“We know that when it comes to improving literacy, teachers—not methods or materials—make the most difference” (Duffy & Hoffman, 1999).
Reflection
As I think deeply about this quote, I am forced to go way back and really disect it's true meaning. Did we really know that teachers make the most difference?
ofcourse not. I didn't at first but this quotation has allowed me to view the act of teaching more objectively. I used to believe that the best innovations would yield the best results but now realise that this may not necessarily be the case. It is difficult to decide whether materials have the most marked influence on the learner of whether it is the teacher.
Much reflection has lead me to concur with this quote.
The purpose of the teacher is not to merely instruct using the best technology and strategies available but to create experiences that will impact positively on the students.
These experiences will have the utmost lasting effect on our students. Teacher and student interaction where the teacher utilises her resources to bring about meaningful learning especially in reading and writing indeed makes the most difference.
It is important therefore that as teachers we bring positive attitutes into our classrooms. This will undoubtedly motive students to learn and with this motivation as a driving force, we can stratigically employ the strategies to foster learning.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Message Board - Text Organisation
Message Board - Text Organisation: "This is post 3 on this subject.....HELP... hope this one goes through.
I am very pleased with the comments so far and would like to say that many times author biases are revealed not only in the content of the book but also in the physical presentation of the text. So i could see why the S.S book is more suited to the Trinidadian learner with not much consideration for the regional or international learner.
Also the point that Trish made in relation to literature, couldn't be more true. My interaction with the book A Separate Peace, was rather painful. I only recall an army of ants on white sheets. There is no doubt that the style of the writing is part of text structure as it affects how one reads the book and probably can inform one's decision to even read the book.
This brings me to my estimation of the text structure of the Spanish text in relation to Jae's concern on the use of illustrative texts. It is my view that such texts are important to enhancing our students reading ability especially when faced with students who may be language disabled and have difficulty comprehending text.
The Spanish text is a prime example. It is organised in such a way to have students make the best of the content. the illustrations are critical to them making connections with what they hear and read to what they see. Additionally the table of contents is ina table form highlighting the main,and subtopics and vocabulary items associated with each chapter and topic. thus from the onset the students know what they will come across within the book.
The last few pages also contain a dictionary and words in both Spanish and English for making translations, thus improving comprehension. In light of this i think that all texts should contain a Glossary of term"
I am very pleased with the comments so far and would like to say that many times author biases are revealed not only in the content of the book but also in the physical presentation of the text. So i could see why the S.S book is more suited to the Trinidadian learner with not much consideration for the regional or international learner.
Also the point that Trish made in relation to literature, couldn't be more true. My interaction with the book A Separate Peace, was rather painful. I only recall an army of ants on white sheets. There is no doubt that the style of the writing is part of text structure as it affects how one reads the book and probably can inform one's decision to even read the book.
This brings me to my estimation of the text structure of the Spanish text in relation to Jae's concern on the use of illustrative texts. It is my view that such texts are important to enhancing our students reading ability especially when faced with students who may be language disabled and have difficulty comprehending text.
The Spanish text is a prime example. It is organised in such a way to have students make the best of the content. the illustrations are critical to them making connections with what they hear and read to what they see. Additionally the table of contents is ina table form highlighting the main,and subtopics and vocabulary items associated with each chapter and topic. thus from the onset the students know what they will come across within the book.
The last few pages also contain a dictionary and words in both Spanish and English for making translations, thus improving comprehension. In light of this i think that all texts should contain a Glossary of term"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)