Reply by Greg  1 second ago Delete One interesting movement that is developing, at least in the English language teaching area, is "dogme", which focuses on building lessons, resources, activities, etc. based on student interest and needs as they emerge during the lesson. You will find much information on blogs run by Scott Thornbury and Jason Renshaw, amongst others.
I don't know your teaching areas, so it's difficult to offer anything more specific. But "unplugging" from your textbook and allowing the content to "emerge" from the students may help you be more creative.
By the way, creativity is more of a spectrum, from simply doing the same thing in a different way to starting off in completely new directions with no constraints. So, you may find yourself beginning at one end of the spectrum and taking small steps rather than giant leaps.
Other approaches for consideration might involve using de Bono's "6 Thinking Hats," Gardner's "Multiple Intelligences" or Bloom's "Taxonomy" as a basis for designing new ways of interacting with the same course material. I'm sure others will also offer useful ideas to get you going. Please let me know if you are unable to locate links to these resources.
Best of luck, Greg.
Posted today at http://edupln.com/forum/topics/how-does-a-teachers-attitude

I published the following post on Jason Renshaw's English Raven site today:

Here's my rough-and-ready list of potential pronunciation activities. Some may require further explanation, but many will be familiar with them or be able to figure out what to do.
These and other activities for ELL (mainly at elementary school level) can be found on my website (under Teaching - Ideas). Good luck, Greg.

WARMERS
* playing a memory game to review language items
* spot the difference
* tongue twisters

PRESENTATION
* reinforce with - teacher says, class repeats if correct, stays silent if not

CONTROLLED PRACTICE
* drills - choral, individual, substitution
* games - board, memory, guess, Simon Says, I Spy, Hangman/Shark, bingo (e.g. call definitions), tic-tac-toe, pointing, Pelmanisms, Go Fish, snap, dominoes, computer software, treasure hunt
* tests
* dictation
* spelling bee
* identify mistakes
* chants and raps
* requesting cards e.g. 'Do you have ...'
* speed memory game
* remove flashcards and recall what's missing
* show flashcard upside down, gradually, quickly, through a peephole, with missing letters, pull out of a bag and say; bomb game
* play FC Showdown - two ss back-to-back, three paces, turn, first to say other's FC wins
* respond to stimulus by touching, hitting, throwing ball at flashcards
* Mexican wave - words, sounds
* whispers game
* Hot Potato - pass a ball, when music stops student with ball responds as required

PHONICS WORK
* rhyme
* syllable counting and splitting
* blending
* alliteration
* assonance (same middle sound)
* segmentation and counting sounds
* synthesis
* manipulation (add, subtract, substitute, reverse); play with sounds e.g. try spelling nonsense syllables; go up word ladder changing one letter at a time
* sing to 'Bingo' song
* 5x5 sound bingo
* word or sentence unscramble
* spelling games e.g. guess word teacher starts to spell; name nth letter in a word; stand in row holding letter cards for words; hopscotch grids
* dictation
* letter feature sort
* letter line up

SPEECH WORK
* pronunciation practice using video with sound off, picture prompts, various models
* train the ear using minimal pairs (e.g. same/different, circle the right one), odd one out, number of times in a sentence
* repetition using different volume,say it high, say it low, different tones (scared, surprised, angry, bored, sad, happy, tired, forgetful, curious), different speed, backwards, using odd/even ones, words that rhyme, words that fit a pattern (e.g. stress), raps, chants, songs, up your sleeve, out the window, soft to loud, loud to soft, think one/say one word, to a beat, with actions, like a robot
* stress by counting syllables, using visual pattterns, anticipation with new words, songs

LISTENING WORK
* respond by putting up hand, an object, a picture/word card, standing up, another action (e.g. as a group)
* identify the odd one out
* memorise & recall a sequence of words, letters
* choosing correct item on worksheet
* dictate sounds or words to write onto bingo grids, pictures, treasure maps


Posted by: Greg | September 23, 2010 at 03:07 PM

Hi Jason,

First, my apologies for a late posting.

