I feel that QLK520 has covered several relevant and useful issues for
teachers to-be. The issues that have been covered thus far and the remaining
issues that will be covered in time to come would be largely useful for my
future teaching career. For example, the module on pronunciation, albeit it
being short, I found it useful in raising awareness amongst my fellow peers and
I regarding the importance of getting our pronunciation of words right as much
as possible. As for the modules on oral and written communication, I felt that
it emphasized the importance of getting our purpose, audience and context right
so that we ares able to deliver our messages effectively and efficiently. I
think that such skills as mentioned previously, are very much relevant and
largely applicable to my future teaching career. As teachers, we would
constantly be communicating with our students, colleagues, senior teachers and
the principal and vice-principals. Thus, it is crucial that we are aware of
such skills so as to increase the effectiveness of how we communicate.
The module on classroom communication has taught me the importance of
the nature of the questions we ask in class. For instance, do ask managerial
questions, lower order questions, or higher order questions? If teachers were
to ask students higher order questions, it is highly likely that we are able to
get our students to think more deeply and critically, as opposed to asking
lower order questions or simple recall questions. Giving our students enough
time to think before responding is also crucial. Thus, a teacher’s questioning
techniques in class has the power to influence the way his or her students
think and respond, and consequently affects the students’ cognitive development
in the long run.
The blended aspect of this module makes it an interesting learning
experience as learners are able to take the time and explore the various course
materials uploaded on Moodle during the e-learning weeks, aside from attending
F2F classes for modules that are not for e-learning. Whilst modules covered F2F
gives learners the chance to discuss with fellow classmates and the tutor about
the tutorial materials, the online aspect of the course empowers students with
the ability to exercise their responsibilities to take charge of their learning
experiences.
Overall, in my opinion, QLK520 has been a beneficial module for teachers
to-be due to the multitude of reasons that I have mentioned above.
