9c: relaxing send-offs

Very glad to take advantage of today's pre-break class to do some fun activities. Students at 2pm got their teeth into reading - it was trickier than some of them had expected, but very good all the same. I hope that we can build on this and work towards a real improvement in reading skills and general English exposure.

The 4pm students also seemed to enjoy the art gallery activity, and it was good for them to use English in a different context.

Now to enjoy a well-deserved break, and to see what remains of ss' English after we get back.

9b: to the librarium!

Am very glad we did this activity today, as it was a good way to get out of the classroom and open students' eyes a little. Will now have to copy their chosen books, which should make for more motivating reading activities.

8b: grading you, grading me

Things seem to have gone rather well with how students have evaluated the course thus far. As expected, there are things to be ironed out - particularly regarding the variety of activities (need to work on some more dynamic activities, different ways of doing things, activities that break up the usual rhythm and get ss moving around) and the question of differentiation - will be more work, but good to give students options as to whether they want to do more review, or make things more advanced. Also need to take advantage of this chance to clear up many misconceptions that ss have about how the class works.

Still, am very pleased that these things have come to light and so can be cleared up. Also very happy to see that on the whole, ss are happy with the changes we've made.

Now the challenge is to make the necessary changes and show ss that I am being responsive and that things are clearer than they originally thought!

8a: speaking out

Very pleased with how the oral exams went today! Even the lower level students (who really couldn't have passed, no matter what if given any speaking test at level) were able to contribute and give it a try. Having two clear topics meant that ss were able to speak about things in depth, really bring in relevant vocabulary and have what was quite a semi-authentic discussion that links in to their future careers. Much better than the usual superficial skimming of the surface in oral exams!

7c: rounding out

With today's class, we finished off our review of what we've done so far. Am not sure how the students will get on with next week's evaluations, tbh. They still seem quite shaky, and it'll be interesting to see how they get on. Also, not sure whether it's good to continue with the reading project. Some students are clearly disengaged with it, so don't know whether it's worth going on with. Am hoping that something can be salvaged, at least. Having a visit to the Colombo should be interesting anyway, as long as I can get together some interesting activities.

7b: failure as groundwork for success

Very pleased with how things went today!

1) Quizlet is working well, and now ss are adjusting to the new rules (phones up, no Spanish) it's a useful challenge.

2) The activities about Toys R Us worked well. Students reacted well to the topic (a failing business as opposed to a successful one) and it being such a recent news topic.

3) The report evaluation activities worked well. Students recognised good and bad elements, and saw what they needed to do to improve.

7a: making a mark

The content on brands is working well, particularly with some videos in class, and the inclusion of Juan Valdez. Still not sure how well the discussion / brand creation part of the oral exam will work, but it will at least be an interesting addition. Need to see what ss do with it.

6c: unconditional conditions

The first and second conditional info worked well today - the combination of up-to-date info and keeping it snappy worked well and gave it the right amount of challenge.

Report writing also seemed to be well-received, but I won't know to what extent until I see the student work on Monday.

Interestingly, the student who asked to do exercise on class asked me not to do it ever again! Which is a relief.

And students seemed quite sad that they're nearing the end of Dorian Gray... look forward to seeing what they propose we do with this time slot after we finish the book.