Would somebody please read this short application task answer?

Question

Hello,
I am having a last minute panic attack. I have had to write a short! answer to the question of: What makes a good language lesson. I have rewritten 3 times, shortened it 4 times and am about to get my knickers in a twist if I don't at least get some kind of feedback before I hand the following in. My future career is riding on this - or so I presume....

Have I forgotten anything obvious or made any grevious mistakes? ohm. ohm.

What makes a good language lesson?

Many things, i.e. the interaction with the tutor and the actual subject matter affect the achievement quotient. Encouragement paired with enthusiasm, well prepared material appropriately arranged and commented, clearly conveyed instructions and subtle guidance etc. are just a few of the elements that make a good, interesting lesson.

I personally prefer to follow an organised plan with an evident goal to which I can work towards. The syllabus should be simply structured and yet flexible enough for teamwork. I find that for embedding new information I must first make notes in a quiet environment on my own before practising within the group.

A good tutor paves the way to relaxed and continuous learning through assisting personal growth by helping break down inhibitions and building up the self-confidence of the pupils. This promotes a healthy atmosphere where willingness to share knowledge and learn from others provides motivation and intellectual nourishment. Being sensitive to the individuals´ needs by monitoring what works for them is just as instrumental as is having the right attitude, a good portion of humour and when appropriate offering constructive criticism.
In my opinion a single lesson should routinely utilize all language components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) by implementing the holistic way of “learning by doing”. The use of various audio and visual aids to enhance lessons that might otherwise risk being monotonous is also a good idea. Games and other activities pertaining to the topic at hand greatly improve the attention span and should ideally clarify any vague points.

A good lesson should open the mind and whet the appetite!

pretty please put me out of my misery. Is it too "straight, cute, or what? any smellink mistakes? phew. thanks to anyone for helping.
Ta for now.

MountainHiker · Accepted Answer

Dear VikiJane,

I am going comment on your essay, have some supper, and then come back and provide a another draft of your essay.

I thought I would comment where your essay fell short so that you can think about it, and provide further comments if you wanted to.

You will see my comments in [].

MountainHiker

What makes for a good[great?] language lesson?

Many things, i.e. the interaction with the tutor and the actual subject matter affect the achievement quotient. [interaction between the tutor and subject matter? Achievement quotient? I don't even understand that sentence.] Encouragement paired with enthusiasm, well prepared material appropriately arranged and commented, clearly conveyed instructions and subtle guidance etc. are just a few of the elements that make a good, interesting lesson. [whenever I see "etc." I interpret that to mean, "I don't know any more than this."]

I personally prefer to follow an organised plan with an evident goal to which I can work towards. The syllabus should be simply structured and yet flexible enough for teamwork. I find that for embedding new information I must first make notes in a quiet environment on my own before practising within the group.

A good tutor paves the way to relaxed and continuous learning through assisting personal growth by helping break down inhibitions and building up the self-confidence of the pupils. This promotes a healthy atmosphere where willingness to share knowledge and learn from others provides motivation and intellectual nourishment. Being sensitive to the individuals´ needs by monitoring what works for them is just as instrumental as is having the right attitude, a good portion of humour and when appropriate offering constructive criticism.

In my opinion a single lesson should routinely utilize all language components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) by implementing the holistic way of “learning by doing”. The use of various audio and visual aids to enhance lessons that might otherwise risk being monotonous is also a good idea. Games and other activities pertaining to the topic at hand greatly improve the attention span and should ideally clarify any vague points.

A good lesson should open the mind and whet the appetite!

Your elements are there, but I don't see the cohesion from one paragraph to the next. I think your opening paragraph needs a major rewrite and the following paragraphs need to be tweaked to follow the opening paragraph. If you or anyone else want to try to improve the opening paragraph, please go ahead and revise.

The impression that I am left with is that you are trying to hard to be sophisticated and formal.

