Wikepedia defines it like this: " Metacognition is defined as "cognition about cognition", or "knowing about knowing". It comes from the root word "meta", meaning beyond.[1] It can take many forms; it includes knowledge about when and how to use particular strategies for learning or for problem solving.[1] There are generally two components of metacognition: knowledge about cognition, and regulation of cognition".
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Tonight, I spent several hours sitting in front of computer searching and studying what the "megacognition "is.
Wikepedia defines it like this: " Metacognition is defined as "cognition about cognition", or "knowing about knowing". It comes from the root word "meta", meaning beyond.[1] It can take many forms; it includes knowledge about when and how to use particular strategies for learning or for problem solving.[1] There are generally two components of metacognition: knowledge about cognition, and regulation of cognition".
After learning it deeply, I find that it is necessary to let my students learn this, to have a clear mind on how their brain working, reciting new information, processing the knowledge,or acquiring some new skills,etc. Once they can deliver the new knowledge to others,we can tell that they have learned the new knowledge thoroughly.
Wikepedia defines it like this: " Metacognition is defined as "cognition about cognition", or "knowing about knowing". It comes from the root word "meta", meaning beyond.[1] It can take many forms; it includes knowledge about when and how to use particular strategies for learning or for problem solving.[1] There are generally two components of metacognition: knowledge about cognition, and regulation of cognition".
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Second Language Acquisition and Culture
Learning a foreign language is difficult but rewarding. I find this topic from my PIDO 3250 discussion forum.
To me , I have learned English for so many years, and I find there are several ways to learn a foreign language,.
First, you must be brave enough. Most of my ESL students are quite shy, and they don't dare to express themselves well. Sometimes they would like to show their own opinion after preparing a long time. Therefore, in my class, I will give them several minutes to prepare and then encourage them to speak their attitudes on topic.
Second, the environment is quite important. Many of my ESL students from China have large amount of vocabulary, and their writing and reading are well while listening and speaking are very poor. To learn the cause, I find that environment is really important for second language acquisition. Once they have immersed into an English-speaking community, it is natural for them to understand well and speak fluently.
Third, different people may use different approaches in language acquisition. Some students may use step-by-step approach, while others may improve their language by big leap. When I was about fifteen years old, I began to study oral English in evening school. At that time, I was in the low-level class with Chinese teacher. However, when I noticed that there was a foreigner teacher in the medium-level class, I went to that class. For the next two month, I experienced a hard time and I felt headache each time after class since that foreigner teacher cannot speak any Chinese.
To my surprise, about three months later, I suddenly found that I could understand most of his class and even I could express myself. Maybe I am an example for some students that it is not necessary for him/her to study second language step by step.
Fourth, I think the most important one is to understand the culture of targeted language.
I have found that it is difficult for one to learn a foreign language without knowing anything about the culture. In order to study English, I have to learn American drama, Bible, etc. Of course, if someone wants to learn Chinese, he/she must learn some cultural background to understand the meaning of the words. Culture and language cannot be separated.
To me , I have learned English for so many years, and I find there are several ways to learn a foreign language,.
First, you must be brave enough. Most of my ESL students are quite shy, and they don't dare to express themselves well. Sometimes they would like to show their own opinion after preparing a long time. Therefore, in my class, I will give them several minutes to prepare and then encourage them to speak their attitudes on topic.
Second, the environment is quite important. Many of my ESL students from China have large amount of vocabulary, and their writing and reading are well while listening and speaking are very poor. To learn the cause, I find that environment is really important for second language acquisition. Once they have immersed into an English-speaking community, it is natural for them to understand well and speak fluently.
Third, different people may use different approaches in language acquisition. Some students may use step-by-step approach, while others may improve their language by big leap. When I was about fifteen years old, I began to study oral English in evening school. At that time, I was in the low-level class with Chinese teacher. However, when I noticed that there was a foreigner teacher in the medium-level class, I went to that class. For the next two month, I experienced a hard time and I felt headache each time after class since that foreigner teacher cannot speak any Chinese.
To my surprise, about three months later, I suddenly found that I could understand most of his class and even I could express myself. Maybe I am an example for some students that it is not necessary for him/her to study second language step by step.
Fourth, I think the most important one is to understand the culture of targeted language.
