Sabtu, 13 November 2010 How to Engage Students in Learning Process Diposting oleh an.pane di 20.29

            That second week in teaching assistance program gave me more experience in teaching. The topic was still about text types. Mr. L.H., my master teacher, taught more than he had done in the previous week. So, I could see how he conducted classes.

            In the first class, Mr. L.H explained the differences between one text type and another clearly. For example, after he mentioned functions and generic structures of report and description text, he emphasized the differences by saying: ‘So, the differences between report and description text are….’ In my opinion, that is what students need. Students may understand each text type but when they are given two similar text types, they will be confused because they do not understand how to differentiate them. He said that some texts’ titles or topics in National Examination were taken from internet or the examination in the previous year. Their forms were changed to be another text types. Students usually chose the wrong answers because they felt that they had met those texts before. It became new information for me.

            Mr. L.H. did not only explain the material clearly but also motivated his students. One time, he asked his students to do a pre test. While he was walking around the class, he found a student who did not do it and looked sleepy. He came to him and said, ‘Come on, force yourself. I know you can do it! The statement was simple but I think it was really motivating. He did not say it loudly. In my opinion, if he had done the opposite one, the student would have felt ashamed because the others could hear it.

            Mr. L.H. always uses individual work. When my friends and I were asked to conduct the second class, we brought an activity where the students worked in groups. Some made the text while the others drew the illustration. Moreover, there was a group which prepared the mini drama. They showed their creativity. However, when I made a report, he asked me to list only the name of person who presented the group’s work. I thought it was not fair because the point was not only about speaking. Although some students only made the illustrations, they got the message of the subject and understand it. The information would stay longer in their mind because they got involved in the activity directly.

             If I had to teach a class with the same students, I would provide various activities that can make all students get involved. I would see the process to know their contribution and effort. I would control the situation so all students participated well. I know that I have to spend more time to make this preparation but I think it will be easier for me if the students can understand the material easily. So, I do not have to repeat all materials from the beginning when they close to examination days. I just have to review them briefly. 

well, what would you do to deliver the materials if you were a teacher?