To Keep in Mind While Planning...

The process of lesson planning is, in fact, a very complex activity.  While we have been given many tools and guidelines throughout our coursework, we have also become highly aware of the importance of attention to detail in combination with the awareness of the 'big picture'.  As I wrote in my last post, both are essential.  One without the other would result in ineffective lessons lacking one or another important aspect.

In Module 3, we have been focusing on the development of reading and writing skills by considering the types of activities that are possible at different stages in the learning process and their potential impact.  Some of the main topics I would like to keep in mind as I plan are listed below for future reference.

Teacher's role in teaching reading:

• select / create appropriate texts
• design useful tasks
• set up effective classroom procedures
• encourage critical reading 
• create supportive environment for practicing reading

Considerations for text selection:

• interest
• value
• abilities
• complexities of text
• complexities of task
• content appropriateness
• provide a range of texts

Purposes for reading include:

• get information
• respond to curiosity about a topic
• follow instructions
• pleasure / enjoyment
• to keep in touch 
• know what is happening in the world
• find out when and where

Pre-reading activities:

• structures of text
• vocabulary and meaning

While-reading activities:

• guided
• literal and interpretive

Post-reading activities:

• connect to reading purpose
• check and discuss
• make use of information in an informative way

SQ3R:

• Survey
• Question
• Read
• Recite
• Review

Writing:

Writing for learning:

• Reinforcement writing
• Preparation writing
• Activity writing

Writing for writing:

• focus is on the process of writing and how to do it more effectively
• Purposes:
• ESL
• ESP
• EFL
• Creative

Role of the Teacher in writing:

• Demonstrate
• Motivate and Provoke
• Support
• Respond
• Evaluate