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English Reading and Writing

Read, write and enjoy the journey! Share your thoughts! Think out of the box! Be kind! Do I make mistakes? That's ok. I'm learning and this is a long and great journey!

English Reading and Writing

Read, write and enjoy the journey! Share your thoughts! Think out of the box! Be kind! Do I make mistakes? That's ok. I'm learning and this is a long and great journey!

ERW1_2018/19- Sessão 4 . Challenge 1 and only :) - Academic Writing

Hello, dear students!

I hope you are doing great.

This week I would like to challenge you to read some - at least 3 - academic articles.

I chose two and I kindly ask you to add another one.

1. First task:

Before reading the articles, write about your predictions, expectations, fears, feelings about this task.

2.

During / After reading the following articles, write your thoughts about:

- Experience reading the articles (Easy, challenging vocabulary?)

- The content of the article. Did you learn anything worth sharing/ discussing? Anything surprising?

2.1. First article to read:

Challenges in Teaching English to Young Learners: Global Perspectives and Local Realities by

Fiona Copland, Sue Garton, and anne Burns.

2.2. Second one to read:

Leading Role of Educators in English Language Teaching for Young Learners by

J.L. Du, P.F. Yu and M.L. Li from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China, Griffith University, Australia.

2.3. Third one:

Use this website and / or Google Scholar to find more articles that may be relevant to you and your career.

3.

Finally, If you were writing an academic article, what would be your research issue? Check these tips of advice to help you choose :)

Have a great week!

By the way, we are almost finishing our first module.

On Friday I'm giving you the instructions for the final assessement/task.

YEY!

Enjoy your reading and writing!

nlm

32 comentários

sandra 19.12.2018

Hello!
1. Since I am still busy with evaluation meetings until the end of the week, I'm afraid I do not have time to read the recommended articles and be able to do / participate in the proposed tasks. I admit that I'm a little tired and worried about not being able to reach my goals. However, I'll try to manage my schedule to be able to solve what is requested satisfactorily, since I want to give the best of me and of course learn the best way possible English.

2.1/ 2.2
At first, I found the articles extensive, however, after the first reading I began to realize the vocabulary itself was reasonable. Of course I had my doubts throughout the reading, but after some repeated reads there I was going to decipher !!!
About articles, I thought they were a good choice, for us, young learners. Through them, we can see the results of several studies on the challenges faced by teachers and the leading role of educators in Teaching English to young learners.
“One potentially significant finding is that most teachers seem less concerned about tests and examinations. Another is that teachers are keen to learn about language teaching methodologie” (COPLAND, Fiona, GARTON, Sue and BURNS Anne, 2004 in Challenges in Teaching English to Young Learners: Global Perspectives and Local Realities).

2.3
One of the articles I found interesting and where I found ideas to apply in English classes was: “Using Games as a Tool in Teaching Vocabulary to Young Learners”, where he approaches the importance of games in learning a new language. In this case we can find different games as a tool in teaching vocabulary for young learners, such as: Hot Potatoes, Memory Challenge, Pictionary, Bingo and others. With a variety of games, the students learn in a more playful and funny way. For this, the teachers should choose properly the games to be implemented, that is attention to students level, interest and context.
On the other hand, you can also find examples of lesson plans with these types of activities: games.
“Using Games as a Tool in Teaching Vocabulary to Young Learners”
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1101751.pdf
nlm - the teacher - or nlm's student 20.12.2018

Thanks! I love playing games and I love using them to improve language skills, awareness and motivation.

I am glad you enjoyed reading the articles.

Don't worry about the time pressure/ schedules. Take your time. I understand. Rest, do other things if needed and come back and keep going. We are almost finishing the first module!

sandra 19.12.2018

3.
If I had to write an academic article, I would choose a subject related to my profession, more specifically, related to the area in which I am teaching, Special Education. It would start from a starting point, for example: "What are the teachers' perceptions about the inclusion of children with special educational needs in the classroom?" (If they agree, what are the difficulties, ...).
I believe it would be a good study, and that after this approach we would find solutions to minimize or improve this integration.
Anónimo 04.01.2019

That's a very pertinent subject! You should do it!

misa

Anónimo 19.12.2018

Good evening everyone,

1. My predictions for the upcoming task is that they will be something more challenging, demanding and they will be something more scientific, with a more rigorous vocabulary about some study, probably. I saw this when I looked at the link and the name of one of the authors (Copland) called my attention because when I did the Master in Pedagogical Innovation, I think I rode something about this author, but I do not remember what, I do not even know if I put it in the bibliography of the thesis, because I consulted many. My biggest fear is not doing my best, not because I do not want to dedicate myself to work, but because I feel very tired during this period, because I am still working in school and will only have a few days of rest from December 22nd to December 26th.

