Tutorial Week 2 ● Reflection

In our Materials Development tutorial for week 2, our first task were that we had to find out which principles Jeremy Short applied when he produced his materials. At first, we felt that it wasn’t a difficult task as it was quite easy to spot and choose which principles he applied; however, we chose it based on the general points, overlooking the procedures/sub-points given from the main point.

After tutorial class on Monday, we had a discussion again to choose the principles based on the main point and also the procedures/sub-points, also considering Miss JC’s comment on our presentation. There were slight differences to our previous choices and we struggled a little as it wasn’t as easy as we thought when we needed to elaborate on each point. I feel that there will not be a principle that will be able to fit perfectly, and we really need to improvise and adapt to teach; this was one thing I learnt. Knowing and following the principles is “easy”, but to apply it in teaching isn’t as easy because there are so many factors we need to consider and cater to. I realised that the principles act as a guideline, but it’s up to us to adapt and to develop the best materials possible.

The second task for the tutorial was much harder compared to the first task. We were confused on whether we should elaborate on how each point affected materials development respectively or draw out a diagram linking the points with explanation. After much confusion, we decided on the latter. Coming out with a diagram was quite time consuming as we had different ideas and opinions, but I realised we all learnt from each other and we eventually came out with a diagram we were happy with.

Having to design a diagram on the aspects influencing materials development was eye-opening; there are so many things that influence materials development and it all links to one another. Before this, all I knew was that materials were develop based on the curriculum goal and objectives only. I didn’t know there were principles to follow or other factors that influences materials development. As a future language teacher, I realised developing language learning materials is crucial in helping students to learn and also in helping myself-as a teacher-to teach. Also, I realised it isn’t a “develop a material, and use the material for the rest of my teaching life” practice, but we are to constantly change, modify and improve the materials based on the factors in the diagram.

This tutorial has definitely allowed me to learn more on materials development, on how it plays a part in the process of teaching and learning among teachers and learners. As a pre-service teacher, I realised there are so many things I’ve not known before taking this course, and I have much more to learn and to take in before I start teaching in the future. I’m looking forward to learn more on this. J

Tutorial Week 2

A. Which principles for materials development did Short apply when producing his materials?

Materials should achieve impact.

• Jeremy short’s materials are very attractive and appealing to the students.
• However, it may not impact in terms of learning. 
• Although the material appeals to the student, we are uncertain that it would allow students to learn more.

What is being taught should be perceived by learners as relevant and useful

• Jeremy Short’s materials relate to learners’ interests and ‘real-life’ tasks. For instance, he talks about “Tales of Garcon” and “University Life”, both of which learners could relate to what they are experiencing in real-life.
• Also, through Short’s graphic novels, students obtain the message through stories that relates to real-life situation which differs from the usual textbook model.
• Hence, through Short’s graphic novel, learners could discuss the solution of the problem since it relates to real-life situation.

Materials should provide opportunities for outcome and feedback.

• Short gotten feedback from his students on how boring the textbooks were and that’s how he started producing his materials.
• After he created and shared the materials, students also provided feedback and asked him “what’s going to come next?” It shows that students are interested in the materials he produced and wants to know more.
• However, asking him “what’s next?” may mean that they’re only interested on the graphic novels and may have not grasp what they are supposed to learn. 

B. Design and complete the following diagram.

The diagram below shows the aspects influencing materials development. We decided to put country’s vision as the main aspect that influences materials development because we are looking at the bigger picture of the development of materials. Country’s vision includes improving many areas such as the economy, politics, social, and education. Since we are focusing on education, we feel that the county’s vision is to produce a better generation of learners in the future. Therefore, in order to achieve this vision, we need to have curriculum goal and objectives (eg: Malaysian Education Blueprint). 

After the country’s vision, we are going to see a smaller picture which is the curriculum goal and objective. In order to achieve country’s vision in the education field, educators need to set goals and objectives. Hence, school administration aims and objective plays a significant role in carrying out the process of moving towards the target. These three aspects mentioned can be achieved through materials developments.

