So, as this course draws to a conclusion, it's time for you to reflect a little!
Based on what you have learned and experienced in this course, what are the three most prominent things that stick in your mind? What things surprised you or will stay in your mind the next time you contemplate teaching practical English skills?
~ Jason
First of all, the different kinds of skills Mr.Rensahw applied to the class were amazing. I learned how to write a inquiry letter, wrote an movie review, made a survey on the questions I made up, debated, and so many others. I was startled to see how they beautifully worked in the class. I observed Mr. Renshaw running the class smoothly applying the skills, which is a quite large size of the class. I now learned some skills that I can apply to my own students and need experience.
Secondly, I learned the importance of lesson plan. It seemed Mr. Renshaw had a very clear lesson plan before the class started, carefully managing what to do and how long it takes. I felt the class went more efficient that way. I learned that I need a lesson plan and a good one which will work.
Thirdly, the use of various sources for teaching. I myself am applying to my students to write something online, so that other students and I can share, or do some other works using their PC. As the technology develops, there seems to be many ways we can use it as the teaching aids. I got some hints from Mr. Renshaw, which is very helpful to design my own teaching.
After taking this class, I accepted that it is possible to utilize speaking class for many students at once. I did not believed it before and when I have to criticize Korean education system, I always pointed that there are so many students in one classroom that effective and practical teaching is not working. However, through Jason's teaching models, I could understand how to deal large class efficiently.
Next, It is clear that this class showed how to naturally make students participate in the lesson. I used to think of making communicative lesson vaguely. For example, to make students participate in, teachers have to make pairs of students and just force them to talk about something. Though, we all went through Jason's lesson style, in which we naturally, unconsciously communicate in English to do the tasks.
Also I remember the lesson about how to integrate 4 skills in one unit. I thought that integration of the unit is consistency of theme or topic.(Now I know it was just superficial thing) I even insisted my theory to Jason that a certain unit which my group got was not really organized well because the consistency of the theme was broken. After listening to all of us, Jason explained deep integration of 4 skills in the unit. I was shocked and in shame but by that experience, I acquired what integration is.
Hello^^ This is Samuel. How are you?
I don't know how many principles I have learned during the semester. But I can say that I learned lots of things how teachers should be.
First of all, Teachers are not directors or commanders. As a teacher, one don't have any right to say "Do this, do that." Instead, teachers should be a role-model as Dr. Jason showed us. When we studied about how to inquire to a tour company, he really sent an email to a company and he showed us. When teachers do something, students follow the teachers.
Second, good teachers make good students, not good students make good teachers. When I was a secondary school student, some teachers told me "Don't make me a bad teacher." If they were really good teachers, they should not have said like that.
Third, a student who enjoys is the best learner. Most Korean teachers make the students sick of English. But as a student, also as a teacher, we should enjoy English. I really enjoyed the class and as a result I got a really valuable book which I will keep as one of my family treasure.
I have one more idea. I am unable to put the class out of my mind. So if you want, how about having a small party together? Maybe just after the final exam would be better. If you want to have a party(have dinner together, or drink), please send me a message with your name and department. Then, I will let you know. My cell phone number is 010-9911-3263. If nobody wants, I'll drink soju by myself.
Requirement- people who......
People who think that Teaching Practical English class was the best in the world.
People who think that Dr. Jason is the most impressive teacher.
People who will be in Dr. Jason's class next year again.
People who think that Samuel is the most handsome in the class.
People who think that Samuel is not Korean.
People who like to drink.
Anyone can join.
Good luck for your final lesson plan.
Wow! as expected, you are one of the most enthusiastic students in our class! About your final suggestion, I agree to! and I want to join the party!
Sanghee, Samuel...anyway, thank you for your energetic attitude and mood to give strength to our practical English class, as Jason said!
You too good luck for your final lesson plan test!
See you~ Samuel!
I've learned a variety of things during this class thakns to our teacher Jason and you guys, very kind colleagues, but, in this time, I'll tell several impressive things.
First thing I remember is how to make practical speaking test relevant to our real situation. Do you remember? I think it was very funny to make it even though it was also test. And it was motivated enough for the students to take a test hardly and pleasantly. In addition, as you know, it was different from the old-fasioned speaking test we've taken.
Secondly, I've learned how to make all of the students speak English in limited class time such as arguing and doing research, do you remember, it was also funny and it is possible to give the chance to speak English. So I think that kind of metheod is really necessary for a future teacher.
Last, as a future teacher, I could experience how to improve the students' listening skill effectively, for example, don't you remeber the group activity that we acted and spoke what we listened to. It was also interestig and very impressive.