I have found that it is difficult for one to learn a foreign language without knowing anything about the culture. In order to study English, I have to learn American drama, Bible, etc. Of course, if someone wants to learn Chinese, he/she must learn some cultural background to understand the meaning of the words. Culture and language cannot be separated.
"'If you talk to a man in a
language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in
his own language, that goes to his heart.'" - Nelson Mandela
Here is a good paper that illustrate how important is the culture to second language acquisition.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Science World
Cell Phone in Classroom
Modern technologies have brought us great convenience. We can use smart phones anywhere anytime.
On one hand, we enjoy those advantages. First, we can communicate with people all over the world. Second, smart phones are quite light, and it is easy to carry them anywhere. Third, in case of danger, we can use it to make emergent call.
On the other side, smart phones do bring some disadvantage for us. Apart from its harm to our health, it also make our class uncontrollable. Most students like to bring smart phone to the class. and then, they cannot resist the temptation of communicating with friends, which distract them from focusing on class.
As a teacher, we must find some effective way to deal with smartphone. It can help ESL students to look up the meaning of the word at handy, on the other hand, most of them may play games during the recess and communicate with friends frequently.
Here are some useful links for smartphone in class.
On one hand, we enjoy those advantages. First, we can communicate with people all over the world. Second, smart phones are quite light, and it is easy to carry them anywhere. Third, in case of danger, we can use it to make emergent call.
On the other side, smart phones do bring some disadvantage for us. Apart from its harm to our health, it also make our class uncontrollable. Most students like to bring smart phone to the class. and then, they cannot resist the temptation of communicating with friends, which distract them from focusing on class.
As a teacher, we must find some effective way to deal with smartphone. It can help ESL students to look up the meaning of the word at handy, on the other hand, most of them may play games during the recess and communicate with friends frequently.
Here are some useful links for smartphone in class.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Flipped Classroom, cons and prons?
Flipped classroom is popular topic right now.
To be frank, I still doubt the feasibility of such methods in class.
On the other side, students have to learn critical thinking. Only
when they get familiar with critical thinking can they learn the subject
by themselves according to their own pace. Such Flipped Classroom has
proposed high requirements for the students. they have the ability to
control themselves, and learn something new by themselves. However, most
students are reluctant to spend after school time leaning and studying
more. It is not difficult to think that if students don't work after
school or before the class, teachers will have to spend more time
explaining those materials.
I have found some links which illustrate some points against Flipped Classroom:
http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2012/12/12/the-flipped-classroom-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.ca/2011/10/five-reasons-im-not-flipping-over.html
To be frank, I still doubt the feasibility of such methods in class.
First, I believe that both the
teachers and the students are self-disciplined. They both should obey
the rules of the "games"-- that is to say that teacher will have to do
much work to prepare the relevant teaching material, videos or lectures,
etc. and they also have to answer the questions from different
students;therefore, the working load is becoming more
I have found some links which illustrate some points against Flipped Classroom:
Whole Brain Teaching, have you ever heard of that ?
By discussing in the PIDP 3250 forum, I got to know this unbelievable kind of teaching approach.
Have you ever heard high stress environment.
This one is really beyond my imagination.
I am really curious about whether this kind of method is useful for teaching process.
In this approach, all the people take actions to respond to their instructors. Sometimes the class is really noisy, but the whole class can become quiet instantly according to the teachers order.
In my opinion, I think that maybe this method is useful. But, self-discipline students are the prerequisite for this class. they can express themselves well and at the same time .
I will not use such means in my class before I could use it skillfully.
This one is really beyond my imagination.
I am really curious about whether this kind of method is useful for teaching process.
In this approach, all the people take actions to respond to their instructors. Sometimes the class is really noisy, but the whole class can become quiet instantly according to the teachers order.
In my opinion, I think that maybe this method is useful. But, self-discipline students are the prerequisite for this class. they can express themselves well and at the same time .
I will not use such means in my class before I could use it skillfully.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
YESTERDAY
I do like this song very much. Although it is an old one, I still like
it till now. Whenever I hear it, I can remember those time in the past--
good memory, moving episode, my dear friends, and my dear hometown. ~
Flipped Classroom
Recently, the concept of Flipped Classroom have been mentioned for so many times. Besides, in PIDP 3250, my classmates also discuss it warmly.
After searching online and discussing in PIDP forum, I have learned much about Flipped Classroom although I don't have the chance to practice it .
