Settlement Language Training PD

For intermediate/advanced Ss, I am placing my current module plan onto the LINC Courseware as a File so that the framework of PBLA is more fully integrated into the intention of the learning environment.  All kinds of activities can be connected to the file to engage the student.  Adult learners in particular need to know where they are going and why they are going there. 

http://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles

I like the idea of having students think through their own ideas and opinions on something before they share it with the class. For example, in LINC 5 Social Interaction, there is a lesson on 'Appropriate or Not' with 9 scenarios to read and think about the level of appropriateness in Canada. I'd like to have students make their choices privately at first, and then compare responses and discuss as a class. There are a few different ways I could do this, but one could just be through a Choice assignment followed by in-class discussion.

To engage and encourage student feedback polls should be used consistently. For example a question could be; Is this learning activity too difficult? Yes? No? Somewhat?

The Choice activity can be used as a quick and interesting way to get students thinking about a particular topic. The instructor can poll the students about an aspect of something they will be reading, writing, or discussing.

Using this applet as the recording device for our PBLA Speaking activities looks like it is a feasible way for lower level students to be able to save their own recordings as well as sending them to the teacher.

 PoodLL can be used to track completion of LINC speaking tasks for the PBLA. Using PoodLL, a file of learner's speaking samples are stored along with feedback and grades from the instructor. The feedback can be provided  in audio or written format .This will allow the learner to track his/her  progress over the term. This also incorporates technology into the PBLA which is too paper based.

Using PoodLL to make voice recordings is an interesting, engaging activity for my students to practise their speaking skills. They use PoodLL for pronunciation practice (i.e. syllable stress, past tense -ed ending...etc.), role-play, telling short stories and for assigned speaking tasks (i.e. formative assessment task), and also receive audio or written feedback from me.

Learning a language can be quite enjoyable with PoodLL. If voice recording is added to the language learning activity, it makes practical. The instructor can use PoodLL for dictations. First, the instructor would pick an appropriate text to a record dictation. Then, learners listen to the recording. It can be played back as many times as needed.

A good pronunciation exercise is for students to compare their own pronunciation and intonation to that of a native speaker.  I would create a new page with a voice recording of myself reading a nursery rhyme, a simple dialogue, or a sequence of sentences.  I would then provide the text for that audio with emphasized words and intonation highlighted.  Next, I would include a link to a PoodLL activity so that students can record themselves reading the same text.  Students can listen and compare to the teacher's recording.  As an option, students can submit their final recording for grading.

I find it very useful to use a PoodLL activity to elicit correct conversational responses.  The instructor records different questions or utterances around a theme and the students choose the most appropriate response.  This can be done in all levels with increasing difficulty - using more linking, faster speech etc.