Thank you, Jason and our class colleagues during this semester! Have a good day and good luck for yor last final exam!
What I learned from this course is actually a lot.
First, I could learn how to use integrated skill and many teaching methods as curriculum meant. We dealt with variety tasks and learned from Jason. I've never thought about integrated skill before, but after taking this course, I became to use this method when I plan my lesson plan.
Secondly, I could learn what TOEIC SPEAKING TEST is and we directly cope with this and it is quite good opportunity for me. Moreover, not only TOEIC SPEAKING TEST, but also we learned other tasks which are being used in other countries. It was also great.
Finally, I didn’t like tasks using computer, but after this course, I feel easier to utilize some materials like using computer or headset.
Thank you, Jason and all of you.
I have learned many thing through this course. Especially, I want to say the most impressive things that you teached to me briefly.
First, I have learned what integrated skill is.
Also, this course helps me make my own principles as a future English teacher.
Lastly, I have learned the way I can help students improve their English ability from this course.
This course is great opportunity not only to learn English but also to learn many practical knowledges.
Thank you, Jason.
Take care!!!^.^
I've learned many things through this course. I'm sure that this is the best lecture I've taken. I want to thank Mr.Renshaw.
The best point is that I could have many opportunities to do various activities that I hadn't been able to experience in other classes. Through this course I could experience many various activity like sending e-mail to foreigner, making lesson plan, speaking test, becoming to know new type of test form, group debating and thinking about mt principle of teaching...etc. I think these experiences can be good source in my life as a teacher.
It is hard to choose several thing because all the moment was continuous series of learning. Among them, recent group debating was rememberable. Even thoug my major is English education, I haven't had many chances to speak in English in front of people. Furthermore the fact that I was leader gave me more pressure. I practiced and practiced before the class, but I couldn't remember what I should speak in the speaking time. So I couldn't present smoothly. It was an embarrasing but a good experience. Through this chance I could have opportunity to present in front of people. And I decided that to be a good teacher, a good speaker I need more stydying and practice and experience. It was a good stimulus to me.
As I was sophomore I haven't taken many classess about English education yet. So I became to know integrated skill for the first time in the class. I think this is an effective way to teach English. So I'm going to make use of this this skill actively when I become teacher.
Looking back on this semester it is lucky that I could take this course. I realized to become a good teacher is not easy. But this is the way I chose, and I want to become a good teacher. To do so I should really work hard.
Anyway I'm sorry that our classes has ended. I will miss you.
I can't forget you guys and Mr.Renshaw...
...Good bye
I totally agree with Samuel. I want to see you and Mr.Renshaw again.
Let's get together!!
Through this course, I learned a lot. It allows me to bring a lot of changes to me. Even there are so many things to say, I'll just point out three things.
Firstly, you reminded me of the saying, "Rome was not built in a day." Once you told us about the attitude of teachers' college students. You said that they seemed to belive that some magical power will make them a good teacher. I was really shocked when I heared that because I was that kind of student, who couldn't realize it before. After that moment, I came to know that only ceaseless effort can make me a good teacher.
Moreover, your class let me think in a teacher's view. For the past 21 years, I was at a student position, which means I didn't have a chance to take teacher's roll. However, during many activities like setting up my own teaching principle and devising lesson plans, I could see the class as a instructor's way, not in learner's. It was a meaningful change to me. Actually, this feeling made me decide to become a teacher. Before that, I was not sure whethere I wanted to be a teacher or not eventhough I entered teacher's college. So, thank you Jason :D
Latly, I could get more familiar with English. At first, lot of assignments and activities were huge stress as I am not that good in English. However, as time goes by, I came to accustomed to it and now I don't feel much reluctance in English. Now I don't feel shame even if I make some mistakes when speaking or writing in English. Maybe that's the biggest change that happened to me.
Jason, thank you again. I hope I can see you before you leave Korea. Take care :)
Impressive. At the first time I took this class, I didn't know that it would be that impressive. I've learned more and better things than I expected. There are the three most prominent things that stick in my mind.
The first thing is to make a realistic situation. We had some tasks like writing a movie review, short speech, discussing together, and doing a debate. These tasks are conducted as if we were in the real situation. I think it'll be more good to learn English in the actual situation rather than to learn it just depending on what teacher explains. In addition, this way makes students active in learning English.
The second thing is to integrate English skills. Rather than teaching English skills respectively, integrating them together will be much more practical. People organize and memorize what they learn better when the contents they learn are based on common connection. When I teach English someday, I will never forget this principle. This is a really important thing to give a practical lecture.
