Week 4

What have I learned during this week? Well, first of all, I've been using Breaking News for my classes. I really like that site, and my students feel enthusiastic reading the news, so it's a great and useful tool.

Second, thinking about a problem makes you create solutions with technology. Before, the technology was the problem, I wouldn't use too much, because it might not work. Now, in this course I've changed my point of view, technology can be the solution to resolve motivation issues for example.
Finally, I think I'm creating a new blog, and not just commenting on mine over and over. Let's see!
Marga

Week 1

Do you allow informal chatting in your class? Regarding the ground rules and grading rubrics, and applying that to our classes, do we need to set some rules to our students' chatting during class hours?
Some teachers would correct their informal vocabulary and won't accept informal conversations in class, not me. If they are not following a formal activity, and they are really chatting to each other, I would allow them to use the vocabulary they want.
In other words, when they are assigned a classwork using the required terms, I won't allow informal chatting. However, if they are finished or discussing to get an activity done, I will allow them to use everyday chatting.
Of course, there are some limits, I won't allow them to use bad words.
As teachers, there is a point when you need to think what is the limit, and find a balance. Not too strict, but not too permissive. It is hard to find that. Have you?