Learning to Teach Better

I wrestled with Use of L1 for many years before I finally figured out the truth (for me!) Funnily, I quoted Penny in the first line of a paper I wrote for my MA in TEFL/TESL a number of years ago., well before I ever had the immense pleasure of meeting her. My theory: Use of L1 depends COMPLETELY on the CONTEXT and the LEVEL of the students. My policy: I use as much English as possible with my students. AND I use as much Japanese as necessary with my students. My Essay Follow the link https://www.dropbox.com/preview/herder/herder%20writing/herder%20wrote/SDH%20Essays/Herder%20Module%202%20Essay%2078.pdf?role=personal

Sorry to double post, but here are a couple of ideas I've been using lately: I agree with limiting teacher talk, but I'm reminded that whatever tip or approach we see or hear about, we must consider our CONTEXT and the LEVEL of the students. With lower level JHS and HS students, I got a lot of mileage out of telling stories about my life. I got good at grading my speaking level and keeping it close to Krashen's i + 1. I also still use DICTOGLOSS activities with first-year non-English majors and they are challenged and engaged. Finally, I often use my stories as a model of what I want them to do in small groups. That same class I just mentioned do a regular warm-up each week on "What are you thinking about these days?" using hints like: I’m worried about I’m looking forward to I’m interested in I’m looking for I’m busy with I’m planning to Using online stopwatch that everyone can see, I set it to count up and they try to talk for 3 minutes with a partner. After tal...

Here is the recording for Week 1 Session with Penny Ur http://itdipro.adobeconnect.com/pri6w6q6tmbl/

HINTS for our Google Community, Hello everyone, This looks to be a super active group this month. Here are a few hints to help you get the most out of this forum: 1. We will have a place to post your thoughts and homework after each session. It will be called Week 1 Discussion, Week 2 Discussion, etc. 2. We will also have a separate space called Tips to Share, where Penny would like you to add teaching or activity ideas that you recommend or that are variations of tips Penny shares in the live sessions. 3. Make sure you click the circle (+1) after you read a POST or a REPLY so you don't have to read the same messages over and over again. 4. You can edit a post by clicking on the dots in the top right corner and you will see EDIT THIS POST. 5. You can also make sure someone sees your reply by adding their name like this: Steven Herder If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask! Steven

Hello everyone, I'm Steven and I'll be one of your hosts throughout this course (along with James Taylor in Brazil) I'm originally from Canada and have been teaching EFL in Japan for over 25 years. I'm in my last year of a contract at a woman's college in Kyoto, Japan, but will be moving permanently to ANOTHER woman's college in Kyoto from April 2018. Currently, I teach TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and TOEIC preparation, as well as a senior seminar on leadership. I still love teaching and learning after all these years. I'm one of the founders of iTDi and I am thrilled that we currently have 36 teachers from 22 different countries in this course! I've hosted over 25 courses and dozen of webinars with iTDi so far in, and as much as I love all the guest teachers we bring in, I'll always have a special place in my heart for Penny - her vast experience, her observational wisdom, and her attention to the practical needs of the students always inspires me to continue...