MountainHiker · Answer

Vikijane

How does the following start look? Does it seem more organized? Do you see more structure to it? If so, you need to write the next three "body" paragraphs plus a summary.

Let me know your thoughts.

A Great Learning Environment

A great learning environment has the following attributes: enthusiastic and knowledgable instructor; well prepared and organized lessons; clear and easily understood instructions; and occasional use of multimedia aids.

An instructor has to be knowledgeable to be effective. Without a strong base of knoweldge, an instructor will lack confidence and be unable to properly teach students. Equally important to konwledge is enthusiasm, relaxed demeanor, and a strong dose of humor. Having all these positive attributes allows the instructor to teach students in a helpful and friendly manner.

Next paragraph discusses well prepared and organized lessons.

Next paragraph discusses clear and easily understood instructions. [You might combine this paragraph with the prior paragraph. You then need to modify the opening paragraph.]

Next paragraph discusses occasion use of multimedia aids.

Summary paragraph.

Source Material

Many things, i.e. the interaction with the tutor and the actual subject matter affect the achievement quotient. Encouragement paired with enthusiasm, well prepared material appropriately arranged and commented, clearly conveyed instructions and subtle guidance etc. are just a few of the elements that make a good, interesting lesson.

I personally prefer to follow an organised plan with an evident goal to which I can work towards. The syllabus should be simply structured and yet flexible enough for teamwork. I find that for embedding new information I must first make notes in a quiet environment on my own before practising within the group.

A good tutor paves the way to relaxed and continuous learning through assisting personal growth by helping break down inhibitions and building up the self-confidence of the pupils. This promotes a healthy atmosphere where willingness to share knowledge and learn from others provides motivation and intellectual nourishment. Being sensitive to the individuals´ needs by monitoring what works for them is just as instrumental as is having the right attitude, a good portion of humour and when appropriate offering constructive criticism.

In my opinion a single lesson should routinely utilize all language components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) by implementing the holistic way of “learning by doing”. The use of various audio and visual aids to enhance lessons that might otherwise risk being monotonous is also a good idea. Games and other activities pertaining to the topic at hand greatly improve the attention span and should ideally clarify any vague points.

A good lesson should open the mind and whet the appetite!

Vickijane · Answer

Good morning,

Thank you very much for catching this so soon. I don't have time to change it know because I had problems with my pc, but I will bear in mind what you said and will try to smooth things out when I'm at the assessment.

The glue got unstuck as soon as I started to rewrite everything and had to keep shortening things. I didn't have the necessary nonchalance to keep it easy and together after that.

I will take deep breaths and talk slowly and they will hopefully understand that at least I tried.

I do tend to be quite formal and I'm still rebelling against my upbringing.
Ah well, we'll see.

You have helped with this other perspective.
Cross your fingers for me please.
Bye for now.

MountainHiker · Answer

Good luck and let us know if you need more help.

MountainHiker

Vickijane · Answer

Hello again,

Thank you, MountainHiker, for taking the time to go through my work.

The lady doing the assessments and interview did say my English was a bit below standard but has nevertheless accepted me for the next course. I'm not going to second guess the reason but just get on with it.

I normally see problems as opportunities so why I still suffer from exam nerves I'll never know.

The CELTA starts in Feb 2004 so if any of the experienced teachers on the forum would like to offer some advise on any aspect of teachers training course I'd really appreciate it. It might make me feel more confident if my preparation is realistic, in terms of contents, timing and plain common sense.
If I could learn from your mistakes aswell as my own then I might be in with a chance of a grade pass.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

P.S. If students would let me know what they like their tutors doing during lessons or what they wish their tutors do differently - that would help too.
Thanks
Vickijane

MountainHiker · Answer

Hi vikijane,

Glad you managed to pass your assessment.

Your current post better belongs in the teaching section, below the grammar section up above. You will receive more comments from teachers there than you will here.

I hope this helps.

MountainHiker

Would somebody please read this short application task answer?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions