I found it very useful to review some of the basic theories of listening processes. They complement each other and produce a 3D picture of what may go on in one’s head when listening. I remember my experience in a British supermarket when asked at the till: “Any cashback?” I used my first card and had no schematic knowledge related to it. So these words that I understood later not only had no meaning to me, they sounded incomprehensible.
Therefore in my teaching practice I try to use relevant and engaging materials so that to encourage students’ active listening. One of the examples is “Burn Notice” video series experience. The series is about a former spy. It has short episodes with completed stories. All these make it easier for students to understand the language. There’s also a website with lots of things to do after students have watched the film: do quizzes, watch 1-minute “Ask a Spy Tips” or play games using the information from the film. I myself had fun doing those activities.
Mykola Kisil in his Week 3 blog mentions a few things that he learned during this week. I also think that the resourses we have read and looked through help building a more motivating and engaging learning environment.
Social bookmarking that I already knew about turned out a useful thing, especially when I was away from my computer and couldn't access traditional bookmarks. Thanks to Javier I have a great number of new links to go through. I think they may be grouped for easier access, too.
Mykola Kisil in his Week 3 blog mentions a few things that he learned during this week. I also think that the resourses we have read and looked through help building a more motivating and engaging learning environment.
Social bookmarking that I already knew about turned out a useful thing, especially when I was away from my computer and couldn't access traditional bookmarks. Thanks to Javier I have a great number of new links to go through. I think they may be grouped for easier access, too.
