Sharing Tools: Prediction Video

Predictions are important for reading because it gives the reader purpose and helps them monitor their comprehension. I made this video to help start a discussion about what a prediction is. These images are easy for most students to access and understand, so it is a good way to use previous background knowledge to introduce new skills.

The video offers question prompts and when to pause. Basically, stop the video at those parts and have a conversation with the class. I start with small groups and then report out to large groups.

Enjoy!
~vince

Techy Toolbox 3: QR Code Station Activites

QR codes are versatile, so here is another type of activity you can do with them. Station activities vary as much as any other classroom activity. The video above shows two types of stations with nearly the same methods.

First, you embed the QR code with anything you need for your activity. As discussed in previous posts, you can embed text, pictures, Web pages or videos. When students scan them, you can have them do whatever your activity demands: answer a question, solve a problem (great for grammar warm ups) or provide a reaction, analysis or opinion.

I often have students use post it notes (different color for each group) for brief reactions and post them on the QR code sheets hanging up throughout the classroom. When they are done, we debrief -- either they walk around and read one or more post it notes and be ready to discuss, or we go over a few samples as a class. Again, whatever works for your activity.

For larger reactions or opinions, it is great to set up a poster where you post a question and students write their reactions, or you can use this approach to make anchor charts.

Essentially, what the QR code allows you to do is make your stations more dynamic and engaging for students, but like many of the tools I post on this blog, these are 21st century adaptations of long-standing activities.

Again, browse the blog for more discussions of how QR codes work, and, as always, feel free to start a discussion in the comments below and I would be happy to explain something in more detail.

Cheers
~vince

Techy Toolbox 2: Google Docs "Chunking" Activity

Reading a difficult text in one, linear sitting is usually not too helpful if you want to retain information. Thus, reading teachers often teach the idea of "chunking" a text.

This is for larger texts where each paragraph has multiple ideas, or one idea is supported by multiple paragraphs. In short, not for five-paragraph essays with clear topic sentences and cookie-cutter organization. You know, how people actually write.

With this second Toolbox installment, I would like to explain how using Google Docs can help create a vibrant and productive environment for chunking.

Techy Toolbox 1: QR Code Scramble

In a previous post, I explain what QR codes are and how to make them and set them up. And I also talk about the scramble activity.

What I would like to do here is start a series of simple activities you can do using various technology.

Authentic Integrated Content Based Instruction ... Phew! That's a Mouthful!

Click here to see ESLA: Our SU 14 E-Portfolios

As an ESL teacher at an Intensive English Program, I am a huge believer in three primary pedagogical approaches: authentic student products, integrated curriculum and content based instruction. So what I try to do in my classes is assure all these things happen, and I do it with e-portfolio blogs.

Simply, these where we take student products from all skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking and grammar), put them in a portfolio that we then publish online. I will explain this in more detail below the jump, but I encourage you to first browse (by clicking the photo) what we have done for my Level 4 (high intermediate) students this summer.

Smartphoning Your Classroom: Four Easy Ways to Use Hand-Held Devicesfor The Power of Good

These don't have to be evil distractions in your classroom

Smartphones are omnipresent in our lives, and, to some teachers’ chagrin, they are a constant in many classrooms. Sometimes it seems there is nothing we can do to get rid of them in the classroom. 

But they are not going anywhere. They shouldn’t go anywhere.

According to Pew research center, 56% of adults own a smartphone. But while that is an incredible number considering this technology is still relatively new, splitting up the demographics shows their staying power for the college-aged and adult learners. For those ages 18-24, the number increases to 79% ownership, and 23-34 is 81%.

Inspiring Curiosity with QR Codes

QR codes inspire curiosity and student engagement

After seeing a QR code promotion at some store, I knew I wanted to use them in my classroom. And after using them for a few years, I can easily say they have made my classroom much more fun and active. 

I always look forward to the first time I use this activity with a new group of students. They walk in the classroom and stare intriguingly at these strange, squiggly-lined boxes posted throughout the room. Because many students know what these are and have scanned them at various places, some start scanning before the class begins, and I have to shoo them away and urge them to wait to see what it is all about. 

Obviously, this is a good sign. It means the students are engaged and curious.