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      Telling students why
      Submitted by TE Editor on 18 March, 2009 - 15:56
      The aims of many of the things that I do with my class are clear to me but not always to my learners – an example is when I use an inductive approach instead of giving them rules to work with. Because of this I think it is important, appropriate and more effective if they know why they are doing the things they are doing. Whenever possible, I try to explain the thinking behind the activity before we do it – this increases their understanding of the lessons, their learning and also my teaching.

      By Paul Kaye
      Average: 3.7 (29 votes)

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      carladelia's picture
      carladelia
      Objective
      Submitted on 19 March, 2009 - 14:35

      Deal Paul,

      I do the same! I generally tell the students what the objective/purpose of each activity is. Using games, for instance, can be great to have a dynamic and fun class but the students may not understand that they are actually learning something, rather than just playing, so telling them why they are going to play that specific game is really important! Nice tip!

      Best Wishes 

       

      Carla D'Elia - English Teacher

      Elena Quezada's picture
      Elena Quezada
      Telling students why
      Submitted on 19 March, 2009 - 17:57
      I agree with you. I think it is a way of raising awareness on the language as well as a way of developing metacognition. When I explain why I do something first I  ask them why they think I decided to work on that activity  and in that way. I give them some time to observe what they did (if it is possible), think and make their own conclusions, then we comment on that and I add any necessary comments. But what is important is that they realize by themselves. I just guide them.
      nathenrufo's picture
      nathenrufo
      I completely agree
      Submitted on 31 May, 2009 - 03:48
      I completely agree
      suzy-jenkins's picture
      suzy-jenkins
      Interesting read.  I remember
      Submitted on 12 June, 2009 - 20:10

      Interesting read.  I remember when I was a kid I always wondered WHY we had to do this, study that, etc.    I have forgot that and I need to remember that for the future.  A student knowing why something is important will probably want to, or at least subconsciously want to understand more.

      bananaripe's picture
      bananaripe
      Your right about telling them Why?
      Submitted on 26 June, 2009 - 03:09

      But just wonder is that suitable for Teenage student or for young student?  I think it will be difficult to explain to young kids for grammar rules, teacher will have to find a really easy example to talk to them. But I totally agree to tell them the objective of the lesson.