I am writing my reflection with no background in TESL. There could be a specific term on the thing that I'm describing, but I as for now everything will be in a simpler language. I'm excited to learn more about TESL and enrich my vocabulary in this course.
The highlight of the class would be the individual project which contribute 40% to the final score. We are required to record a complete session of 15 minutes of lesson in class. This will be the opportunity for me to practice on what I will learn throughout the semester. As for now I have no solid plan on the module that I will use for the lesson. I'm thinking of something that is engaging and interactive. I hope in the coming class, the discussion will make the picture of my vision clearer.
A few weeks before I got into the campus, I was teaching at a tuition center for 2 days. The first class, was geography and there was only one student present. Its easier to teach as it is one to one session. The class was more like a discussion than a traditional class I would say. I can throw some personal question then relate it with the geography subject. We were talking of city development as I put her into the story. I make her story part of the development that is happening around her. As I recall the discussion at the end of the session, it's easier for her to ring the bell as she were able to relate the subject with her life in our previous discussion.
However on the second day, I was in a class of three students; an Indian boy, a Malay guy, and a Malay girl. The variety of gender and races somehow represent different traits, nevertheless, I'm still using the same approach but more on the formative bases. Each students get to answer questions and share their thoughts on the contents that we are discussing. Some of them appear to participate less. To turn things around, I throw them with a few questions as the guidance to connect the dots and eventually bring them on the same page as the rest of the class.
The decision made was on the spot and I believe I did the best I could. As Dr Faizah said, it's not about either you right or wrong, its about how solid your justification is. I'm very excited about the course. It will be a great outlet for discussion on many issues as we will review articles, doing presentation, creating modules for training, and much more activities that will lead to exchange and expansion of ideas.
She also shared stories of her past student's projects where they were really into the task and the presentation was so exciting. I personally think the make believe module for Honda which focusing on the mechanic improving their communication skill in dealing with angry customer, is a brilliant idea. It something that is needed out there.
