W6 Science Seminar

For science, there were 2 speakers. And I really liked the first speaker, because first he was interesting where I have also thought that a subject science is bored but with this kind of teacher, science class would be also fun. Second, he gives fun activities like “snacktivity” which incorporates food. I wondered how bringing of the food would be relevant to the subject but after listening to the procedures, I learned that this is creative and fun at the same time. For example the teacher can ask the students to bring any kind of seafood then explain where the ingredients are from. According to the speaker, by doing this activity, it easily remains in mind, let the students experience it before the teacher gives the answer, incorporate good nutrition, independence and have fun. Also, the teacher can ask the students to make a project on making rocket, making bridge with Popsicle sticks, candle experiments. At the end of the session, the teacher can require the students to come up with the portfolio gathering all the activities and reflection done in the class.

W5 Math Seminar

The math seminar was fun. It was surprising that most of the students can’t get the simple arithmetic questions right. The most interesting part was where he showed us a card magic relevant to the numbers requiring matrix math. Also, the way he does an activity with squares for factoring and expanding polynomial was easily understandable. It was interesting how the shapes fit in the parts of the incomplete squares to give the answer to the problem. The shapes with hexagon, trapezoid and triangles were also interesting, especially when the three triangles make a trapezoid. I find mathematics very fun, and if the teacher would discuss the topic with this kind of materials, I think the students will be encouraged to learn as well. I wonder how he can use these materials in actual class just by showing it through OHP or having the students try by themselves. Because students learn better when they try it by themselves, I think it is better if the teacher will allow the students to practice it forming a group.

W4 English Lesson Plan

In the speech held by Ms.Rom Metila, she discussed how to make a lesson plan for English classes. First, there were two kinds of different beginnings of planning. One is terminal, which is characterized by the most important objectives. It involves subject matter related and language focus skills concentrated. The other one is enabling objective, which contains group works and motivation activities focusing more on interacting with the students. In introducing the activity, there should be clear direction and rules, so that the students are not confused with their task. Also, it is proper to give seat works before quizzes or any other activity, so that the students can review the lessons before they get to answer the quizzes. There should be motivation as well to get the interest of the students. I liked it when she mentioned about cognitive empathy where the teacher puts himself/herself in the situation of the students’. I wonder how many teachers would do this because it is very hard to achieve their lesson plan by considering the point of view of every student. Also, it is true that most of the time the teacher dominates the discussion. But I think this should not be done all the time, for sometimes the teacher needs to interact with the students so that they could better understand the lesson and contribute to the discussion.

W3 Lesson Plan

When we were asked to bring a lesson plan of PTEACH1, I realized that I have no copy of my demo teaching lesson plan. I remember the contents of my lesson plan, but it was about art target students of preschool kids. It wasn’t a good lesson plan even if I could remember it, so I decided to bring my SPEAKNG lesson plan instead which is on verbal communication. It is also relevant to my course. Then, after sharing my lesson plan with a partner, I have also read how others’ made their lesson plans, and I’ve got some comments on my lesson plan. Then, we learned to make another type of lesson plan, UBD. For me, it was much harder than the usual lesson plan I had. It was very hard to adapt to a new lesson plan, for I was already used to the usual lesson plan. But somehow, I find USD lesson plan better than the common lesson plan, for all activities are detailed in the activities and the role of the teachers and students.

Wk2 (21Century Learners)

     I do agree that we are the 21st Century learners. There are convinient technologies which definitely help us to improve our learning in better ways. However I've thougt that even we are 21 Century learners and all the gadgets and learning aids are provided, if the teacher doesn't know how to use these materials, they are all useless. Of course it doesn't mean that all lectures and activities should just simply rely on the technology but at least the teachers should also maximize the use of these materials as much as possible. I think before having a 21 Century learners, the teachers should be 21st Century teachers in order to inspire the students. And I also agree that the teachers should know how to handle the online class because it is another good chance benefitting students learning not only in school but also outside through the net.
     After the discussion, our group received the concept and performance matrix of English subject. We took a look on the 3rd year highschool. World Literature I guess.... The contents were poetry, essay writing, drama and novels. Then I remebered my high school English subject which required us to recite our own transformed poem from the original version. Also, we performed a play out of Shakespearean novel, the Macbeth then had other year levels as our guests. I have realized that these activities matched in the performance of matrix that was given to us. This activities were enjoyable and also effective learning so I think these are good examples in the performance matrix.   

WK1

At first, when Sir Jasper asked us to list down the things we have learned back in PTEACH1, it  took me some time because I couldn't remember any of the things I've learned in PTEACH1. All I remember were the activities and activities... nothing from the lesson. Here I realized again the importance of class participation and taking down of the notes.
Among the effective teachings, for me I value the teacher most for all instruction classroom management, content of the lesson, materials and support depend on the teachings of the teacher and how the teacher utilizes it. Also I find the pedalogical content knowledge important since the topics that the teachers know should properly related to the students. This remembered me of my teacher back in high school who has always jumped the topic to another and sometimes his lesson wasn't fully understood for it was jumbled up trying to explain but not delivered well to the students and his idea not properly related to the students only gave confusion. Also, I find the pyramid model of teaching expertise interesting and I will have this in mind, the traits the teacher should possess. 
After taking PTEACH2, unlike PTEACH1, I'm sure  I would remember my lessons and I hope I could make use of the things I will be learning in PTEACH2 :)