, people already known as "social network" it has a lot of people to use it. so, you should be careful when you use social network.

          Social network is same as real life because people who using social network are different. so that true. it has good people and bad people both. you must accept about that. So, when you want to meet with new people in social network, you must treat with new people as your treat yourself. keep your sincere that was enough.

          Moreover , some people in social network is lied. it's too bad if we meet this people. sometimes, they lie you because they want something from you. but you don't worry about this. you're just don't trust every word. you must think about that before you believe them. On the other hand, they might say truth. you must think about that because you never know about that new person. it's maybe better if you listened them. At the same time, you don't speak rude with them. Otherwise, you will going down and the end come to your.

          In fact, using social network as a mean of communication doesn't wear down the sincerity. but it's depend on between two user. the only thing that can wear down sincerity is something lying within the mind of each party.

---------------------------------