I found it very interesting, but with very difficult vocabulary, although I have noticed that it is a work of a scientific study on the challenges in teaching English to young learners.
I found that this article has the main focus on the challenges that English teachers will face when teaching this language to young learners. This study was made in five different countries and some of the concerns of teachers relate to various factors such as indiscipline, big classes, teaching to speak, teaching to write, teaching grammar, but the same happens when teaching our mother tongue, or the speakers native or foreigners living abroad, who learn the same language, but more adapted, if it can be said that way, ie through PLNM (Portuguese Non-Mother Language). In addition, now from my perspective and on the teaching of English in our country, what is it that is done to students with Special Educational Needs? Are they as easy to learn as others? In this discipline, at least in Portugal, there is no differentiation in the teaching of English, or at least no pedagogical adaptations / differentiations are made for these students that exist in our classrooms.
Another challenge they talk about is the skills of English teachers. It is the same when one asks many of the foreigners who have learned Portuguese in the country of origin other than in Portugal. I had two adult foreign students, from Russia who studied Portuguese there, in Russia, but when they wanted to improve their level of linguistic proficiency, it was noticed that in general, as far as oral comprehension and written comprehension were concerned, an average level, but at the grammatical level, not so much. This does not mean that he/she was an unprepared teacher, but it turns out that the Portuguese they learned was not the European one (ours). Nor am I a linguist to discuss all this, nor do I have any superior education in this area. But all this to say that teaching English in our primary schools, I also think that it was a political decision based on the globalization in which we live, where the English language is the most predominant.

2.1 Second article
The article talks about the role of Chinese teachers teaching English (ELT) for young people students. English is a global language.
Teaching English (ELT) for children becomes especially popular in China when, officially became mandatory in primary school in 2001, and was a way for children to better understand their culture from an external perspective.
The Chinese, or the Chinese government, believe that learning English at an early age may be a strategy to regulate their own learning. Even, I personally think it will be a way to dominate the world. Will not be? This is a question for debate.

PS. I will try to do number 1.3 tomorrow.
Good night
MCA - Marco Andrade
nlm - the teacher - or nlm's student 20.12.2018

Thanks Marco for your thoughts.
I enjoyed reading your essay on the first article.
I think article 2 deserves more attention maybe, because it also tackles culture and religion when teaching. :)

One grammar point: Please remember that the past tense of ver "read" is "read" (but pronunciation is /red/). "Rode" is from Ride :)

Have a nice week!

nlm
Anónimo 04.01.2019

Hi Marco!
About your question "what is it that is done to students with Special Educational Needs?"
Well, during my English Teaching experience I've worked with several students with Special Educational Needs and I can say that I've never felt that they were not enyoying or learning because I've always planned activities based on Learning Styles from Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. "Students learn in ways that are identifiably distinctive. The broad spectrum of students -and perhaps the society as a whole - would be better served if disciplines could be presented in a number of ways and learning could be assessed through a variety of means"—Howard Gardner
There's no recipe...We have to create and adapt to suit each student’s needs. As a teacher, we know our own students the best. Saying that, we have to focus on students' interests and needs of a given time, place and environment.
Answering the other question "Are they as easy to learn as others?"
YES!
From my experience they can surprise you with what they're capable off. I had students with Special Educational Needs that were as good or even better than the others called as "normal"!

misa

Anónimo 19.12.2018

2.3 I found very interesting Teaching Foreign Languages to Learners with Special Educational Needs because it is one of the areas of my interest and of which I am specialized. I read the article on Teaching English as a Foreign Language to dyslexic learners. I liked to read it because I got to know some terms in English and it was easier to understand because it is something I already know well.