I think it's useful, particularly in the EFL contexts in which I've worked (Taiwan and Korea), to make a distinction between what is practised in front of students and what one is actually capable of doing. The two often don't coincide, which is why the "educators" may seem invisible.

This is partly because the person placed at the front of the room is:
(a) forced to be dependent on and fully use a text and workbook which the school has determined is the most suitable, is what every student needs and which parents have been required to purchase,
(b) forced into an assistant's role by government legislation which does not accept their status as a registered teacher (even though their home country does),
(c) forced to worry about student outcomes because final tests are mandated and results below 80% are seen as failures,
(d) capable of using a variety of technologies but not able to, since there are not enough computers, or the software is not in English, or not all rooms have the same equipment, or
(e) capable of using a variety of approaches but in practice discouraged from doing so because those styles are considered foreign.

I think it is also valuable to think of ourselves as "learning facilitators" rather than teachers, since it is students themselves that construct their knowledge, often from each other or external sources, while we attempt to move them in directions which are meaningful and useful. We do this by being enthusiastic about our subject, by staying focused on where we want them to go, by providing opportunities to practice in a variety of ways, by building on what they already know, by giving them the tools (skills) to move forward, by encouraging experimentation, by regular informal low-stakes assessment which feeds back into the learning, and by expecting them all to improve.

To give you a simple example of what I mean, when I moved to Taiwan I needed some form of transportation, so a friend helped me buy a motor scooter. I'd never ridden one before, but I had ridden a bicycle and driven a car. Thus I came to the task with some prior knowledge. Nevertheless, being from Australia I'd never used the right-hand side of the road, nor the controls on a scooter. He showed me the basic buttons and controls (turn signals, horn, brakes, accelerator) and what to watch out for on the road. He then led me slowly home while I followed him on my scooter very cautiously. He watched me in his mirrors, and at each traffic signal checked if I was OK or offered a few more tips. He believed I could ride successfully and I eventually got home in one piece. Later I read up on the local road rules, scooter maintenance needs, etc. but at the time he gave me the confidence to try it out. To me, that is a great model of teaching. He didn't sit me down and give me a lecture about the number of traffic accidents in Taiwan and their causes, or the 192 or so possible questions on the licence examination, or how scooters are constructed, he just knew what I needed and got me there.


Thanks again for the opportunity to think about this topic and for all the discussion to date. I hope other "teachers" reading your blog will give some thought to these central concerns as well.


Posted at http://jasonrenshaw.typepad.com/jason_renshaws_web_log/2010/08/three-kinds-of-language-teacher.html by: Greg | September 13, 2010 at 03:49 PM

Today I read an interesting article on "The Web of Language" site entitled "The gender-neutral pronoun: grammatical necessity, consciousness raiser, and after 150 years still an epic fail" written by debaron@illinois.edu.
The article surveys the problems English has in finding an enduring third person singular pronoun that is gender-free, as well as some of the novel solutions offered throughout history.
I couldn't resist the chance to give a tounge-in-cheek comment, partly to spark further discussion. Here is my post which I hope will be uploaded by the moderator soon. Any comments will be enjoyed!
Greg wrote: I don't see why all the fuss about avoiding "he" or "she" when the gender of the person is known, though I agree using the form "he or she" is clumsy.
Well if the pedants of the world won't accept what many grammars already allow i.e. the use of the singular "they", then there is another gender neutral third person singular pronoun already available, with no complications of being considered plural as well as singular, and perfectly acceptable in the case of all other life forms on Earth. The pronoun I refer to is "it".
Both male and female animals, birds, fish, insects, etc can be referred to in this way, so why not humans as well? Would a construction such as "it has left it's book here" be so shocking? confusing? Are we so concerned about gender recognition that this would be unacceptable?
While I myself routinely use "they" in these situations, I feel "it" would be a useable alternative for consideration.

