Core Curriculum
English Language Teaching Methodology Bachelor’s Level
School Experience
Observation tasks Module 5
Contents
Module 5 Special Dimensions 3
Unit 5.2 Teaching Young Learners 3
Task Twenty-NIne 3
Unit 5.5: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Learning and Teaching
English 4
Task Thirty 4
Students undertake school practice throughout the whole methodology course. There are three
phases to students’ school experience:
• Guided observation
• Teacher assistantship
• Observed teaching.
Guided observation takes place in Semesters 3 and 4. It gives students an opportunity to
observe experienced teachers at work and to make connections with their learning during the first
year of the methodology course. To help in this process they complete observation tasks.
During Teacher assistantship in semesters 5 to 7, students act as teacher assistants, planning
teaching, undertaking microteaching and generally supporting the English teachers. Modules in
these semesters also include observation tasks aimed at linking methodology classes to school
experience.
Module 5 Special Dimensions
Unit 5.2 Teaching Young Learners
Task Twenty-Nine
Task: Observe a lesson, focusing on classroom management, activities and materials the
teacher uses. Complete the grid below. Add comments where necessary.
Focus: Teaching young learners.
No Question To Comments
Yes some N
extent o
1. Are the materials appropriate +
to the age group?
2. Are the teacher’s instructions + Some children were
comprehensible to the learners? distracted
3. Does the teacher use L1 +
appropriately?
4. Are contemporary approaches and +
methods for teaching English to
young learners used at the lesson?
(TPR, games, drama, visualisation,
songs, chants and rhymes,
storytelling)
5. Does the teacher use various + Not all teachers used
modes of interaction? (pair them
work, group work)
6. Does the teacher provide effective + Not all teachers
feedback by using various error provided.
correction techniques (mouthing,
gestures, recasting/echoing,
reformulation, using fingers, visual
reminders, recording, explicit
correction)?
7. Are the learners actively +
engaged in the activities?
8. Does the teacher cater for + Teachers introduced
learners with different as many different
learning styles? styles as they can
9. Does the teacher use different + It seems the lack of
attention getting them
signals effectively?
10. Does the teacher use visual and +
auditory aids?
11. Are the students engaged in +
hands-on activities?
12. Is the lesson communicative in +
character?
Observation Summary
What have you learnt from this observation?
Teacher introduced precisely methods of various models of interaction. Also, a good
group work was shown. However, sometimes not all children were engaged in the
lesson.
Unit 5.5: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Learning and
Teaching English
Task Thirty
Task 1: Observe at least 3 lessons focusing on the use of learning technologies. Note down
your observations in the table.
Task focus: Use of learning technologies
Learning technology used Purpose of use (select a purpose from the list below
() or specify other purposes). More than one purpose
is
possible.
Video ☑ Used for listening so provide visual support
Audio ☑
Used for listening so provide auditory support
PowerPoint presentation ☑ Used for showing pictures and doing exercises
Interactive whiteboard ☑ Provoke speaking or writing
Mobile applications Provoke speaking or writing
Web site ☑ Tasks for reading
Email Network, share learning experience
Text messages Ask and answer questions
Social networks Search for information
Blogs ☑ Tasks for reading
Images illustrate
Other (specify below)
The learning technology was used to:
1. illustrate
2. provide visual support
3. provide auditory support
4. provoke speaking or writing
5. share learning experience
6. ask and answer questions
7. search for information
8. network
9. save time
10. access target culture
Task 2: Then, analyse the use of learning technologies by answering questions.
1. To what extent was the purpose of the activity with learning technologies clear?
All the goals of these methods are to convey information to children as accurately and
efficiently as possible. They strive to develop and improve the performance of their children in
every possible way.
2. Was there any preparatory activity? What kind? How necessary and effective was it?
Yes, it was. It was to maximize the attention of children and prepare them for the further
course of the lesson
3. Was there any follow-up? What kind? How necessary and effective was it?
They were all devoted to provide children with further support and skill development
4. How effective was the use of the learning technology in general? How did it support
the students’ learning?
In general, all these methods were effective to one degree or another, but based on the fact that
sometimes some children were distracted. There is a wider variety of lesson materials offered
to keep each child engaged in the lesson. It is also assumed the maximum return from the
child, who sincerely and throughout the lesson actively works