3. 3. As I mentioned in other challenges, I did a Master's and a postgraduate degree, and I was even invited to speak a little about my dissertation, where I had to write an academic article following all indications and rules for that purpose. I can even leave the abstract of my work, which I find interesting for any area of education.
Abstract
This study, performed in the scope of the Educational Sciences – Pedagogical Innovation Master’s Degree, has per goal the analysis of how a community with a school theatre group builds significant learnings, which arise from socio-constructivist practices. Moreover, the basic principles in regards to the influence and importance of theatre by educational communities are considered throughout the course of this research. The term ‘Community of Practice’, as mentioned by Jeane Lave and Ettiene Wenger, who consider learning to be a situated phenomenon, is used for the analysis and discussion of the emergent learnings of the students in question. Through practical activities, informal methodologies and collaborative work, those learnings may favour and enhance the different human dimensions, especially in an educational system that highly values social relations. Furthermore, it may also affect positively a more humane facet, which is relevant for the inner-development of Man and necessary for a fulfilled life. This case study aims to use a qualitative methodology with techniques of ethnographic character in the subject’s natural environment with the purpose of uncovering subjectivities, bearing in mind the perceptions of each participant. It is concluded that this theatre group, ‘O Moniz’, holds all main elements of a community of practice, namely domain, community and practice, as designated by Wenger (1991). In addition, several characteristics are present which confirm the connection between ‘O Moniz’ and the communities of practice, such as mutual commitment, mutual achievement and shared repertoire.
Key Words: Pedagogical Innovation, Theatre and Community, Community of Practice, Learning.
If you are interested to read it i would be glad to know it , but it is in Portuguese and the title is: PODE UM GRUPO DE TEATRO ESCOLAR SER UMA COMUNIDADE DE PRÁTICA, CONDUCENTE A INOVAÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA?

MCA - Marco Andrade
nlm - the teacher - or nlm's student 26.12.2018

Thanks for sharing. I believe theatre is a great tool for self-development! Almost mandatory for teachers because it teaches about using our voice and bodies in a more efficient way...

nlm
Anónimo 04.01.2019

Thanks for sharing the abstract of your work! I find it very interesting. It reminded me some theatre activities that I've developed (in Portuguese and in English) with some classes, a few years ago... The results were amazing and every group have built significant learnings!!

misa

Anónimo 20.12.2018

1. My predictions are a higher level of difficulty that I can match well and I'll try to continue to overcome for a better learning.

2.1. Challenges in Teaching English to Young Learners: Global Perspectives and Local Realities, in research methodology combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approaches '(e.g., use of qualitative and quantitative viewpoints, data collection, analysis, inference techniques) for the broad purpose of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration', so the 'findings' of teachers perceptions of the challenges were one great point to understand issues, the results from closed question: ranking of factors that would improve learning and teaching (graphic - good: starting english at an earliar age and fewer tests; bad: training in new language teaching methodologies). (Speaking) - challenges identified by teachers in response to open question (they've got a lot of speaking and discipline problems; in other hand got good interactivity, extra school activities and appreciation).
Challenges are experienced by teachers of young learners globally and locally, overall these findings suggest that the challenges teachers face in teaching English to young learners are 'both myriad and common'.
Implications for teacher trainers is that policy changes in many countries have forced the teaching of a second language (often in English), often without proper consideration of adequate resources, which means that research on how to a lot of linguistic proficiency that a young apprentice teacher needs to be effective is vital.
The outcome of this article is a very highlighted issues in teaching English to young learners. It has been shown that teachers are challenged 'partly by lack of training, partly by lack of knowledge, and partly by lack of resources'. Governments policy results in time and energy being spent on introducing teachers to contemporary literature, that doesn't necessarily serve teachers well.
Well, globally teachers identify teaching skills are a challenge that needs to be responded. Differentiation in training courses to materials are certainly an issue.
Different difficulties are localised, like class size, teachers’ confidence and own skills in english, and time pressures. Local challenges are mediated by local educational.
Conditions, strategies and solutions are found on local teachers.
'...argues that teachers should be helped to 'develop the knowledge and skill, attitude, and autonomy necessary to construct their own context-sensitive pedagogic knowledge' and this must surely be the aim of all young learner teacher education.-'.