For those who don't yet "follow" me on Twitter @gregqbear, here are my tweets and re-tweets related to Education between 8th July and today. There are heaps of resources and ideas among them - please check out the links!

1. New Blog Post Reasons to Ditch the Pen - Today I sent a comment in response to an excellent article about reducing o... http://ht.ly/18RVxf 8:33 AM Sep 5th via HootSuite
2. 12 Reasons to Ditch the Pen - My comments at http://ht.ly/2zrnu I'm challenging myself to digitise my #elt resources. CAN YOU DO IT TOO? 2:26 PM Sep 4th via HootSuite
3. I like Dropbox. It's got moxie. http://db.tt/GmP0iJR 7:07 PM Sep 3rd via Dropbox 
4. New Blog Post Young Learner English Resources - I posted a Tweet today to share 31 websites suitable for young learn... http://ht.ly/18ObbW 9:12 AM Sep 1st via HootSuite
5. RT @SimpleCEO: 101 Free #edtech tools for ANY classroom, tech or not: http://ht.ly/2wLdA Registration reqd to download. 11:03 PM Aug 30th via HootSuite
6. RT @musictechie: Edutecher website and MUST have app. One of the best edu apps around. Adam rocks! http://www.edutecher.net/index.php 11:29 PM Aug 29th via HootSuite
7. kylepace Sweet Sites for elem, middle, and high school teachers and students...http://bit.ly/9vIRse from @findingdulcinea #edtech 6:17 AM Aug 29th via TweetDeck Retweeted by you and 5 others
8. Check out eflclassroom.ning.com by visiting http://feedjit.com/o/39LB/ and get a link to your blog or profile. 11:18 AM Aug 28th via Feedjit
9. The Differentiated Classroom.pdf http://ht.ly/2w2W7 An excellent e-book by Tomlinson with many pract. ideas for multi-level classes. #elt 10:57 AM Aug 28th via HootSuite
10. Free Technology for Teachers: Read Print - 8,000+ Free Books & Essays Online http://bit.ly/bjgPw9 9:57 PM Aug 27th via The Twt Times
11. ChrisCattaneoCheck this video out -- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle http://t.co/wLCAs2A via @youtube 7:03 PM Aug 27th via Tweet Button Retweeted by you and 1 other
12. YouTube - simonscat's Channel http://ht.ly/2sNJs 8 Funny short videos - reminds me of some creatures I know. 9:00 PM Aug 21st via HootSuite
13. The Twitter Greg Quinlivan Daily http://bit.ly/a3YP29 for Monday 16th August out now! Get your copy here. 9:13 PM Aug 16th via TweetMeme
14. RT @TheConsultantsE: Gr8 list! Online Vocabulary Games http://bit.ly/brB9gS 9:47 PM Aug 14th via HootSuite
15. RT @web20classroom: What is a PLN? Why is it important? http://bit.ly/dfIu3W Good introductory video in 10-part series about PLNs. 8:58 PM Aug 13th via HootSuite
16. RT @tomwhitby: "Why students don't learn what we think we teach" http://is.gd/eeGzK Strongly focused on learning. Thoughts for teachers. 4:29 PM Aug 13th via HootSuite
17. Thanks2Teachers RT @sccenglish Study from Australia, worth reading: schools and social media: http://bit.ly/a0HK8t #edchat #edtech 6:07 PM Aug 12th via web Retweeted by you
18. 31 Ways to Help Young English Learners - GR8 Sites, many interactive activities. http://ht.ly/2nW4P #tesol #efl #esl #elt. 2:42 PM Aug 11th via HootSuite
19. Facebook or Twitter or Both? - Teacher Greg's Education & Dhamma Home http://ht.ly/2nSIn in reply to Jason Renshaw (English Raven) #edtech 10:50 AM Aug 11th via HootSuite
20. Some school funnies… » Alan Lawrence Sitomer http://ht.ly/2mA2q Scary, but real answers from 16yo's on exam. #edchat #tesol 9:18 PM Aug 8th via HootSuite
