Name & Details: Simon Townsend
- Email: townsend@iwate-u.ac.jp
- Contact: I am often free before or after class for questions. If you want to meet me at a different time you please make an appointment.
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Class Rules: please read the following
- do not be late for class
- if you are sick and you can not come to class – please contact me
- do not be absent for more than 3 classes; you could fail this class
- respect other students – this lesson is a shared learning experience
- if you miss a class, please check this blog (homepage) for schoolwork
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Course Information and Activities: please read the following
- the teacher will use the Iwate University Policy for grading
- all classwork is important for your final grade
- there is no late submission of classwork – if you have trouble talk to your teacher
- the teacher will give feedback for all classwork
- assessment will be explained by the teacher for each activity
- pre-tasks or homework will be given
- students should study 1hour to 2 hours every week – project work will take more time
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Teaching methods: The teacher will design lesson themes and topics for langugae learning, and implement (use) use the following two main points;
- Thematic teaching is used. The meaning of thematic teaching an instructional approach that organises curriculum around a central topic or theme, integrating subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies. [1]
- Global Topics are used. approach fostering awareness, empathy, and understanding of diverse cultures and interconnected global issues. Also it is viewed as essential in preparing students to work in, and understand, a world where the majority of future jobs are not yet created. [2]
Assessment: read the below guidelines
An assessment criterion or ‘Rubric‘ will be used for all student evaluation, during work at different stages of schoolwork. There will often be a draft stage and final stage. What is an assessment rubric? [3]
A rubric is a check list of information for students to use when they prepare, and self-evaluate, or peer-evaluate (evaluating other members). The teacher will also use the Rubric to a) give feedback in class, and b) give a final score. and for final get assessed by the teacher when they submit work. “Rubrics help students:
1.Focus their efforts on completing assignments in line with clearly set expectations.
2.Self and Peer-reflect on their learning, making informed changes to achieve the desired learning level” [3].
References
[1] Eric (2022). Thematic teaching in action. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ773877#:~:text=This%20article%
20describes%20%22thematic%20teaching,actively%20constructing%20their%20own%20knowledge.
[2] Primary Source (2022). What is Global Education. https://primarysource.org/about-us/what-is-global-education
[3] UC Berkeley (2022). Rubrics. https://teaching.berkeley.edu/resources/improve/evaluate-course-level-learning/rubrics