I think this new way of teaching has changed our traditional concept about teaching. Students have to watch the video or lectures online before the class, learning those materials by themselves. In fact, they have to do much discussion and even the homework in class. Just because they have learned those materials before, students can show their opinions, propose their puzzles, and cooperate with students.
Properly use of Flipped Classroom can help us reach our goals-- acquiring tools for students to pursue their study instead of learning a specific skills.
Following is a video I find useful and meaningful.
After searching online and discussing in PIDP forum, I have learned much about Flipped Classroom although I don't have the chance to practice it .
I think this new way of teaching has changed our traditional concept about teaching. Students have to watch the video or lectures online before the class, learning those materials by themselves. In fact, they have to do much discussion and even the homework in class. Just because they have learned those materials before, students can show their opinions, propose their puzzles, and cooperate with students.
Properly use of Flipped Classroom can help us reach our goals-- acquiring tools for students to pursue their study instead of learning a specific skills.
Following is a video I find useful and meaningful.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Learning Style
Before learning PIDP3250, I have never thought of the phrase as "learning style". I just take it for granted. After participating in the discussion, I gradually realized that different people may have various learning habit.
As for my ESL class, I try to find my student may have different habits in learning listening comprehension. Someone find that they need to listen to the radio all day and all night,while others believe that they just need to practice listening for just 20-30 minutes each day.
Following are links for seven types of learning, which are positive for understanding different ways of learning.
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Are_Learning_Styles_Myth/?page=2
http://www.journeytoexcellence.org.uk/resourcesandcpd/research/summaries/rslearningstyles.asp
As for my ESL class, I try to find my student may have different habits in learning listening comprehension. Someone find that they need to listen to the radio all day and all night,while others believe that they just need to practice listening for just 20-30 minutes each day.
Following are links for seven types of learning, which are positive for understanding different ways of learning.
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Are_Learning_Styles_Myth/?page=2
http://www.journeytoexcellence.org.uk/resourcesandcpd/research/summaries/rslearningstyles.asp
Monday, September 22, 2014
About Positive Classroom Behavior
No one will deny that positive classroom behavior is quite important for both teachers and students.
Positive classroom rules can regulate mischievous students and help students form good habits. We should clarify our rules and regulations at the very beginning of each semester, and we ourselves should also obey them carefully, setting good models for our students.
I find a useful article for classroom behavior with some positive tips.
Positive classroom rules can regulate mischievous students and help students form good habits. We should clarify our rules and regulations at the very beginning of each semester, and we ourselves should also obey them carefully, setting good models for our students.
I find a useful article for classroom behavior with some positive tips.
https://www.teachervision.com/classroom-management/teaching-methods/6400.html
Friday, September 19, 2014
Student engagement is a key problem for improving students' performance
Whether students can engage themselves in the class is a key factor for study. The more they invest their energy into class, the better result will be.
How to help students improve their engagement needs effort from both the students and teachers.
Following is a link which provide several tips for strengthening students' engagement. Only when students realize the important of critical thinking can they get good academic result. We instructors should constantly explore new ways to attract their attention in class.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/10-ways-to-promote-student-engagement/
How to help students improve their engagement needs effort from both the students and teachers.
Following is a link which provide several tips for strengthening students' engagement. Only when students realize the important of critical thinking can they get good academic result. We instructors should constantly explore new ways to attract their attention in class.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/10-ways-to-promote-student-engagement/
Class Strategy ~~
I find an interesting website providing vivid video about classroom strategy.
By viewing this video, I understand how to do the brainstorm related with the topic that will be discusses; and then, grouping these words together. After that, students can use these words to make sentences.
I find this strategy is especially helpful for me to use. I do think that I could use such strategy in my class because vocabulary is really painful for most ESL students. Although this video is for kids, I think it is still useful for students of different ages. Their amount of words can be improved greatly by doing so.
I like this one.
The link is http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies
By viewing this video, I understand how to do the brainstorm related with the topic that will be discusses; and then, grouping these words together. After that, students can use these words to make sentences.
I find this strategy is especially helpful for me to use. I do think that I could use such strategy in my class because vocabulary is really painful for most ESL students. Although this video is for kids, I think it is still useful for students of different ages. Their amount of words can be improved greatly by doing so.
I like this one.
The link is http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies
Why Blog?
Blog is not a new way as a social media. However, many people would like to use it for several reasons.
