For teachers it is always a challenge to facilitate the learning of a foreign language. For this purpose, teachers consider elements such as the components that the course has, the methodology used in the course, the abilities of the teacher, the opportunities of practicing the L2, texts, flashcards, listening material, worksheets, among others. We are always looking better ways of improving our teaching practice. I believe that methodology could give me the answers to so many questions, but I have to recognize that although I firmly consider that the objectives are most important thing, I do not apply a backward design when planning a lesson. After reading the first chapter of “Understanding by Design” I realize that it should be better for teachers to first think about students’ specific learning sought and the evidence of these learnings. Although, all the information gathered offer teachers a great explanation of how this backward design could be implemented, it should be interesting to apply it in Chile. I always say that is important when teaching to make it beneficial and practical to learners. So, I ask myself, according teachers' reality, Is it possible to implement all the stages of backward design when planning a lesson?.
I think it is possible... but it requires a tremendous change in the way we do things. It also requires more time and better conditions for us teachers. However, if we are willing to make the effort, we can experiment numerous benefits.
ResponderEliminarI agree with Dayana when she says that backward design requires a lot of time and better conditions for teachers. That is why I would say that it "would" be possible rather than it "is" possible. It would be possible if teachers were really considered designers, and were paid for that job too.
ResponderEliminarLots of ideas have been developed in order to improve education. What we lack, is ideas that are generated from our soil, integrating Chilean needs, Chilean expectations, Chilean actors (teachers, students and parents), Chileand idiosincracy, in full: Chilean Reality.
ResponderEliminarThus, I'd say that's is not a matter of adapting but a matter of creating new ideas for our beloved students.
I totally agree! Teachers are designers! We must design plans, strategies, worksheets, extra activities and so on. The problem is when teachers design using the same old style again and again. It is necessary so to look for certain inspiration to create new things for students to learn and for us, so we do not get bored in classes. As soon as teachers felt stuck, they should move on!!
ResponderEliminarObjectives are not only important in Education, but also in general life. Hapiness is a great goal. Why is so difficult to achieve it ? Perhaps, we need to follow certain steps to understand the most simpliest things. Understanding by design seems so complex and
ResponderEliminareasy at th same time
I hope so!!! however, how??? and more important when!!
ResponderEliminarI am sure there are many teachers that do not use bakcward design, not only because they do not want to, but because they do not have enough time... I like your honesty and I think you are not alone, we have so many things to do and think about if we want to be better... but we have walked one step forward, at least we are thinking about it...