Week 5: Project Based Learning, Alternative Assessment, Rubrics & WebQuests

-During this week, I investigated very important topics related to the teaching of EFL thanks to this web-skills course. One of the main topics is the use of PBL in the EFL classroom. It was an interesting opportunity to rethink about how I use this PBL with my students. I used to assign projects the traditional way. But now I start introducing online tools and electronic content to help my students come up with interesting projects and teach them some new skill that they will need in their real life.

I also had a chance to explore some Alternative Assessment techniques and pickup one of them (Student e-portfolio)   to develop it as a project. At this very moment my students are busy trying to create their spaces on Weebly.com and getting the content from their binders to have an e-portfolio. I even did a demo session with them this morning and they liked very much!  

-Concerning Rubrics, I used to introduce some success criteria to my students but they were not as clear as the ones I created this week using Rubistar.  In this way students know in advance where they are heading to and it will certainly make a difference for them.

-WebQuests give a new dimension to learning and teaching. Students feel very comfortable following the materials created by the teacher. They try their best to do the tasks and meet the requirements.

As a whole, Technology facilitates life but it needs solid orientation and constant reflection!

Enjoy your weekend!