1/18/2010

Some useful online resources

To train students' listening skills, I require them to listen to authentic texts such as disucssion, news report, etc. I think if students can listen to authentic materials, they can follow the speakers in the listening exam. The following links bring you toonline websites about news report or discussion:
http://programme.rthk.org.hk/rthk/tv/programme.php?name=thepulse&p=2862
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/
As for junior form studnets, I play songs to them. I quite like to play them songs in Les Miserables because the songs in Les Miserables usually carry messages which are so obvious and meaningful. Students can also refer to lyrics as well. Please see the video below:

To help students improve their pronunication, I refer them to the BBC website about pronunication, there students can learn how to pronounce vowels and consonants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/sounds/
You may think of designing worksheets for your students using based on the materials online.

1/11/2010

Using Technologies in Langauge Classrooms

I believe that integrating information technologies into regular lessons does help motivate our students to learn. Nowadays, students get bored with doing reading and listening exercises in textbooks. However, if you show them videos or music videos online, they will soon be interested and their attention will be on you. So, I think it is good to use IT in the lessons.