2.2. Leading role of educators in English language teaching for young learners, the summary and conclusion is a discussion of the leading role of Chinese educators in english language teaching for young learners. English is global and becomes popular compulsory at primary school in early 00'. National presentation of culture, and foreign culture helps children understand native culture from the outside perspective. To be sensitive in culture is required to teachers. Educators with excellent presentation and students well-established practice lead to full production, bringing 'the active intake from the passive input.'
-Early start of English language (teaching can help students think strategically to monitor and regulate their learning.)
-Confucianism and Christianity exert cultural influence in young apprentices.
-A qualified teacher can be generous and benevolent, rather than biased and prejudiced.
So we have to focus on the diversion of culture, where is right and appropriate, and trust in justice and equality.

2.3. I like this one: 'Using Songs Effectively to Teach English to Young Learners', because, besides loving music, it's a more pleasentable and funny way to reach students and they learn and also enjoy more than a 'blackboard and a marker', eheh. So pedagogical tools, good listening to good speaking, opportunity for vocabulary practice, learn patterns, acquire culture and can creat original songs, ...yeah!

(later i'll do the 3.)
DM
nlm - the teacher - or nlm's student 20.12.2018

I love using songs as well. :)
Thanks for your comments/ essays and summaries.

However, I wonder about your personal thoughts, opinions on the issues discussed in the articles given as challenges. Did you agree? Did it add anything to your teaching / thinking? Any surprise?

:)
nlm
Anónimo 20.12.2018

For me the politics that is needed to 'help' teachers with their 'problems' like: materials, a better payment and a better schedule organization, is a long old battle which lasts for years and the speed that we need isn't a walking speed but a running speed. Teacher is a profession of weariness... But that's another conversation. :)
Anónimo 20.12.2018

DM
Anónimo 20.12.2018

It was me DM, (Anónimo 20.12.2018 20:33) sorry eheh
Anónimo 04.01.2019

Hi!
I share your opinion that using songs is a more pleasentable and funny way to reach students and in fact it's a good way to teach English. I've always used songs, ALWAYS!

misa

Anónimo 21.12.2018

2.3.
After browsing a little bit the web, I found interesting, among others articles, “Teaching English to Young Learners: Learning Materials”. It was easy to read and understand.
The article from B. Yuniar Diyanti anchors in the basic premise that materials are important resources for teachers in assisting pupils to learn English. Those materials may include textbooks, workbooks, story books, videos, pictures, brochures, menus, interactive CDs, etc.
She explores the importance of take some considerations when we choose and select learning materials to our classes. Diyanti discuss the hypothesis to create new materials ourselves, to adapt existing materials or simply use existent materials.
This article gives us, teachers, great tips about the right materials to use in our classes.

ASEA
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Anónimo 22.12.2018

2- Good evening,
sincerely, my greatest fears and expectations are relative to my availability and the extent of the task. Due to my situation of not being placed in school, I work every day with a taxi, where I get up very early, working fifteen or more hours a day, which makes me feel very tired when I want to do homework. of course I'm doing the complements of free will and I have to do the tasks, give my best and meet the expectations.
2.1-
About the article, I confess I didn’t know the authors. Regarding the content I find the vocabulary a bit difficult and extensive, because I had never read such an article in English so big. Nowadays, in an era of so many technological advances, English teachers in Basic Education face enormous challenges. First and foremost, the entire educational community, especially parents, has enormous expectations about the development of their children in relation to the English language, as they begin to take English classes so early. In this sense, the demands made on teachers increase and the teacher has to live up to the challenge. The question then arises: Will teachers be prepared for such a challenge? What are the constraints to the success of the task? Is it beneficial for the community that children start learning the English language early? This article focuses mainly on two questions: What teachers perceive about the challenges they face in the teaching of English in primary school and the second focuses on the type of teaching practiced in general or locally. There are several theses that answer these questions, but on the whole the main determinants to the good performance and overcoming the challenges are the preparation or training of the teachers, the working conditions and the context that has to be always taken into account. Difficulties in teaching English, such as class size, working conditions, resources, are cross-cutting, although they are transversal to other disciplines. We can conclude that after comparing the studies, teachers have a handicap in their basic training, although some did not begin their teaching activity in English, on the other hand the approach to the themes, the pedagogical differentiation in is provided most of the time. I think it will be better around here. About the results in general I was not very surprised because they were within what I think are the biggest challenges facing English teachers today.
To retain: Pedagogical differentiation; Improved basic training and continuing training actions; Always take into account the educational context; Educational Policy and Materials to be used.

