Fourth Post Technology and Language Learning

You will never know until you hear yourselves. In late seventies, listening comprehension once believed as the best way to learn language for second language acquisition learners. By listening, students at that century were expected to be able to speak better later, understand sentences they heard, have a good writing and reading skills and also enjoy the learning activities. Supported by Krashen’s Hypothesis, The Natural Approach and Total Physical Response were applied in the language classroom.

            The Natural Approach consider that, there is an order in language learning. Listening and reading come first, speaking and writing skills later. As one learn language unconsciously, the language input itself does not have to be too much, students should study at their pace. Learning setting, would encourage students to feel confident, motivated, and relax. Drill and practice learning software is also one implementation of this approach.

            On the other hand, Total Physical Response believe that motor activities  would make learning easier. Learning by doing means, students remember more by taking actions. Few years ago, there was a spelling bee competition in America. The winner, Akeelah memorized difficult words spelling using this approach. She spelt x-a-n-t-o-f-i-l, skipping cheerfully. She could memorize more than hundred words spelling in a day. Latest game developments, introduce wii nitendo and kinect xbox as kinestatic game consoles, which require users movement to play it. While playing, gamers are also learning languages.

            Some websites dedicated for learners was developed recently. The content of the web was created to help learners develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Teachers could also bring it into the class. Last but not least we should remember pedagogy first, technology second.

Third Post Technology and Language Learning

These days many countries have been trying to apply for language learning in the classroom. New software, machines, and computers had been invented over years, it does give such an opportunity to apply it to enhance learning quality. Computers can be applied for teaching in language class. There are four ways to implement it among other are use only one computer in class, teaching in the computer network room, self access learning and distance learning.

            Some electronics stuff could support computers using like PDA, mobile phone or Ipod. With PDA students could learn new phrases, in connection with internet to search any information needed and watch videos. While mobile phone could use text messages to achieve subjects materials. What is in now is Ipod, it is said as new version of PDA. Students could easily learn languages, such as English, Spanish, France, and etcetera. They could use it for searching vocabularies, pronunciation learning, and test their understanding with doing some quizzes available.

            In Japan distance learning become so popular. You do not have to attend the class when you can watch your teacher giving explanation right from your phone in Shinkansen. Some websites are also dedicated for learners. There are drills and exercises, course content, and discussion forum, which will help you learn. It helps students become self access learners and tandem learners at the same time.

            There are many things that should be matter on developing visual and content design of the web for learners. Like brevity, comprehensibility, legibility, consistency, etcetera. We have to pay attention to those things because learning from the computer is not the same with learning in the classroom.

            Pedagogy first and technology second, the one who should control technology using in the class are teachers. With good quality content and good pedagogical support, technology could help teacher to reach the learning objectives.

Fourth e-reflection

Fourth e-reflection

Published on Rabu, 12 Oktober 2011 in Natasha Kezia

            Lately I have been thinking, how important model of instructions in teaching and learning activities. By applying the right model for teaching a subject, the material will be delivered clearly, and make student understand it easily. Teacher could use Lecture Discussion Model for teaching basic concept, like grammar, mathematic formulas, music interval, etc. While group interaction model will help student understand the use of the concept in real life situation. Like how to make dialogue using simple past tense, how to count population census in statistic data, etc.

           We could also combine two or three models of instructions. Applying lecture discussion method for introduce the lesson, and using group interaction model for the activities will not be a problem. What matter is, students could take in the material well, and reach the learning objectives. Make use of different models, would make some topics become more interesting.

            A question raised in class before, about what would you do if there is a student refused to do the problem written in the white board or come in front of the class to share her idea. If I was the teacher, I would encourage her to do it, and told her it will be fine whether she make mistake or not. Because doing mistake in learning is acceptable. Later on, I will keep doing the same thing to her. I believe she will get use and do it well. A well-trained habit would produce mastery and skills (Wongso, 2005).

Third Essay

American is super power, is a big country, it is also secular country. There are many immigrants from all over the world. In America everybody is living their dream. In conducive situation, everybody could make their dream come true. It is really a melting pot country. They do not consider differences as a weakness. The government treats everybody equally. What matter was one has to have good character. Eventough they prefer white to black in old times, three years ago Barrack Obama was chosen as the first black American to stay at White House. This reflect that multiculturalism could be synergized to achieve better goal. Like Abraham Lincoln once said if you want to see someone character give him power. By giving many tribes equal opportunities, a country can become big.

            Nowadays it is time to change. People tend to build boundaries among their relatives and friends instead of work hand in hand one another for a better future. Post modernism riot is good for nobody. It makes people lost their jobs, children come off worse their parents, no tourist would visit such territory. What a loss. While other countries getting more and more develop, such things  would be major backwards.

            Majority is not everything. In America Jews have strong influence on economy, even minority could actively participate in strengthen national economy. We can always find China Town nearly everywhere, even in America. That show similar environment condition will not produce the same culture for granted (Susilo, 2009). One still remember that Persipura is Indonesian football champion, our brothers from Irian Jaya used to play football better. We have one world boxing champion from Central Java, Chris John. That shows us even a minority could participate for the country. Success does not belong to majority only. If they can do it, we can do it too as well.

            Canada is multicultural and rich country. They have two first languages, France and English. One area use France, while other use English. With such big difference they could work with each other as a nation. We can learn from Canada, how they handle their differences and make it as an advantage to make their country important. Indonesian is in process to become an important country in Southeast Asia. One should make and work together with more friends from different background. Many hand makes light work. As a nation we have to work together. 

Third PETA e-reflection

  I found latest PETA session interesting. I discovered four models of instructions, every model has an unique way to make students pay attention. It gave me new ideas, how should I teach my studentss in the next couple years. Those models of instructions are Guided Discovery, Direct Instruction Model, Lecture Discussion Model and Group Interaction Model.

            Our pupils do not easily recall what we inform them, they build their own understanding out of their limited experience (Petty, 2004). That is why it is important for teacher to apply the right model of instruction to teach a lesson. If we gave the wrong assumption about the model, our students would get the wrong idea.

            In my point of view the most stimulating model of instruction is Guided Discovery. Because this model encourage students to be creative, active, and share their ideas. It willl help students to develop their own creative thinking and understanding about the subject had been taught, not only remembering it. It also build our students interest. This model is a good way of teaching, unfortunately misconception applying it in the classroooms make teacher use it rarely.

            Model of instructions gave variation in teaching and learning process, and help students reach the main objectives of learning.

            

Resource

            Petty, Geoff. Teaching Today. United Kingdom: Stanley Thomes Ltd, 2004. Print.

Humanistic Studies Second Essay

        

        Thinking of everyone was born without choosing their own names first.  Being born in this world is nothing but an amazing grace. I was born in 1992, in  Jakarta and given such a beautiful name. It is said that my mother was the one who gave my first name Natasha, she always has admired a beautiful Germany actress Nastassja Kinski, hoping her baby will be beautiful as her she gave my first name Natasha, the English name for Nastassja. My last name had been given by my uncle. He always wanted to have a daughter and name her Kezia since he already has three sons, wishing someday God would generously give him a daughter, then she will be his dearest child. According to the Holly Bible,  Kezia was Job dearest and prettiest child.

            Based on trusted sources, my first name Natasha comes from Latin language which meant princess of Christmas, while my last name Kezia comes from Hebrews language which meant sweet cinnamon, a kind of a tree or woman. So  we could conclude that my name means the sweetest princess cinnamon at Christmas.

            I really love my name, and I think it really such an appropriate name and fit me best. Since I do love Christmas, the most magical moment in the year. Having such a name related to Christmas make I am feel blessed, closer to Him, and always believe my life would be magical, beautiful and beyond expectation. Your life is a precious treasure and you are more meaningful than you know (Sharma, 2004). And also I love the smell of cinnamon even the serenity you get by sitting under the tree. Nothing could fit and describe me properly better than my name. That is suprising how name could explain who you are like a coincidence.

            If it is possible I don’t think I would like to change my name. There are thousand names in this world, lot of unique, prettier, and more meaningful names. Sometimes it feels good having such a beautiful name, that sounds better . Frankly speaking, name does not matter so much to me. Eventough I was born with different name, nothing would change, it is still me. Who we are that matter. I have already been satisfied with mine now, it is already a part of myself. Once again the name that matter, but who I am and what I do in my life.  It is not about having what you want, it is about wanting what you got.