Comments on: Teaching and Learning: How to increase transfer

by: Rosie

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 08:49:22 +0100

These comments have been invaluable to me as is this whole site. I thank you for your comment.

by: Mitzi

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:19:16 +0000

I really like this blog because I am going to be an English teacher and I really like how this teacher went out of her way to help one of her students. I am probably going to ask myself this question everyday; “Am I really making a difference?” I want to have a huge impact on my student’s lives and make sure that they are getting the most out of my lessons. I am taking Italian right now and I can relate to the students who don’t want to say anything because they will sound weird. I feel that way all the time and in my classroom I don’t want my students to feel that way. I also agree that transfer is a big issue and that the teacher needs to focus on this. Relating material to the student’s lives is the best thing to do for this kind of subject; for any subject really. I think if you do this than the student’s will become more interested in the subject. When I become a teacher I am going to focus on relating my lessons to current events, I think this can help answer the question some students might ask, “When am I ever going to use this is my life?” Being an English teacher I do also want to have my students free-write in journals and blogs. This I think helps the student’s get to know each other. I have just started using blogs this semester in one of my English classes and it is the best idea ever. But along with this I do want to focus on my relationships with the student. I believe this is the most important issue in a classroom. When my students need help I will figure out how to help them in the best way possible. It may take more of my time but that is what I want to do.

by: leah s

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:38:06 +0000

as a future english teacher, it was refreshing for me to read about new ways to get and more importantly keep my students’ attention. especially in regard to grammar. it is so easy for students to just glaze over when words like adverb, adjective and prepostion start to be dicussed. in a world where people, especially children, are driven by the visual, putting images with words, ideas and concepts is a very interesting and seemingly successful endeavor. i had never thought about turning prepositions into a powerpoint and making it interactive. the only thing i could ever think of was the way i was taught: memorizing a long list words, all in alphabetical order of course. it is refreshing to see new and more applicable ways to do things.

by: leah s

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:11:10 +0000

as a future english teacher it is alway interesting to see new ways of teaching what can sometimes be seen as a boring subject. i really like your idea of using visuals with words. i think it is a great way to engage the students and maintain their attention. i feel like kids today have become more reliant on visuals instead of their own imagination or creativity, but if using memorable images can help them make the connection then i think it is a not only a good idea but a very applicable one as well.

by: Kristin

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:18:36 +0000

Your use of photos was a great idea. Perhaps you should give it to the English teachers for the students that already speak english! I am absolutely terrible with english, but perhaps if I had an activity like this I would better remember things. And this brings up an idea for all teachers, to use pictures and multimedia for any subject specifically ones you wouldn’t think to use.

by: Patty

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:33:38 +0000

I really found this article intersting because it highlights some fears I have in my future as a teacher. Currently I am about a year away from having my own classroom and during this time I am working as a gymnastics coach. There are times when I feel so frustrated when my students are struggling with a specific higher level skill because I feel as if I am failing them in some way. This makes me nervous that I will have the same problem in my high school English classroom. Your advice on how to teach to transfer made a lot of sense. If you can make a child feel as if the information you are providing is relevant you can increase their intrinsic motivation. Without that motivation transfer can become impossible but with that motivation you have a better chance of seeing improvements. You examples were really interesting and useful for me to see the ways in which teacher’s find ways to connect content to life.

by: Trish K

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:21:48 +0000

You did a lot more than just giving them a learning tool for prepositions; you provided an opportunity for your students to see how a problem they could face with language could be solved in a unique way. When the student came up to you and showed you the paper, you created a solution and showed it to the entire class. That in itself was wonderful because you already know one thing for sure- you created a moment for them that raised their curiosity. Your students already asked for copies! They are probably more willing to take on such a large task, and continue trying to improve, even if they didn’t get it as quickly as they wanted. You were able to show them a lot more than grammar (which native speakers don’t particularly like) in an active environment! It’s great to see that your concern and care became an active part of the way in which you conduct your class!

by: Trish K

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:00:42 +0000

I think this is a great way to involve students in the learning process. This activity went way beyond just teaching prepositions, your students were able to see a problem-solution take place- the student confronted you with a problem, and you took it, reworked it, and presented the solution for them to participate in. It was fun-which grammar hardley ever is (even for native speakers!)Plus, you gained their curiosity (they asked for copies) which means you definately have them engaged; if they are interested, they will be more willing to work harder, even if they don’t get it the first time. It’s great to see you so engaged in your students as well- it is hard not to get frustrated, and you made your questions productive!

by: Jfmeena

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:00:56 +0000

I think this is a really interesting way to get your students to understand hard concepts. I think others can really keep students interested in complex ideas simply by finding a fun way to present material, especially with visuals. I agree that if students can find a relationship between the subjects their studying and the reality of what’s going on in their life they can usually pick up on the material much faster. I remember when I was in high school asking myself when I was ever going to have to apply these concepts to in real life will top off their interest after applying these techniques you have talked about in your blog.

by: Jfmeena

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 15:52:41 +0000

I think this is a really interesting way to get your students to understand hard concepts. I believe teachers can really keep students interested in complex ideas simply by finding a fun way to present material, especially with visuals. I agree that if students can find a relationship between the subject their studying and the reality of what’s going on in their life they will usually pick up on the material much faster. I remember when I was in high school asking myself when I was ever going to use the material I was learning in real life. I think that giving examples of situations students are going to have to apply these concepts to in real life will top off their interest after applying these techniques you have talked about in your blog.