About the Presenter

Nives Torresihttps://it.linkedin.com/in/nivestorresi

http://en.gravatar.com/nivestorresi

Nives Torresi is a Teacher of English as a foreign language; English Drama; Business English and English Exam Preparation (Cambridge FCE). Nives also translates from Italian to English (with a specialization in Business Manuals, Historical archives and Medical papers), works as Interpreter and Mediator for Business negotiations.Currently also teaches online via an interactive learning platform for Business English courses and Language tutoring. Participates actively in online Teacher Training or development courses such as M4T Moodle for Teachers, Teaching with Technology, Learn to Blend and Flip with Technology, Action Research Projects to improve Instruction and Learning. Moderator in the Moodle course for M4T EVO 15; M4T EVO 16 - TEFL2YL EVO 16

Let’s watch a Video that encompasses what this talk is based upon!

Play, Learn & Grow Together

a Pre-School Projectby

Nives Torresi

Reflecting on the ExperiencePros and ConsWhat did I learn…Where to from here …

The pros and cons of this project

• Positives• Personal learning

• Lots of Reading

• Confidence with Technology

• Creating a bond with children

• Understanding the cultural differences between L1 and L2

• Quick to react and change

• Ability to adapt to new ideas

• Communication with class Teachers was always positive and open

• Negatives

• Venturing into the unknown

• Unaware of children’s needs

• Trying to please the Teachers’ expectations (and mine!)

• No idea of relevant Pedagogical theory or practice

• Not enough time to test the real outcome

What did I learn…• The importance of teaching sharing and caring to create a learning bond

• Giving a lot of love and lots of positive verbal remarks

• Children like to take control of their environment hence the need for the Teacher to always be in control

• Children want to interact, learn something new and show off what they know

• The use of technology with YouTube channel videos motivated the children to participate actively

• Starting the lesson with an action song kept the class focused

• Allowing time for play is just as important as teaching them new words

• Give children the active role and they will grow

• Keeping a stress free environment is important as it allows the learning to take place naturally

• Keeping a running record of my own experiences to enhance personal and professional growth

Where to from here ...• Continuing in professional training

• Finding inner peace with my own professional ineptitude in certain areas

• Understanding how Mindfulness can become an integral part of the learning process in any classroom

• Appreciating that Teachers sharing and exchanging ideas should be a way of personal growth and mindset

• Preparation of future language learning projects for schools (preschoolers, elementary or secondary) based on knowledge gained

• Creation of class materials using new online technology or methodology

• Sharing these experiences via blogging or online Moodle Mooc

Outlay of how to prepare didactic material

Step 1 Who Step 2 Expectations Step 3 Outcome

•…are the Learners (level)•…is the Admin (stake holder)•… is Teacher/Trainer

•Goals of the Learners•Aims of the Admin•Objectives of the Teacher

•Defining the outcome•Creating an award system•Statement of Results

A very big and hearty warm thank you to

Dr Nellie Deutsch

for giving me the opportunity to participate actively in her online courses like the MOOCs and Courses using Technology in the Classroom, the Moodle courses. An opportunity to moderate in Moodle Courses as recently as the TEFL2YL EVO 2016.

All of which equipped me to understand how to better use available technology to enhance engagement and create motivation.

Dr Nellie Deutsch

Thank you for listening,

any questions?