Communicative Skills for Secondary Teachers

A tutor´s journey through the learning activities. By Raquel Salazar Aguirre

1. What I have learned about learning a language

Learning a language requires motivation, attitude, aptitude and time. It is not an easy task for that reason it has great rewards. Though this course I have learnt that people can learn languages far beyond the classroom. Teachers and students cannot limit learning just in class. We have seen many sites that are an excellent extra help for students.

2. Reading Teaching strategies

It is very important to divide the reading activity into three stages; pre, while and post writing in order to help students with reading. The work the teachers do for finding texts is essential for teaching strategies and do not frustrate students because of the difficultness of comprehending a text.

3. Listening strategiesIt is important to prepare students with previous knowledge or ideas because listening happens fast and they should be aware that it is not necessary to listen to every single word in order to get the idea and some important details. The three stages will be needed here.

4. Speaking strategiesStudents have to be aware of who they are talking to, tone and intonation used. The location where they are, is also important. So, according to this context is the way the student is expected to use the correct words.

5. Writing StrategiesThis is a difficult skill which also needs some previous preparation and some time for reflecting on what and how we want to say. Thinking about the audience is a primary step to consider. The three stages can be applied here as well.

6. My favorite ICT ToolsMy favorite tool is the photopeach.com. Although it can be time consuming, I think is great for a writing a story which is going to be completely creative, students will feel free and motivated using their very own information.The BBC sites are a wonderful tool as well for revising topics seen in class and students will also enjoy getting a certificate.All the module 3 sites are great too.

7. Life long learningThis is an excellent activity for reflecting because learning never ends. It is a continuous activity that everybody should be aware of because learning does not happen only at school. Every day we learn something in order to ease our lives.

From the seven habits mentioned: number three, view problems as challenges, is the one that called my attention. It is an opportunity to grow and learn in a positive attitude. It gives an opportunity for a change of view which is a great way to improve ourselves every day.

“Life is a long lesson in humility. “James M. Barrie (1860 - 1937)