Self-Reflection for Year 2 Anggerik (27th June 2011)

My lesson was conducted based on the topic The Animal World which is based on the theme World of Knowledge. It was a well-planned basic lesson because the students are weak and low in proficiency. The lesson is based on 8 different animals that can be found in a zoo. Those animals I used were elephant, camel, horse, giraffe, lion, tiger and also zebra. Whereas, the focus of this lesson is to make the students learn the simple way of questioning and responding to the question. For example; Is this a camel?, and the respond could be Yes, it is or No, it is not. And another form will be Are these camels?, and the response will be, Yes, they are or No, they are not. So, the main difference between the two forms of questioning will be the singular and plural. If it is singular, we use is but if it is plural, we use, are and the respond is also different for singular and plural forms. So, the students are taught how to question and respond in a basic manner using singular and plural. They need to be taught up from the basics again gradually to ensure they understand what are being taught. So, what I did was, I planned it in a manner that they are taught in a way they can absorb the content well and visualize in their mind. As their capacity is low, I only used 8 different kinds of animals which are very familiar to the students. It is according to the Krashens Monitor Model whereby the information is in their head previously and it is activated when they are exposed to it. The activation of their memory ability will make them understand and learn it. I used picture cards, big enough, to enable them to visualize the animals and get into the lesson. The pictures indeed worked wonders as the students were so interested in the lesson. They responded better than I expected. Almost 85% of them responded when I showed the animal pictures and asked them to name it. First, using the pictures I questioned them: Is this a zebra? and elicited response from them. It was good, they responded although it was wrong. At least for their level, they made a effort. Then, I corrected them by teaching the correct form and also the difference between singular and plural. It took some time for them to absorb and understand. I gave them time and provided them with continuous drills that should make them stick to their mind. Almost all got to answer with the correct form in the later part. After they have learnt to say and know the names and the sounds of animals, I followed by two simple and interesting activities for them, whereby everyone will get to be involved. The first one was matching activity. I will take all the word and picture cards away from the board and hand one to each students. Then, I will ask, for example; who has the picture of a dog?, come in front and paste it on the board. So, those who have the cards that I meant, will respond by pasting it on the board.

As they got to absorb the content, I progressed by giving them a simple worksheet. They need to fill in the box in the worksheet regarding what they have learnt. They had some difficulties. I assisted each one of them to answer the questions. When I helped, I explained why the answer is chosen. My aim was achieved here although not so successfully because I had to assist them all the way. But, this is reality and this is the case as always for their level of proficiency. Then, my second activity was a group activity whereby I divided the students into two groups equally. I will ask each students from a group a question by showing the picture of an animal and their respond should like what they learnt previously. I9f their response is correct their group will be awarded two pints but if it is slightly incorrect, they will get a point. The group with the highest point at the end was declared the winner. The enjoyed the game but their response was mostly incorrect although they got near. That was a good try and improvement for them although disappointing. The fact is they enjoyed the game and they can averagely ask and respond to questions already. What they need is more and more drilling.

My overall feeling for this lesson is that, I was satisfied but not so happy as the students were lags and they were not able to perform as well as the revious classes. Biut, for their level, it is as expected. But, I was disappointed as I was expecting the unexpected. Credits to them for their effort. As the lesson progressed, the response and participation of students got better and I was satisfied throughout the lesson. The ones who were passive also got active. That was a improvement.

What I got to learn from this lesson was that students like matters which are around them and they love to visualize and I found out that it will be the best way to teach and make them understand. Another matter to be considered will be their attention span. It is very short and after a while they start dreaming. In my upcoming lessons I should come up with something interesting and creative to keep them focused throughout the lesson and I will also drill them intensively as this is the best way to get the response from them and make them learn. As for me, I like to learn in this manner, relaxed and worthwhile.

The change that I would like to make in my next lesson would be to add some creativity which might make the lesson better. Finally, I integrated listening, speaking, reading and writing skills wisely in my lesson. It also tested students thinking skill and memory ability as well. As for their level, as a weak student, they were able to understand, cope and respond at their level best.