Wonderful Time Working with English Language Teachers
I’ve had a great start to the new year working with more than a hundred English language teachers in Kuala Lumpur but from various parts of the country, last Saturday and today.
The teachers who turned up were enthusiastic and there was keen participation. There was a lovely mix of novice and experienced teachers. It was quite clear that these teachers were interested in being there! They were open to ideas and so very willing to share their knowledge, experience and skills.
Reading the texts with these teachers was an enjoyable experience. It is always interesting when there are variations in the readings of the texts. A fresh point of view livens up any discussion. And there were quite a few of these!!!
January 20th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Dear Dr. Edwin,
Noted. I have been longing to learn someting more from you. I will try my best to attend the workshop, maybe Jacqueline will come with me. Take care Dr. Edwin.
Best Regards,
Alex
January 20th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Well, what I taught you and your classmates was to help you have an in-depth reading of the texts. As teachers, you will have to adapt to your students’ levels and abilties.
FUN is indeed most inportant in the learning experience. I’ve written articles along these lines and have one called “Reading as a Pleasurable Activity”.
There will be WOU workshops in Skudai (27 and 28 Feb.) - quite close to Batu Pahat!
Hope to see you some time, Alex.
Keep well.
January 20th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Dear Dr. Edwin,
I am sure that those teachers had really enjoyed discussing and sharing experiences with you.
I have just participated a Kursus for new literature component starting this year. We were introduced with “FUN” teaching skills and activities and students will have “Fun” learning. We were told that there is no longer “Teaching Lit in Depth” like what Dr. Edwin had taught us last time.
I am quite sad about this as there is less underlying meaning conveyed in the text. But, Drama is introduced this year. For me, most of the poems, short- stories, novels and Drama are down to earth. Students will easily understand the text and i personally dont think that the texts will invoke thier thoughts.
Some of the activities were new to me as i didnt expose these at UPM. Quite fun for students but i think these activities could most probably carry out with intermediate to advanced students as there are more willing to participate when it comes to students centered atmosphere.
Therefore, i have to read the new texts again and adapt myself to the current trend of teaching Lit. However, i will try to train students to examine the language and enjoy the real Lit:-)
Best Regards,
Alex