First, after write several blogs, one can be good at writing and the writing skills will enhanced greatly.
Second, blog is a good media for recording. I use to write my mood to my blog, and sometimes I will upload some beautiful songs to it. Several years later, when I trace back to see my blog, everything emerges from my mind vividly. That feelings are really terrific. A good blog is just like a well-kept diary, conveying each aspects of our life with the time pass by.
Third, blog is also a good place to meet new friends with similar hobby or something else. I used to meet some online friend by blog just because we love delicious food and enjoy some English songs. Besides, sharing some good information with friends known and unknown through Blog is an exciting experience.
Fourth, creating a blog is free.
Fifth, by browsing other blogs, I can learn more and think more. Gradually, I will be accustomed to critical thinking. In addition, my horizon will be widened and knowledge in different fields will be enriched.
Reference:
15 Reasons I Think You Should Blog Retrieve from Sep. 3rd, 2014
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/15-reasons-i-think-you-should-blog/
First, after write several blogs, one can be good at writing and the writing skills will enhanced greatly.
Second, blog is a good media for recording. I use to write my mood to my blog, and sometimes I will upload some beautiful songs to it. Several years later, when I trace back to see my blog, everything emerges from my mind vividly. That feelings are really terrific. A good blog is just like a well-kept diary, conveying each aspects of our life with the time pass by.
Third, blog is also a good place to meet new friends with similar hobby or something else. I used to meet some online friend by blog just because we love delicious food and enjoy some English songs. Besides, sharing some good information with friends known and unknown through Blog is an exciting experience.
Fourth, creating a blog is free.
Fifth, by browsing other blogs, I can learn more and think more. Gradually, I will be accustomed to critical thinking. In addition, my horizon will be widened and knowledge in different fields will be enriched.
Reference:
15 Reasons I Think You Should Blog Retrieve from Sep. 3rd, 2014
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/15-reasons-i-think-you-should-blog/
The classification of Instructional Strategy
"Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use to help students become independent, strategic learners. These strategies become learning strategies when students independently select the appropriate ones and use them effectively to accomplish tasks or meet goals."(Health and Life Skills Guide to Implementation (K–9) ,2002).
Effective strategies can help student invest more energy into class, consequently enhancing their absorption and better understanding of teaching materials.
I find a good journal for explaining instructional strategies. After reading textbook and this one carefully, I can have a deeper understanding of strategies.
http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/352984/is.pdf
Effective strategies can help student invest more energy into class, consequently enhancing their absorption and better understanding of teaching materials.
I find a good journal for explaining instructional strategies. After reading textbook and this one carefully, I can have a deeper understanding of strategies.
http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/352984/is.pdf
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Weekly Summary Sep.8th --12th
It seems that I am quite busy every week.
I was busy writing my assignment 2,and 3. Looking back these weeks, I have got familiar with facebook and twitter, especially ooVoo. I used ooVoo to make my one of my friends,who has helped me a lot.
I really found that social media is a good way to communicate and learn from others. From SIE facebook, I learned much information from it.
For my own blog, I have been trying to polish it better. Unfornately, each time I browse the website of my blog, a Advertisement Page appears, which really annoyed me.
During the past week, my workload become heavier and heavier because of the teacher's strike in BC province. Many Chinese students try to improve their English in grammar during this time. I have to teach in daytime, and I have to practice driving for passing my driving license after work. About 7:30pm, I go back home to cook dinner for the whole family. Therefore, I spend two or more hours for my PIDP 3240 course.
I have alreay registered another two courses for the next two months. I know my schedule will be much tight, however, I do believe I can make it by squeezing time.
I was busy writing my assignment 2,and 3. Looking back these weeks, I have got familiar with facebook and twitter, especially ooVoo. I used ooVoo to make my one of my friends,who has helped me a lot.
I really found that social media is a good way to communicate and learn from others. From SIE facebook, I learned much information from it.
For my own blog, I have been trying to polish it better. Unfornately, each time I browse the website of my blog, a Advertisement Page appears, which really annoyed me.
During the past week, my workload become heavier and heavier because of the teacher's strike in BC province. Many Chinese students try to improve their English in grammar during this time. I have to teach in daytime, and I have to practice driving for passing my driving license after work. About 7:30pm, I go back home to cook dinner for the whole family. Therefore, I spend two or more hours for my PIDP 3240 course.
