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3. Reading
Read the four opinions posted on a teacher’s forum. Then, answer the questions.
Person A: I think it is important to get with the times. Nowadays, students are totally
addicted to their smart phones. Instead of fighting them on it, I asked them how I
could engage them better. Students answered a few questions about how they wanted
to use social media more productively. So, I started a class hashtag. Students can
contribute to discussions using it and add links to justify their points. I monitor it and
I see them engaging with it to ask questions about homework as well. I also
encourage students to use it to tell me what they like and dislike about the lessons.
Person B: I’ll admit, I doubted technology’s effectiveness in the class. I thought that
because I learned without it, it was an unnecessary feature. In fact, I used to make
students switch off their phones before entering the room. However, I changed my
mind when a fellow teacher showed me a website that she used in class. It allows
students to log in with their smartphones in order to play a game as a class. My
students love it and it works so well for review lessons and to break up mundane
tasks.
Person C: I am a younger teacher, so there is a lot of expectations of me from the
senior staff members and management. While they prefer more traditional methods,
I have found the greatest success when I use technology in my lesson whether that
be showing a video clip, using a slideshow, etc. I don’t think I would be able to teach
a lesson without it! After my lesson observation, the principal asked me to lead a
staff meeting on how to engage students using multimedia in class. It was an honour
to be asked. I know it will be a lot of work, but I would love to help my colleagues
out in order to make the students’ learning experience better.
Person D: When I began teaching teens, I found I was unable to capture their
attention. They were constantly texting, or scrolling through social media during
lessons and it was hard to establish rules with them. Even when I forbid them from
using their mobile phones in class, I would catch them sneakily using them under
their desks. I understand that it is important for teens to keep in touch. Thus, if we
are able to get through all the material, I permit them to have a 5-minute break on
their devices. I have found this to be quite effective.
Which person …
1. incorporates social media in their lessons? ________
2. was hesitant to use smartphones in class? ________
3. learned more about technology from a colleague? ________
4. uses technology as a reward? ________
5. relies on technology in the classroom? ________
6. wants to help teachers adapt? ________
7. accepts regular feedback? ________
4. Grammar and vocabulary