The third thing is to use the internet for several purposes. Global-english.lefora.com was really great space to learn English in many ways. I communicate with all the students and Mr.Renshaw, giving and getting feedbacks, submitting my assignments, even taking some English exams. Actually, it was another classroom. Although lectures were over, it was not over to learn. I discussed many things from what is practical English to making a lesson plan. I feel like this class was the most beneficial one that I've ever taken, and I also feel like I've learned much more things than I expected. I think this internet forum made it possible.
I thank you so much. I'll never forget your enthusiam that you showed in this class.
The class was so inspiring in terms of providing different perspectives on teaching English and practical skills for communicating with our students.
Most importantly, I realized that everything depends on teacher's enthusiasm and capabilty and based on this, I am encouraged enough to vehemently step into a public school setting not losing my hope to change our students and Educational system.
I can not say how lucky I was that I could take your class for this and last semeter. Your dedication and creativity were absolutely inspiring that I am trying to encarve everything I learned from you in my mind.
Thank you so much.
This class was definately ,um what can I say, different. I've been studying English for so long and I've never learned anything like this before. For the first few weeks of the class, I thoguht this was more appropriate for the juniors. However, I soon found out why this class was made for the freshmen. By taking the class this term, I will be able to look carefully at how teachers handle students and carry on with their lesson plans, principles and things like that. There is a couple more things I want to mention. I got to know how to deal with large number of students in a class. I could get to realize that even teaching them in English is possible. One more thing I gained is how to encourage students who are afraid of Engilsh. It is to start speak in Swedish or some language other than English to motivate. As I said in class, I really want to use this way of encouraging to my future students.
Well, things have never been easy in this class. However, we all know what that eventually means, don't we?
Hi Sunggyoo,
First of all, the different kinds of skills Mr.Rensahw applied to the class were amazing. I learned how to write a inquiry letter, wrote an movie review, made a survey on the questions I made up, debated, and so many others. I was startled to see how they beautifully worked in the class. I observed Mr. Renshaw running the class smoothly applying the skills, which is a quite large size of the class. I now learned some skills that I can apply to my own students and need experience.-sunggyoopark
Yes, you need to have good variety of things going on in your practical English class. I would just say that you need to be careful not to over-estimate the "smooth" factor. These activities were used in a class of (mostly) highly motivated adult learners, who also have in the back of their mind the importance of performing well to get a good grade in a credit level course. In real school settings, the students may be less cooperative, less interested, and less capable with engaging with some of the activities. Many may not also care all that much given their primary goal is a good test score, which is outside the influence of the actual class/classroom teacher. My point is ~ perservere and don't take things too much to heart if some of the things you've learned in this course don't instantly transfer well to actual classrooms. They are a starting point for you to work on.
Secondly, I learned the importance of lesson plan. It seemed Mr. Renshaw had a very clear lesson plan before the class started, carefully managing what to do and how long it takes. I felt the class went more efficient that way. I learned that I need a lesson plan and a good one which will work.
I'm glad you noticed this. Actually, for almost every class there was approximately twice as much time spent planning and preparing than the actual class time. But if these activities are to be replicated with future learners or multiple classes, the preparation and planning time will have been worth it. :-)
Thirdly, the use of various sources for teaching. I myself am applying to my students to write something online, so that other students and I can share, or do some other works using their PC. As the technology develops, there seems to be many ways we can use it as the teaching aids. I got some hints from Mr. Renshaw, which is very helpful to design my own teaching.
That's great. Use of interactive technology for classroom and language learning is still quite limited, despite all the hype. I hope you really go ahead on this front. It will make your teaching more innovative and effective, and it will further motivate your students.
Thanks for your participation in this class, Sunggyoo. You have always been very energetic, very positive, very polite, and very involved. I think you will make an outstanding language teacher, if that is the path you eventually decide to take.
Best wishes,
~ Jason
Hi Yoori,
After taking this class, I accepted that it is possible to utilize speaking class for many students at once. I did not believed it before and when I have to criticize Korean education system, I always pointed that there are so many students in one classroom that effective and practical teaching is not working. However, through Jason's teaching models, I could understand how to deal large class efficiently.-yoorichoi
I'm glad to hear it, Yoori. In some ways it is just the simple and practical things that are so important. However, as I mentioned to Sanggyoo, bear in mind that things may be considerably less smooth when trying to get this happening with actual classrooms of teenagers. You'll need to work at it, and not give up if things don't work perfectly the first time you try them.