I have alreay registered another two courses for the next two months. I know my schedule will be much tight, however, I do believe I can make it by squeezing time.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
The benefits of Online social Networking
Online Networking is a positive way for kids to be exposed to new ideas, opinions, and advanced technologies if they can use it properly under the guidance of teachers and parents.
Following is a link for the benefits Online Networking.
http://www.parentfurther.com/technology-media/social-networking/benefits
Following is a link for the benefits Online Networking.
http://www.parentfurther.com/technology-media/social-networking/benefits
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
How to keep up with technology changing?
Technologies have been changing greatly day by day, and how can we keep up with so many advanced technologies? How to use advanced technology properly for our academic achievement?
I have found useful blog, telling us how to integrate those modern technologies and offer some tips.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/integrate-tech-keeps-changing-todd-finley
I have found useful blog, telling us how to integrate those modern technologies and offer some tips.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/integrate-tech-keeps-changing-todd-finley
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Weekly Summary
Because of BC teacher's strike, my language training school is getting buiser and busier. Traditionally, chinese pay much attention on education. That's the reason why they try to send their kids overseas to get more latest knowledge and widen their horizon.
This week I don't have any jounal to write, so I did much work on posting topics and comment on the facebook.
I searched , searched and searched new topics for discussion on the PIDP 3240 forum. Frankly, it is really difficult for me to find more topics for discussion, because my instructors and my classmates have already posted more.
I also tried to post some meaningful and interesting resources on SIE facebook now and then.
After commenting several resources, I twittered my instructor.
After the heavy work ,I have to work on my assignment every night. I felt tired, but when I saw my daughter, I immediately have a clear goal in my mind. Life for new immigrant is tough, but I have to keep on my choice and work hard.
This week I don't have any jounal to write, so I did much work on posting topics and comment on the facebook.
I searched , searched and searched new topics for discussion on the PIDP 3240 forum. Frankly, it is really difficult for me to find more topics for discussion, because my instructors and my classmates have already posted more.
I also tried to post some meaningful and interesting resources on SIE facebook now and then.
After commenting several resources, I twittered my instructor.
After the heavy work ,I have to work on my assignment every night. I felt tired, but when I saw my daughter, I immediately have a clear goal in my mind. Life for new immigrant is tough, but I have to keep on my choice and work hard.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Why Blog?
Blog is not a new way as a social media. However, many people would like to use it for several reasons.
First, after write several blogs, one can be good at writing and the writing skills will enhanced greatly.
Second, blog is a good media for recording. I use to write my mood to my blog, and sometimes I will upload some beautiful songs to it. Several years later, when I trace back to see my blog, everything emerges from my mind vividly. That feelings are really terrific. A good blog is just like a well-kept diary, conveying each aspects of our life with the time pass by.
Third, blog is also a good place to meet new friends with similar hobby or something else. I used to meet some online friend by blog just because we love delicious food and enjoy some English songs. Besides, sharing some good information with friends known and unknown through Blog is an exciting experience.
Fourth, creating a blog is free.
Fifth, by browsing other blogs, I can learn more and think more. Gradually, I will be accustomed to critical thinking. In addition, my horizon will be widened and knowledge in different fields will be enriched.
Reference:
15 Reasons I Think You Should Blog Retrieve from Sep. 3rd, 2014
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/15-reasons-i-think-you-should-blog/
First, after write several blogs, one can be good at writing and the writing skills will enhanced greatly.
Second, blog is a good media for recording. I use to write my mood to my blog, and sometimes I will upload some beautiful songs to it. Several years later, when I trace back to see my blog, everything emerges from my mind vividly. That feelings are really terrific. A good blog is just like a well-kept diary, conveying each aspects of our life with the time pass by.
Third, blog is also a good place to meet new friends with similar hobby or something else. I used to meet some online friend by blog just because we love delicious food and enjoy some English songs. Besides, sharing some good information with friends known and unknown through Blog is an exciting experience.
Fourth, creating a blog is free.
Fifth, by browsing other blogs, I can learn more and think more. Gradually, I will be accustomed to critical thinking. In addition, my horizon will be widened and knowledge in different fields will be enriched.
Reference:
15 Reasons I Think You Should Blog Retrieve from Sep. 3rd, 2014
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/15-reasons-i-think-you-should-blog/
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