2.2-
The article tells us about the mastery of English in education around the world. In fact, the language considered universal is English and in China today, economically powerful and with growing international relations, the importance of knowing fluently this language is seen as a great asset as preparation and development for employment. The growing interest in learning this language also represents an openness to the influence of Western culture over native language. The influence of Western culture on Confucianism is also mentioned, although the natives maintain the plunderings of this doctrine which are the formation of men of virtue and ruthlessness of their actions. From 2001 on with the plan of action implemented by the Ministry of Education in China, all primary schools became English which did not invalidate the continued belief in the doctrine of Confucianism. Incidentally, the growing western influence in Chinese education is perfectly compatible with the values implanted in the decades. I think that the teaching of English in China today is more than necessary due to the challenges that are posed
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Anónimo 22.12.2018

to the Country as a nation, more than to want to lead the world, is a matter of need, a vision of the future and of vital importance for the future of the country.
2.3-
I think that teaching English at ages as early as five and six years should be taught through games. In my teaching activity, I already had the possibility of experiencing the use of games in teaching Portuguese and mathematics, through a non-curricular activity that had the name of '' Play to Learn''. It was a beautiful experience where I had the possibility to verify that when the children are motivated with activities of their liking can take great advantage in the learning level. For this reason, I enjoyed the article '' Using Games as a Tool in Teaching Vocabulary to Young Learners ''. This article proves how through the games of vocabulary children will remember more easily. Yetenberg (1990) states that children have a very short attention span, so the choice of activities is very important, as well as praising children makes them feel motivated. Philips, however, attaches particular importance to making activities fun with motivating and stimulating tasks. For his part, Slattery says that these students need a variety of activities, they should listen, imitate, observe and do. So they learned better. Through the games, which should be interesting, students like to learn more and is a more effective way of teaching.
Several games in the article are mentioned as effective in learning the vocabulary, "Hot Potato", "Last One Standing", etc ... Note that games should always be chosen according to the level, context and the interest of the students.

3-
I would like to write an academic article on the topic of Autism with the theme: “The prevalence of Autism Spectrum in schools of the Pre and First Cycle of Porto Santo: A challenge for school communities”. Two years ago I was placed in the Basic School of Porto Santo, a small island with about four thousand inhabitants and I noticed that in the First Cycle there are many children with Autism or Asperger Syndrome that there were already many children in the various Pre-schools with the same reference. I confess that I was very surprised by the huge prevalence of cases in relation to the schools in Madeira and therefore I would like to discuss this subject in order to obtain answers to what may be in the genesis of this situation and in some way help to aminimize this problem that I consider to be serious.
Ricardo Alves RA
Anónimo 04.01.2019

Hi!
I found very interesting your article topic's choice and the theme “The prevalence of Autism Spectrum in schools of the Pre and First Cycle of Porto Santo: A challenge for school communities”.
You should do it!!!

misa

Anónimo 22.12.2018

If I were writing an academic article, I'd research about the importance of a good portfolio. The strategys, identity, skills and originality for their professional development and autonomy. The improvement of reflective practice&recognition, 'learn to learn', qualitative methodology and all that are important tools to define a formative character of structuring learning. So portfolio is an instrument that promotes the capacities of organization, reflection and self-criticism.

DM
Anónimo 22.12.2018

This was the 3 exercise

DM
nlm - the teacher - or nlm's student 26.12.2018

Then I think you are going to enjoy our last task. : )

nlm
Anónimo 04.01.2019

Nice choice !! An article about the importance of a good portfolio!

misa
Anónimo 07.01.2019

yes! :) with a great final challenge!

nlm

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