Effective Ways to Learn English Combining Student Projects and Technology

NNETESOL Fall 2004 Conference Presenter: Lyra Riabov

Associate Professor Center for Language Education

Southern New Hampshire University

Discussion

• Advantages of project-based ESL learning• Explore the process of developing ESL topic–

based students’ projects • Review selected assignments• What ESL skills are practiced?• What technology is involved?• What is the outcome?

Raphael, The School of AthensVatican (fragment)

Advantages of Project-based ESL Learning

• Hands on activities

• Learning through doing

• Collaborative learning

• Practicing of all the major English language skills

• Peer teaching

• Continuous Assessment

Students Learn:• Research the topic on the Internet

or in the library,• Discuss the concepts with their

classmates, • Interview people, • Read and analyze texts, • Learn vocabulary, • Take notes of a lecture, • Write short essays, • Peer evaluate their writing using

MS Word, • Prepare and deliver a presentation

using MS PowerPoint. • Sample Assignment

Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy

Technology and ESL SkillsMS Word:• Write and Edit• Peer Evaluate using “Insert

Comment”MS PowerPoint:• Organize student

resources and thoughts in a brief outline

• Practice public speaking techniques

• Deliver an oral presentation in an organized manner

• Prepare for a successful performance in college courses as well as in the future careers

Audio/Video Materials

The Internet:• Learn to research for a" real world"

information• Evaluate the reliability of the

information• Learn vocabulary using online

dictionaries with sound• Work in teams being in or outside

classroom• Improve individual language skills

needs• Have an access to the abundant

Internet-based listening, reading, grammar and writing language activities

• Communicate with the peers and teachers effectively

Review Selected Projects

• Project Assignment• Preparation• Outcome• Samples of Students’

Projects

Recommendations

• Look for sample student projects and assignments visiting Professor Lyra Riabov’s Web Site:

http://acadweb.snhu.edu/riabov_lyra/ESL.htm

• Also, explore abundant ESL/EFL/CALL Internet links on courses’ web pages of Professor Lyra Riabov’s Web Site

• Create topic-based collaborative project assignments

• Use Technology

• Bring the “real world” into your classroom

• Individualize assignments using technology

• Create exciting and hands-on fun learning environmentGalileo Galilei

Uffizi, Florence, Italy