Live. Grow. Learn.

My Classroom Designing a classroom takes a lot of consideration with how we also create our lesson plans.   Considering all students English level is just one factor as to how the classroom will effectively function to cater all learning needs and abilities.   Being able to assess students’ needs and knowing their learning levels and techniques will help us identify a group that will work effectively together and those who are individual learners.                 Audiovisual Learners need an Independent Listening Lab. A Listening Lab is a computer space with headphones, laptop or even CD player where they can learn independently and improve their listening skills. They should be given a set of listening list and exercises that they can complete on their own pace based on their comprehension level. Student may be given activities from ESL Cyber Listening Lab [1] or ESL Lounge [2] .                        Silent Space can be set up with a couch and carpet with pillows for c

Language Acquisition             “We all acquire language in exactly the same way.” This is an outrageous claim by Stephen Krashen [1] on his Language Acquisition interview.   Indeed it is but I agree that it is true. As a child, we learn by listening and mimicking, based on our daily conversation.   We acquire language by watching and listening to someone speaks and subconsciously collecting words and understanding what is being said. When you watch children play using little people toys, what do they do?   They role play based on what happens around them.   They play going to the doctor, church, shopping, eating, cooking and everything that they can act based on daily activities. That’s when you can see language acquisition happen.               “Immigrant children don’t speak right away when they arrive.   It takes several months of silence as they naturally acquire language.   They naturally pile up language input, they observe, they listen consciously and acquire lan

Unit 2: Classrooms Around the World             English is a universal language.   You may go to any country in the world and you will eventually find someone who can speak English and be able to communicate. It has become one of the essential languages for global trade. Sadly, not all countries offer English language as part of their learning curriculum. In the Philippines, we learn English from the moment we start school.   Most of our subjects are taught in English and almost all modes of instructions are done in English.               Japanese value their language and use it very effectively.   They learn English only when they wish to. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme [1] (JET) aims to enhance foreign language education, and promote international exchange concerning the promotion of mutual understanding between nations. JET is a Japanese government initiative that brings college (university) graduates – mostly native speakers of English – to Japan as Ass