Next, It is clear that this class showed how to naturally make students participate in the lesson. I used to think of making communicative lesson vaguely. For example, to make students participate in, teachers have to make pairs of students and just force them to talk about something. Though, we all went through Jason's lesson style, in which we naturally, unconsciously communicate in English to do the tasks.
Again, applying this in real classes may go less smoothly ~ you'll need to be patient. But I'm glad you noticed the importance of "tasks", which combined with natural-feeling group and pair work can create a communicative atmosphere surprisingly easily.
Also I remember the lesson about how to integrate 4 skills in one unit. I thought that integration of the unit is consistency of theme or topic.(Now I know it was just superficial thing) I even insisted my theory to Jason that a certain unit which my group got was not really organized well because the consistency of the theme was broken. After listening to all of us, Jason explained deep integration of 4 skills in the unit. I was shocked and in shame but by that experience, I acquired what integration is.
Well, there is absolutely no need to feel shame! Not knowing or misunderstanding something is not a sin - it is a positive chance to increase our awareness and progress in our profession. I'm glad to hear you have a new understanding of "integrated skills" - that's great to hear.
You were a fun and very pleasant student to teach, Yoori. I wish you all the best in your future study.
~ Jason
Practical English class do effect in many ways not only to improve my English ability to teach students but also to consider Korean policy of English Education. In addition, I have learn cooperation with classmates and what is the practical English, which mean what is the most necessary requirement to be English teacher in the present situation.
I learned that we should think our environment like a large class, focusing on exams to figure out their English ability, the crime school system.
First of all, we should have our own definition or principle about what the practical English is. Even though we had spent many classes to find out or understand what practical English is, I just remember the recent lesson which I learn when I heard another classmate’ comment about how she felt about this class. I realized that it is very important and setting a teacher’s own principle should be considered before being a teacher.
Secondly, I learn how to cooperate with people after this class. Personally, I am a little bit uncomfortable to do something with unfamiliar people. I could not say my own idea persuasively. Especially, I do not know what the effective way in case we have a big project together. As time goes by, I realized that I could divide the group project by each member’s interest or talent instead of taking a charge randomly. For example, last debate is really fun and great no matter it worked to persuade class. I really enjoyed that class I did with my members.
Thirdly, I was taught the way of learning English in practical, free, and interestingly.
I was surprised at e-mail to real institution in the foreign world. And I realized that using mass media, Internet and material, which is commonly used in our daily life can be tools to learn English. Even we are major in English, we are just focused on ability of English as much as passing the teachers’ exam. Thanks to this class we can learn what we are going to do after being a teacher.
To sum up, this is really good chance in that I can consider my teaching English methodology as both point of views; one thing is becoming a teacher and the other is becoming a student who are actually taking the class. That is good to me as an expected teacher.
Firstly, I could learn what teaching practical English is. Until now, I haven't thought about practical English. So at first, I had a concept of practical English as an abstract thing. But through this class, I could have many opportunities to think what teaching practical English is as a real thing. And I could have my own concept of teaching practical English.
Secondly, I could find method to teach related to student's daily life. Of course, I have known there are various meethods to teach English to students in these days. But I didn't know how to use. But I could experience real teaching method from Jason in this class. So now I think I can apply and make various methods of teaching practical English.
Thirdly, my mind to practical English is changed as a future English teacher. Until now, we took most classes as a student learning just academic things such as general grammar or literature and so on. But in this semester, I could think as a teacher as I took a teaching practical English class - Jason's class was not a one-way teaching so I could think various sides of meaning of teaching to me.
So I'm thankful to Jason to have learned these things. It was great experiences to me.
I have to say that one of the best things about this Practical English class is that every class was different and new!! There were a lot of pleasant surprises that made us think and become involved in each class. I indeed like most of the lectures that you gave us, but I will just pick the three most prominent things about this course.
First of all, integrated skills have been one of our main foci in this course. Well, before taking this course, I heard about it and kind of knew the importance. If you think about it, it is kind of obvious that these skills are very important and even essential in learning a language. However, I have never heard about teachers talking about the importance of integrated skills. I think by taking this course, I was able to get a clear idea on this. As a student and a future English teacher, hopefully I can use these skills to maximize my language learning and teaching in the future.
Secondly, I realized that English classes should be genuine and practical. The professor has showed us some ways to teach practical and genuine English, not boring grammar. I remember learning how to write inquiry emails, and then apply it in real life by sending emails to actual tour companies. It was very interesting and also fun, since most of the students were able to get answers back. Also, posting my work online and see everybody else’s was definitely fun.