21. EasyBib: Free Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago citation styles http://ht.ly/2mxNj Also, citation guide for MLA. #edtech #musictech 4:05 PM Aug 8th via HootSuite
22. RT @TweetSmarter: Terrific Collection of FREE Twitter Tools by category: http://j.mp/9Hx040 112 tools worth looking at. #edtech #edchat 9:33 PM Aug 7th via HootSuite
23. Links-ReformSymposium2010 - Google Docs http://ht.ly/2miuG Hundreds of links to sites, blogs, software, talks, vids - good for all teachers. 11:47 AM Aug 7th via HootSuite
24. RT @marynabadenhors: RT @MrsAngell Fantastic ESL Language videos http://icio.us/nvcuv0 More than 1,500 of them! 9:12 PM Aug 5th via HootSuite
25. Check out my fresh Twitter Tim.es newspaper http://twittertim.es/gregqbear 8:06 PM Aug 5th via web
26. Free Twitter for business ebook | Smarta http://ht.ly/2lfna Also has many general tips on using Twitter worth considering. 11:13 AM Aug 5th via HootSuite
27. Can Twitter help with education? | Parentella http://ht.ly/2lem0 For the unbelievers and the unconvinced, here's what other teachers say. 10:10 AM Aug 5th via HootSuite
28. RT @web20classroom: A Twitteraholic’s Guide to tweets, hashtags, & all things Twitter http://diigo.com/0c585 Worth keeping it for ref! 9:51 AM Aug 5th via HootSuite
29. Best Student / Teacher web 2.0 language learning / teaching sites http://ht.ly/2kOyR by David Deubelbeiss #edtech #tesol #elt #esl 8:12 PM Aug 4th via HootSuite
30. NOOKstudy Download Free, Digital Textbooks, eTextbook Application - Barnes & Noble http://ht.ly/2kE1d Now live! #edchat #tesol #elt #musiced 9:18 AM Aug 4th via HootSuite
31. RT @DoremiGirl: UPDATED! RT @web20classroom: A Huge, Sortable, and Updated Spreadsheet Of All TED Talks Available: http://bit.ly/cEBcjF 1:07 PM Aug 3rd via HootSuite
32. RT @englishraven: Validation http://bit.ly/9x4GLl Now with my comments, also available at http://ht.ly/2je1Z #tesol #elt #efl 11:00 PM Jul 31st via HootSuite
33. RT @marynabadenhors: Google in classroom resources under headings http://echucaelearning.wikispaces.com/Google+Docs Everything Googley! 10:19 PM Jul 31st via HootSuite
34. @englishraven Have you considered following it with a PELTA course? Could be a good money earner! #elt #tesol #efl 9:35 PM Jul 31st via HootSuite in reply to englishraven
35. RT @marynabadenhors:Strivney...Free site to learn reading with phonics http://ow.ly/2iKMh I've seen 2 recommends now for it. Check it out! 9:49 PM Jul 30th via HootSuite
36. RT @cybraryman1: Schools should have clear policies on use of SM & tech. developed with students/parents input. Gr8 observation! Very smart! 9:42 AM Jul 29th via HootSuite
37. RT @marynabadenhors: Looking Ahead at Social Learning: 10 Predictions http://bit.ly/cfk4NV About future of education. Where do you fit? 8:14 PM Jul 28th via HootSuite
38. RT @marynabadenhors: Get thinking into your lessons: a ten point plan http://bit.ly/9WZhw5 Thanks, Maryna. PDF file & any ideas. 8:32 AM Jul 28th via HootSuite
39. RT @web20classroom: Learn It in 5 - How-to Vids for Teachers http://is.gd/dK8eu Delicious, Twit,Ning, Kidblog, TeacherTube, VoiceThread, etc 9:38 PM Jul 27th via HootSuite
40. RT @kalinagoenglish: Super! More people need 2 understand Creative Commons - http://bit.ly/bXsMf4 Protect your original works by licences. 9:22 PM Jul 27th via HootSuite
