Didactics & Pedagogy
Using Themes & Topics in class
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Themes & Topics can be a great help for teachers who have to handle
multilevel classes. You will find below a few suggestions concerning the
use of this site by teachers as a CALL resource.
Personalized self-study tasks
You can assign every trainee or student with a task corresponding to his/her level and field of interest.
For example, beginners can do the self-study lessons especially designed for them while more advanced learners do whatever activity you /they judge appropriate. (see menu in the resource page)
Feedback production as a class
It is very important that every student share the knowledge acquired after working with Themes & Topics. This allows for oral practice of the language to be done in a different context, and for the students' skills to be marked.
Make it clear from the start that after a certain length of time computer work must cease and traditional classroom work take place instead as a "follow-up".
Designated students can for example:
- read out to the class what they have written
- describe a picture which they have studied
- explain such or such grammar rules which they have read about
- debate for and against
- roleplay a situation
etc.
All this provides for variety and is a good learning stimulus for everyone.
Evaluation, logs & records
You can assess the students and give them marks :
- While they are studying- just go round the room and help them in what they are doing.
- when they do their reports (individual or teamed) Give them a mark on this occasion.
- if you take them to the "Test Your English" page and assign them doing the appropriate level tests.
NB Every student should have a log (containing lessons, reports, etc) which you/he/she keep(s) up to date.
Outside the class
Of course you can encourage the students to use the site outside the classroom (at home, during self-study hours).
You can also course-design "information gap activities" of your choice and ask them to search the web (not only Themes & Topics) for relevant information to share later in class.
Please write to me to report any bugs and let me know about your opinion or other ideas you may have on how to improve and use the site.
Patrick Lecordier