Materials development is influenced by two principles namely principles of teaching and learning and the principles of second language acquisition.  Both of these principles influence teachers’ belief and rational as these principles act as a guidance in producing material. However, teacher’s belief and rational are also affected by the learners; with this, teachers need to adapt by taking into consideration which principles are applicable in developing the materials. The teachers’ belief and rational, we feel, is how he/she adapts and then implement these principles and beliefs in developing materials in teaching.

Having the experience of a learner in our high school lives, we realised parents’ goals are one of the main factors that affects us. Most parents have expectations towards their children’s (learners) development which in turn affects the learner in their learning. Due to this situation, teachers are affected as they need to cater to the parents’ expectation of their children.

Back! Stayin' Alive!

Okay I failed at my New Year's resolution...

But let's get this blog/e-portfolio alive again! This time, for our Materials Development course. Let's do this!

Early New Year's resolution? :D

It's the 14th of December, Friday, the day that our blogs/e-portfolios would be assessed. Don't know if I'll be able to post this in time for the assessment but this is just a short reflection about this e-portfolio.

I had a blog when I was younger and it was fun updating it often. But as time passes, you realise you don't have that passion in you to maintain it any longer. Honestly, I found that I was in that situation again with this blog/e-portfolio. I dreaded maintaining it; having to update it constantly, to maintain it for the sake of  wanting to score.

Then, just that day, when Shyazzwan's group showed us a video on the importance of having an e-portfolio, it made me realise the importance of owning an e-portfolio. It allows us to organise, save and publish all that we've done, I'm sure this will undoubtedly be a good help for the future when we become teachers. I realised people from all around the world will be able to access this e-portfolio of mine. And with this, I really hope that whatever I've posted would be a great help to other teachers out there.

I can't believe it took me this long to realise the importance of having an e-portfolio, and I do somehow regret for not posting more extras besides the tasks Miss Yoon has asked to post. Even if it's the end of Semester 1, and even if assessment has been done, I am going to make sure I'll update this blog often. For the future! :) Here's an early New Year's resolution, eh? :)

Technology is Important These Days....

 Just sharing. :)

Lack of time is a common excuse don't you think?

Mini Test Question 2: Environment Writing Lesson

One day, you have received an email that consists of a video from your future self.

“Dear me from the past,

            I am the future you from 20 years in the future. Please pay attention to what I am about to write, it is very important that you watch the video I have attached in this mail. The video shows how the earth would look like in 20 years time. It consists of the causes and effects of global warming. Do not be surprise on how ugly the earth will look like in the video. I am sending you this because I want you to know the importance of conserving and preserving our planet. There is still a little time for you to change things. Please do not ignore this email.

Yours truly,

The future you”

After watching the video, in groups of 5, you are to list down the causes and effect of global warming from the video. You are then required to produce an essay about the causes and effect of global warming. Your essay should be not less than 150 words.

Mini Test Question 1: MAP

Write instructions for students for two writing activities based on the pictures. 

1. The PERMADIK club is planning on organising an event, "Amazing Race, KK Style" for the first year students. You are the person in charge on planning the race in KK town. In not less than 100 words, plan out a route for the race. Your route should include these places:
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel, Wisma Merdeka, CBS Gaya Centre, Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation and Signal Hill Observatory.

2. One day, you bumped into a visitor from outer space at Wisma Merdeka, his name is Mr Alien. Mr Alien is a friendly martian and was lost at Wisma Merdeka. He mentioned that his space ship was at Signal Hill Observatory but he got loss wandering around KK Town. Mr Alien requested that you show him the way back to Signal Hill Observatory from Wisma Merdeka. He also mentioned that he would want to go do some sightseeing at CBS Gaya Centre, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation.
In not less than 80 words, write down directions to Signal Hill Observatory from Wisma Merdeka in a short paragraph. Remember to include the places mentioned by Mr Alien.