41. RT @EnglishWiZiQ: RT @Twinky7109: Free Virtual Classroom for Online Teaching and Learning http://bit.ly/cQ03HL Worth checking out! 8:45 PM Jul 27th via HootSuite
42. Just changed on http://wefollow.com twitter directory to list under: #hsinchu #buddhism #travel #tech #education #music 7:40 PM Jul 27th via WeFollow
43. RT @ShellTerrell: 20 Websites No Teacher Should Start the Year Without http://j.mp/coiqOF #edtech #elearning via @oswego98 9:08 PM Jul 25th via HootSuite
44. RT @marynabadenhors: RT @rkiker 99 of the best Windows freeware programs you may not know of http://bit.ly/9WnBno 9:15 PM Jul 19th via HootSuite
45. English Raven: Easy? Says who? http://ht.ly/2a5f1 Difficulties with ELL's and reading, together with my comments. A fun read (if you can)! 6:19 PM Jul 12th via HootSuite
46. RT @paksorn: What Is The Purpose of Your School’s Curriculum? | edte.ch http://j.mp/bm65lP Now with my additional brief thoughts. 5:56 PM Jul 12th via HootSuite
47. RT @tomwhitby: A site for Mobile Learning Devices for Elem Level. http://bit.ly/cR4vfl Sharings and lesson ideas from many schools. 9:19 AM Jul 12th via HootSuite
48. @ NickKristof Why change to a silly scoring system just to boost points? It doesn't change anything. If you score more goals you win anyway. 9:11 AM Jul 12th via HootSuite
49. RT @ShellTerrell: RT @flourishingkids: My first Prezi! If You Give a Teacher Twitter http://bit.ly/c6y8nk PLEASE share re uses of Twitter. 10:13 PM Jul 11th via HootSuite
50. RT @eflclassroom: New post on EFL CLASSROOM 2.0 - using culturally appropriate music http://ning.it/b19eCi Now with my added comments! 9:53 PM Jul 11th via HootSuite
51. RT @DoremiGirl: Great post! REFORM vs. TRANSFORM by @tomwhitby http://ht.ly/29KmY #edchat Making tech. ubiquitous in teaching & learning. 8:44 PM Jul 11th via HootSuite
52. RT @web20classroom: Igniting Innovation in Education through Collaboration | Edutopia http://bit.ly/9241oz Helps appreciate value of twitter 8:36 PM Jul 9th via HootSuite
53. RT @DoremiGirl: Periodic Text Message (SMS) Table: A handy quick guide for those with DSL accents. http://ht.ly/2903w via @nero1279 7:59 PM Jul 9th via HootSuite

Today I sent a comment in response to an excellent article about reducing our use of pen and paper and making greater use of digital technologies.
Though there is clearly still a place in some forms of personal communication for the pen, this is increasingly less so in the work situation. So, I'm resolving to digitise (scan or type in) as much of my paper-based resources as possible over the next 12 months. This will not only reduce the clutter in my apartment, cut back on my excess baggage costs, but also make the materials more accessible to me and, in time, to you.
Here is my post today:
Greg said... Hi Lisa, following your article I've decided to digitise my current paper-based materials to reduce my home clutter.
I was wondering, for those of us who don't own a smartphone or have a laptop permanently stitched to our hips, what other tech. options would you recommend? If I could know of the available options I could go ahead and reduce my written notebooks.
Once again, thanks for this thoughtful post, which I've shared with my Twitter friends.
Greg.

September 4, 2010 12:11 AM It was posted at http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2010/09/pen-is-no-longer-weapon-of-choice.html.