Monday, February 24, 2014

Hi everyone out there!  

It's hard to believe that week 7 has gone, isn't it?  I think my work this week has been a bit out of focus, perhaps because it was my starting week at the Academy and my head was revolting with so many ideas to apply in class, some of them from this course, that I just couldn't concentrate enough on our tasks. 

My personal opinion about independent learners is that self-instruction is a matter of learning styles; some people like it and follow that path (that was my case, for example) and some others prefer to remain attached to a teacher or a textbook. I admit, though, that there might be a percentage of learners who can be influenced positively towards self-instruction by the teachers, and this is a splendid time to do so, with so many websites, videos, downloadable materials and blogs readily available to anyone with a simple internet connection. On this point, I added a very nice article written by a Lithuanian teacher to Donna's Padlet Wall. 

Talking about Padlet, I have created one of my own and started sharing it with my Academic students, first as a matter of pure willingness from the students, then perhaps as a graded activity. I'd like to say thank you to Alex for introducing us to the wonderful world of David Crystal. I've already downloaded several of his videos and expect to use them in some of my classes. Thanks Alex!

Well, I hope everybody has a nice week 8. We're starting partnerships this week and I'm really looking forward to it.

Cheers!

2 comments:

  1. Dear Carlos,
    I like your blog! I`ll definitely read the recommended article as the author is from my native country Lithuania and I find it interesting.
    I checked where Paraguay is and read something new about it!
    I am working on my project, I`ll add it late in the evening. I am so busy at the moment, but I hope I `ll be able to write a rough draft. Feel free to add comments or even correct my mistakes!
    Greetings, Rita

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  2. Dear Carlos,

    Haven't heard from you for a while. Is everything alright? These two weeks have been even tougher and only today did I manage to leave my draft. Now head on the discussion and then task. Weekend to peer review :)
    Best greetings,
    Alex

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