Classroom Management Strategies

Course 1  Module 10

I hadn't thought of the classroom layout as an important classroom management strategy. In reflecting on the position of the teacher and students as explained in the Harmer article, it made sense to consider such options when setting up a classroom. I liked the different diagrams of possible seating arrangements.

I also enjoyed reading the last chapter of our ESL book. The section on icebreakers was informative and practical. I will be using them in my classes. 

Pros and Cons of Communicative Approach and Task Based LearningPros and Cons of Communicative Approach and Task Based Learning

Course 1    Module 9      Pros and Cons of Communicative Approach and Task Based Learning

The communicative approach has many strengths:

1. function is emphasized over form
2. students negotiate meaning
3. it is student-centered
4. it uses authentic materials
5. all language skills are taught from the beginning
6. small groups are utilized for peer correction
7. students are allowed to make errors
8. grammar is often taught inductively
9. vocabulary is not limited to a text
10. structural, discourse, socio-cultural and strategic competence are taken into account

In terms of weaknesses, the communicative approach often focuses on fluency without enough regard to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. This is how teachers have interpreted it, it is not the intent of the approach itself.

Task based learning is a great way to engage students in the classroom. It has a specific purpose in mind and calls on all students to complete the task. However, task based learning requires a large amount of time planning all the components of it and requires a lot of group participation. Students may find this type of learning difficult depending on their culture of origin.  

Course 1- Module 7 ASSESSING FOR LEARNING STYLES: Pros and Cons

My apprehension in assessing learning styles is that by assessing students, it may bias the teacher toward certain students. For the same reason, I don't like looking at students' past grades or IQ results. Assessing a student style gives a student a label. Once a label is in the mind of the teacher, it is hard to change. I would rather see how a student is doing and then if there are difficulties, I would assess learning styles to see if the style is a variable in the problem. I would prefer to see how students progress for myself than rely on inconclusive evidence re: learning styles. I think it is good to do assessments to confirm what the student already thinks is their learning style, which is what happened to me, but I think using what someone's learning style is in choosing a career could be dangerous.

Pros:
-you can see where the majority of the class is so you can incorporate different learning styles to "please" everyone and expand their exposure to other styles.
-learning about learning styles also help educate teachers so they can use different ways of teaching and to reveal their own styles
-it can be used to analyze problems students have in learning re: teacher style vs. student style
-gives student meta cognitive strategies in how they learn
-provides students with a "toolbox" of strategies for their particular style

Cons:
-evidence on learning styles is inconclusive re: reliability and validity
-labeling students
-students may feel inferior to others with "better"labels
-focuses on catering to all leaning styles at the expense of content