Teacher Resource 1: Online Blogging
Synopsis:
The teacher will create a blog spot. During class or as homework the teacher sets a series of ongoing questions throughout the running of the module/elective where each student has to answer the question by writing a comment. The other class mates are also able to comment on other student's responses. This will allow the class to gain a wider perspective and better understanding of the question at hand and of the module/elective as a whole. The teacher would fascinate the task and post the questions to blog spot. The teacher also has control over the publishing of the comments before they are posted to the blog spot to be viewed by the class as a whole. Click here for an example of some questions.
Reflection:
The use of creating an online blog for the students is to enrich the exploration of the texts in relation to the module /electives. The online blog is a great way to monitor and encourage student understanding of the texts in relation to Exploring Transitions. Blogging is a different way for students to work independently but also cohesively as a class to further one’s understanding of transitions in the text. Students are able to gain a variety of perspectives and ideas about the same question, broadening their knowledge and skills in not only the text but also different thoughts and ways to answer the universal question. It can also enrich the student’s understanding because not only can the students comment answering the questions but it gives them a direct link to the teacher’s thoughts as well. The teacher is also able to answer questions through the blog or add insights. This allows students to respond to and compose text to expand their understanding…(Board of Studies English Stage 6 Prescriptions, 2014) Outcome 6 is also attained throughout this task as it allows students to engage with details of text in order to respond critically and personally (Board of Studies English Stage 6 Syllabus 2009). It also enriches a students understanding as it allows students to write creatively and critically thus, expanding both their skills and their knowledge.
The teacher will create a blog spot. During class or as homework the teacher sets a series of ongoing questions throughout the running of the module/elective where each student has to answer the question by writing a comment. The other class mates are also able to comment on other student's responses. This will allow the class to gain a wider perspective and better understanding of the question at hand and of the module/elective as a whole. The teacher would fascinate the task and post the questions to blog spot. The teacher also has control over the publishing of the comments before they are posted to the blog spot to be viewed by the class as a whole. Click here for an example of some questions.
Reflection:
The use of creating an online blog for the students is to enrich the exploration of the texts in relation to the module /electives. The online blog is a great way to monitor and encourage student understanding of the texts in relation to Exploring Transitions. Blogging is a different way for students to work independently but also cohesively as a class to further one’s understanding of transitions in the text. Students are able to gain a variety of perspectives and ideas about the same question, broadening their knowledge and skills in not only the text but also different thoughts and ways to answer the universal question. It can also enrich the student’s understanding because not only can the students comment answering the questions but it gives them a direct link to the teacher’s thoughts as well. The teacher is also able to answer questions through the blog or add insights. This allows students to respond to and compose text to expand their understanding…(Board of Studies English Stage 6 Prescriptions, 2014) Outcome 6 is also attained throughout this task as it allows students to engage with details of text in order to respond critically and personally (Board of Studies English Stage 6 Syllabus 2009). It also enriches a students understanding as it allows students to write creatively and critically thus, expanding both their skills and their knowledge.
Teacher Resource 2: The Story of Tom Brennan Teaching Support Kit.
Click here to view the support kit. Synopsis: This teaching kit created by Joy Bloumis and published by Random House Australia, contains everything you need to know about how and what to teach when teaching The Story of Tom Brennan. It includes themes, chapter summaries as well as essay questions, discussion questions, character analysis, symbols and information about the genre and style of the text. It also gives a brief synopsis of the story as well as background information on the author of the text, J.C Bourke. It is an easily accessible and easy to read kit that is sure to give you that extra bit of understanding to ensure your class obtains the vital information and understanding of the text. |
Reflection: This resource will enrich the exploration of the prescribed text in the context of the module/elective as it allows the teacher to gain all the necessary knowledge and understanding required to successfully teach The Story of Tom Brennan. Although the kit is not based around Exploring Transitions the questions, themes and discussion questions can be easily adapted to adhere to the needs of the elective/module. It enriches the exploration of the text as it gives the teacher guidelines for them to look back on if ever they need further understanding. It is a great resource especially if this is the first time the teacher is teaching this text as it gives succinct information in a clear and coherent manner. In order to teach the students how to explore this wide world of change, growth and transitions, we as teachers must understand it ourselves. This kit is an aid to achieve this understanding and knowledge. The description of the module states that: “students should explore the role of textual features in the shaping of meaning in specific contexts”, this kit allows insight for the teacher in order to teach this to the students comprehensively. |
Extras:
This is a short clip of J.C Burke, the author of The story of Tom Brennan talking about the text. She reveals important moments in the book and parts of her life that slipped onto the pages. Although it is intended for the Into the World Module, it works just as well for Exploring Transitions in terms of allowing teachers to gain a little more insight into the world behind the text.
|
|