Your success or mine?

Dear Students,

As you recall, during Monday’s class you were asked to reflect on your personal strengths and weaknesses as well as those of the class, in general. In this discussion we talked about strengths and weaknesses as they are tied to one’s own perspective and objectives or goals. Now, in this lab class, I will ask you to explore the topic of success to see if you can learn more about yourself as a learner or as a future teacher.

Task 1: Pre-listening activity. Proposed time: 3-4 minutes.

To get started, discuss with a partner the following questions:

What is success for you as a learner?

What is success for you as a teacher?

How can you ensure success (as either a learner or teacher?)

Task 2: While activity: TED video: Proposed time: 15 minutes

Watch the following video at least twice: the first time, focus on general content; the second time make note of keywords and/or new words, important vocabulary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgNx9Bgac1I

Task 3: Post activity: Write your reaction. Proposed time 30-35 minutes

To follow-up, prepare a short text (in Word) in which you share your reaction to this video. You might consider...

A) Connecting the talk to something you see at schools, in the classroom during your teaching practicum.

B) Explaining with support why you agree or disagree with Richard St. John.

C) Sharing a personal anecdote in which you shared an experience similar to St. John's.

D) Drawing conclusions between Monday’s discussion (we talked about personality traits (shyness), English (accuracy), group dynamics (good rapport), etc.) and Richard St. John’s viewpoint(s).

(Print when you finish)

Task 4: Post activity 1: Read your classmates’ reactions and revise use of English. Proposed time: 10-15 minutes

Task 5: Post activity 2: Language practice. Proposed time: 10-15 minutes

Answer the questions briefly in your head as they connect to Richard St. John or you; teaching and learning; and goals or success. If any of the underlined words are new to you, add them to your notebook!

1) What solution to unhappiness had a mind-numbing effect for Richard St. John?

2) Using the term figuratively, what can have a mind-numbing effect on kids?

3) Why is it important to heal rifts in any profession?

4) Is it good to foster a competitive edge among teachers or learners?

5) Have you ever had to pick yourself up after a defeat? If so, when?

6) What would you, as a teacher, do in the classroom to breed critical thinking so that students are able to enjoy success by pushing themselves, having ideas, and seeing how/when to improve, etc.?

7) Does success bring people together or drive them apart?

8) What sparks the creativity that can lead to success?