Lastly, through this course, I was able to see that English classes can be fun and exciting. The professor actually showed us and made us feel how it is like to be an exciting English class. After each class, he told us how to conduct this kind of classes in real secondary schools. He also made us believe it is possible to do all the fun and exciting things in real secondary English classes.
The list could go on and on. I can say that it is probably one of the most impressive classes that I have taken so far. This class has enabled me to think as a teacher (or at least try to think as a teacher), and I think this is a very important thing to acquire. I’m so glad that I decided to took this course.
Hi Sanghee,
Having taught you in two courses this year, let me just say how impressed I have been by your personality and efforts. I know your career track is not fixed in your mind just yet, but I genuinely do hope you one day end up becoming a public school English teacher. You have the potential to really inspire your students, and there is a sort of independent 'rebel' inside you that would be perfect for standing up to the poor approach and ineffective regime of teaching English in this country!
I don't know how many principles I have learned during the semester. But I can say that I learned lots of things how teachers should be.First of all, Teachers are not directors or commanders. As a teacher, one don't have any right to say "Do this, do that." Instead, teachers should be a role-model as Dr. Jason showed us. When we studied about how to inquire to a tour company, he really sent an email to a company and he showed us. When teachers do something, students follow the teachers.
-sangheelee
Yes, I think that is certainly true. It's not something I thought about deeply, but it has been part of my teaching at all levels - even for kindergarten students (when I would color in pictures and write alphabet letters alongside the students to show I was participating with them). However, my advice is to blend this "leading by example" with other aspects of what Korean learners expect from a teacher - at least at first. For example, if you start with a new class and just act very friendly and equal with the learners, they may see it as a sign of weakness and something to be exploited. Start with what they expect, then gradually adapt the approach into something they can really be inspired from.
Be sure to offer options to your students as well (I don't know if you noticed that in my approach). They need to feel like they can make small decisions within your overall approach and goals, to influence the direction of things. It gives them a sense of responsibility, and through that a sense of personal achievement.
Second, good teachers make good students, not good students make good teachers. When I was a secondary school student, some teachers told me "Don't make me a bad teacher." If they were really good teachers, they should not have said like that.
Well, I'm not sure I can totally agree with that one! There were a lot of great students in this class, and in the end it made me look like a good professor (perhaps better than I really am!). But I do see your point.
Third, a student who enjoys is the best learner. Most Korean teachers make the students sick of English. But as a student, also as a teacher, we should enjoy English. I really enjoyed the class and as a result I got a really valuable book which I will keep as one of my family treasure.
I couldn't agree more, but I would signal some caution. In many classes, some learners will not or can not enjoy learning English (depending on personality or other factors), despite all of your very best efforts. As a teacher, you should always try your best, but not take it too much to heart if you don't reach and inspire enjoyment in every single student.
As for the book, well, you totally deserved it as a great role model in this class. It was only a small thing of no great monetary value, but it was given from the heart - and in some ways is beyond monetary value!
I have one more idea. I am unable to put the class out of my mind. So if you want, how about having a small party together? Maybe just after the final exam would be better. If you want to have a party(have dinner together, or drink), please send me a message with your name and department. Then, I will let you know. My cell phone number is 010-9911-3263. If nobody wants, I'll drink soju by myself.
Requirement- people who......
People who think that Teaching Practical English class was the best in the world.
People who think that Dr. Jason is the most impressive teacher.
People who will be in Dr. Jason's class next year again.
People who think that Samuel is the most handsome in the class.
People who think that Samuel is not Korean.
People who like to drink.
Anyone can join.
This is funny and a little heart-breaking at the same time. I won't be able to join you in December on account of our little daughter being born, my wife going off to the "mommy house" for two weeks, and me needing to take care of our son. Perhaps late January or in February will be possible for me.
On another note, sadly this was my last term at KNU, as I will be moving home to Australia with my family next year. As I have said elsewhere, however, a student is a teacher's student for life (if you understand my meaning). As long as you drop by this forum in future, we can stay in close touch. We also plan to return to Korea once or twice a year, so hopefully there will be more chances to catch up!
Good luck for your final lesson plan.
Good luck to you, too, Sam!
~ Jason
It's been a while since this topic was active, if you'd like to get it going again, please post as a registered member
English iTalk (Conversation practice online)
TOEFL SPEAKING Mentor Program
TOEFL WRITING Mentor Program
TOEIC Speaking and Writing Center
Complete TOEFL Speaking Test
IELTS Resource Center
[ iView ] English Video News
[ GET ] Global English Talk
ENGLISH RAVEN - 3000+ pages of resources for English Teachers
