Sunday, January 23, 2011

How do we learn best?


Have you ever thought why is it that you are good at doing some things but you're completely useless in doing other things?
How was it when you were at school? Maybe you were excellent at maths but when it came to writing essays or learning new vocabulary, you just couldn't do it?
Does this mean that you were/are a bad student? Does it mean that you are more talented in certain areas?
I was wondering about that myself until I came across Gardner's theory.
According to Howard Gardner, a very famous American linguist, intelligence is not only being good on one subject like science or language. He suggests that there are eight different types of intelligence that exist in all of us and some types are more dominant than others.
If you know your type, you could find ways to help you study more easily.
1. Linguistic ( word smart)
If you love reading, if you enjoy doing crosswords ,playing word games and you probably have talent in speaking and writing, that's your dominant type.
2. Kinaesthetic (body smart)
Do you like doing sports? You can't stand still? You love doing things with your hands? Then you can learn better by doing things
3. Logical (number smart)
Are you good with numbers? Do you plan your moves? Do you like games like chess? People like you can easily fing solutions to problems.
4. Visual (picture smart
Can you find your way easily? Can you visualize things when you try to remember something? Is geometry your best subject? Do shapes mean something to you? Then you can learn best using pictures and charts.
5. Musical (music smart)
Do you love music? Do you like singing? Maybe you can learn language just by hearing it!!
6. Naturalistic ( nature smart)
If you like observing nature, if you are curious about how things happen, if you love animals, this is your type.
7. Interpersonal (people smart)
Are you good with people? Do you like communicating? Do you love helping friends? Maybe you are a natural leader? If this is your type you can learn more easily in a group of people discussing things...
8. Intrapersonal (myself smart)
This type has to do with getting to know yourself. You like doing things alone and you are often quiet when you are with other people. You are very sensitive.
You can do an online test to find what's your dominant type
From what I understand all types exist in all of us. Some more and some less.
So what do you think? What is your type and how do you learn best??

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Procrastination





Why is it that when we have something important to do, most of us find something else to spend their time with? Time is passing and you still haven't gotten down to what you were supposed to do in the first place.
Like me at the moment... I keep looking at my laptop screen without doing anything...
So I decided to find out what it is called and if I can do something about it...
The term is "procrastination". You put off what is important. You just delay...
What can you do to fight this?
  • Do annoying tasks first. This way you can stop thinking about it...
  • Small steps at a time. Break jobs into smaller parts. Then you get the feeling of achievement when you finish the whole task.
  • Delays are caused mainly because you can't make up your mind. Set a time limit in taking a decision.
  • Give yourself a small treat when you finish a difficult task.
  • Make a to-do-list.
  • Schedule your time
Well.... now I have to stop procrastinating myself and get down to work...

Sunday, January 9, 2011

New Year's resolutions...




Most of us go back to class this Monday, so I though it would be a good idea to start with new year's resolutions.
It's a great way to make students talk and write and it does not take up much preparation.
You can start by asking students how last year was ask them to remember what they think was good or bad. Can it be changed? How?
Ask them if they know the term "New Year's Resolutions" and if they do that when the year comes to an end. Do they keep trying for these decisions during the year?
Sudents can write on board what they have decided or they can do this as homework!
You can even take decisions as a class and make a poster if students want to be creative!
Have fun!!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Haiku



I was reading about writing ideas to use in the classroom the other day and the word "haiku" (a Japanese art of poetry) sounded really interesting!! It reminded me of the "cinquains" I tried with my students a couple of monthes ago. Creating poetry out of simple words is always a great idea for all levels. Students feel really proud of themselves that they have actually written a poem and you get great ideas for a classroom scratch book or a student's portfolio.

Making a haiku is really simple.
1. Students think of a theme. It can be anything something that they have seen or heard, feelings etc
2. It consists of three lines. First line has five syllables, second line has seven syllables and third line has five syllables.

Without flowing wine
How to enjoy lovely
Cherry blossoms?



Have fun trying Haikus!!

Featured Post

Teaching online through Lockdown

Some months ago, when I wrote a blog on online Teaching for iTDi , I could never imagine that the teaching world would turn digital overn...