Category: Information

Hello everyone. Welcome to university if you are year one students. At university there is a higher expectation for learning. Every student is responsible for their own learning. Please read the following carefully:

At the start of the semester, we will slowly understand the objectives, and how to
follow the lesson format, and practice the class activities. There are specific activity aims, language and speaking objectives. Also, we have important techniques we aim to achieve for every topic. There are techniques we will learn about (skills) to use and to focus on accuracy, and then later to develop fluency. The teacher will often give demonstrations, and feedback during activities, and give feedback at the end of activities.

I will now introduce to you a Higher Learning (University) model for teaching and learning. Then I will explain the theory.

Paul Nations Four Strands Model

Reference Nation, P. (2018). Keeping it practical and keeping it simple. Language Teaching, 51(1), 138-146.

1.Writing: Teacher examples and templates will be used to learn how to write in both paragraph format and short essay format, as well as preparing a speech. Several writing themes twill be used to give descriptions, explain something, share opinions, give ideas, solve problems, and advantages and disadvantages.

2. Reading: Reading will be done as a pre-task and reading skills will be learned during class, and practiced. Techniques for identifying topic a) meanings, b) main points, c) words (specialised vocabulary) and d) topic phrases. Topic sentences will be learned and practiced. Techniques will be used to develop these skills to improve comprehension ability and overall reading fluency.

3. Listening: Listening will be a part of a) watching videos, b) understanding instructions, c) listening to other students in reading and speaking activities. Students will also be expected to take notes of speakers, ask questions, and have discussions.

4. Speaking: Students will be expected to speak in English. There will be activities to both produce and present as well as focus on interaction with others in as much English as possible. For presenting important speech techniques will be used and
practiced.

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.
• …

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
• …

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
• …

Teaching methods: The teacher will design lesson themes and topics for langugae learning, and implement (use) use the following two main points;

1. 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]
2. 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