Sunday, September 9, 2012


How can you use blogs for your writing classes

 
1.     Using blog posts as a writing assignment

In an EFL situation like Korea, the students are not provided with many chances to practice the language they learn in class due partly to the class size and to the lack of needs to communicate in the target language. Considering this situation, using blogs that allow students to post class-related further writing as their assignment could add the variety and interest for learning. Since virtually all writing genre in EFL countries involves web-related information such as writing e-mails, submitting online application or sharing opinions, this could be particularly helpful for the development of students’ writing skills.

 
-       The standard met:

#4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

#8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

 

 

2.     Using blogs as a cyber writing center: providing grammar games, publish writing examples or group writing works, providing writing correction on demand  

Teaching writing inevitably involves much practice by individual learners as well as individual work. By using blogs as a cyber writing center, teacher could provide much experience for students to use their writing skills. Specifically, students can use grammar quizzes or games related their writing course work, while the teacher can publish some of the writing examples or students’ work. If needed, students can get help from the teacher or other students to improve their writing by sharing questions online.

 


#11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.

#12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes.

7 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I really like your proposal about using a blog as a cyber center writing. As a future TESOL, I think that it is a good idea to work on writing skills trhough this tool.

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  2. I agree with you. In China, the students also do not have many chances to practice English in a L2 classroom. There is no denying that blog is a better way for students to study and practice English after class. I think most of foreign language teachers in China should explore some new ways to teach. The traditional teaching mode has driven students crazy!

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  3. Yes, the one thing that I worry about is that students get easily distracted or lost when they have to use web tools. Anyway, it's definitely undeniable that blog can be wonderful source of writing practice.

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  4. Hi Jin, your blog is really beautiful and makes me feel meaningful learning. It would be useful to Use blogs as a cyber writing center, students could be released from the traditional or boring as they thought classroom. The idea about providing grammar games for students online is interesting!

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  5. Hi Jin, I found it so interesting to read your description of the language learning situation in Korea as well as to read some of the other comments about language education in China. I think you're right that teachers could use blogs to increase the interest and involvement of their students in the language learning process. When students use blogs to share their thoughts and perspectives and comment on the blogs of their classmates they have the chance to use the English language for the purpose of real communication.

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  6. I really like your idea about using blogs as writing center. Same in China, English-learners lack practice. Blogs could be an interesting way to engage students in writing.

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