A Window of A Window of OpportunityOpportunityOfek HadashOfek Hadash

Winter Conference

Shirley BurgShirley BurgSouthern Regional Supervisor

For the teaching of English MOE

The diversity and differences in learners

The professional dilemmas and challenges that face teachers in this change of focus

What is small group learning?

What are the benefits for the pupil?

Benefits for the teacher Teacher’s Role Steps towards preparing a

work plan Ideas for Activities Points to Observe in a

Partani Lesson

““ A Constant Process of A Constant Process of ChangeChange””

The teaching focus changes from the class as a reference group to an individual pupil.

Skills and activities are designed for individual progress.

The learning process focuses on individual needs based on personality and relevance of the child’s background.

The diversity and The diversity and differences in learnersdifferences in learners::

Pupils with learning disabilities, who have difficulties grasping the significance of lesson materials.

Pupils who are able to grasp the content of the lesson but are limited in their achievement.

Pupils who show rapid mastery of the material but are frequently under-stimulated.

Advanced pupils who need enrichment.

Ofek HadashOfek Hadash:Working with small groups opens the window of opportunity for pupils and teachers.

What are the professional What are the professional dilemmas and challenges dilemmas and challenges that face teachers in this that face teachers in this

change of focus?change of focus?

Lack of homogeneity in the classroom – the teacher has to bring everyone to the same educational level.

The teacher needs to decide on where to focus the level of the lesson in a class of 40 pupils.

Bridging the gap between the expected achievements and the standards and the actual achievement of individual pupils.

External exams are ONLY used to evaluate national standards, and overall achievement.

The affects of the social diversity of pupils.

Since English teachers usually teach more than one class at school, and our goal is to reach and “touch” each and every pupil – an effective and useful plan is needed.

On the one hand, we must provide appropriate and immediate answer and foundation for the weak pupil, and on the other hand, enrich  the knowledge of the advanced pupils.

The most important goal of the individual (partani) hours is to provide both teachers and  pupils with a chance to interact and know each other better.

ItIt’’s a great opportunity for a real s a great opportunity for a real dialoguedialogue!!   

What is small group What is small group learning?learning?

In small group learning the teacher develops individual learning plans for each pupil.

Small group learning selects pupils according to specific needs-developmental or emotional

Small group learning promotes co-operative learning.

The lessons are special, different and in a learner-friendly

environment.

What are the benefits for What are the benefits for the pupilthe pupil??

It allows the otherwise non-involved pupil to participate.

It allows the pupil to feel personal success when completing the tasks.

It develops self-esteem. It motivates the unmotivated pupil. It stimulates each child according to

his/her needs and abilities.

Benefits for the teacherBenefits for the teacher::

You get to know your pupil as a person.

You can identify the pupil’s strengths and weaknesses.

You can build an environment of trust and acceptance as well as inclusion and co-operation.

You can give immediate feedback and response.

Teacher’s RoleTeacher’s Role

Professional and trained. Mentoring skills. The teacher as a guide/moderator. Coach– consequential thinking. Have a dialogue with the pupil.

Steps towards preparingSteps towards preparing a work plan a work plan::

Map out the classes according to a valid diagnostic test which examines each pupil’s proficiency in each domain.

Divide pupils into groups or sub-groups (1-5 pupils in each group) according to both teachers and pupils’ needs.

Prepare a work plan for each group/topic with clear objectives, schedule and ways of evaluation and assessment.

Evaluate and reflect after each lesson and adjust accordingly.

Document the learning-teaching process.

Ideas for Activities

Listening Talking & speaking Reading (different levels) - HOTS Writing Projects Tasks using computers Bank of activities (site)

Points to Observe in a Partani Lesson

Knowledge Teacher has knowledge of subject matter Teacher is familiar with the characteristics of a

Partani lesson

Planning Teacher planned the lesson and unit of study

based on pupils' individual needs, prior knowledge and their level of competence in the subject

Teacher has a clear work plan based on clear goals and accompanied by a schedule for implementation

Translated from the official Hebrew form

Points to Observe in a Partani

Lesson (cont.)

Implementation There is an on going dialogue between teacher and pupil

which includes cognitive, emotional and social aspects Objectives are carried out through suitable activities and

tasks and monitored accordingly Teacher encourages peer dialogue and cooperative learning Relevant and effective tasks and assignments for each and

every pupils are implemented Teacher develops pupils' sense of capability Teacher nurtures each and every pupil's uniqueness Teaching strategies develop deep understanding and

thinking skills in the subject

Points to Observe in a Partani

Lesson (cont.)

Teacher monitors and provides feedback according to the specific needs of the pupil

Teacher provides reflective feedback close to the time of implementation

Correlation between plan and implementation - lesson performed per plan

General Planning, implementation and monitoring of individual

pupil progress in comparison to pupil and desired standard

Positive atmosphere which allows pupil self expression

""WHEN A MAN DOES NOT WHEN A MAN DOES NOT KNOWKNOW

WHAT HARBOR HE IS WHAT HARBOR HE IS MAKING FORMAKING FOR,,

NO WIND IS THENO WIND IS THERIGHT WINDRIGHT WIND".".

SENECASENECA