Reflection+on+IATEFL+Glasgow

= REFLECTION ON A CONFERENCE SESSION IN IATEFL 2012 GLASGOW =

I observed one of the conference sessions on IATEFL 2012 GLASGOW by Marrion Williams called ‘Teaching Young Learners to Think’, which I have found really useful. I have been thinking about this topic on my own, non-academically of course, and searching for some ways to engage in my future lessons since I give weight to think in my lessons. It is realy important not only flow of my lesson but also future lives of my students. That’s why; when I first saw the title of this conference, I was quite delighted with the content of the session with the hope that I would find what I was searching for. First think I can say about the presenter is that she has a good taste of humor. She starts session with humors and a big smile, which undoubtedly draws attention. Then, she introduces the topic and the rationale behind why we should teach how to think to our students. It may sound weird to teach students how to think but it is really important indeed because young learners can grow their schemata much more effectively when they are guided. As Mrs. Williams says “Children need to face challenge of a changing and unpredictable world.” That’s why; they should be taught to improve their decision-making and problem solving skills. According to some previous research studies, as I have mentioned above, Pupils benefit from being coached in thinking. Mrs. Williams approach has two arguments; one is cognitive engagement and the other one is purposeful activities. Below I will explain these arguments in detail. Firstly, according to the presenter, cognitive engagement makes a lesson much more purposeful and attractive to students. As she says, if the activity does not challenge students, they will find it easy peasy. Thinking is a natural and unintentive process; namely, a person’s mind is active even when they are not aware of this fact. That’s why, a person can immediately realize whether an activity involve thinking or not. If students are not challenged cognitively, they will lose interest immediately especially due to the fact that they are young learners. Second argument, activities should be purposeful in terms of including critical thinking skills. As I have mentioned above, if the activities are not purposeful; namely, if they are not designed in such a way that both activate students’ cognitive skills and follow a logical path. That’s why; what the purpose of the activity is quite important for students to be guided by that activity in terms of critical thinking and problem solving skills. After explaining these phenomena, she makes the audience do some activities which they can apply to their classrooms, such as ‘Where is Tom?’, ‘The Classroom’, ‘The spy’; these activities are in common aim to improve students’ concept of space. Students are presented such a context that they can learn the language, they can enjoy and they can improve themselves in a general manner that they can use throughout their lives. To sum up, this session gives me the basis for my personal thoughts about engaging in the thinking to my classrooms. My core idea is shaped by this well-designed, self-reflective and informative conference. I have also enjoyed with a nice taste of humor that the presenter has. ** COMMENTS ** **Comment by Esra CATE** ==== First of all, I should note that this is a very interesting topic which is about engaging young learner in thinking critically and cognitively. I think this would help young learners to improve their cognitive skills as well as critical thinking abilities. I find the arguments that the presenter claimed very useful and logical indeed, since I had never thought of "thinking" as such a significant thing in the field of language teaching. Although I think you have given enough details and a thorough summary of the session, it would be better if you could put a link of the conference so that we could also get benefit from the ideas that the presenter supports at first hand. I also think it would have been much nicer for you to give more specific information about the activities that can be applied in our classrooms so that we could get a more clear idea about what to do for our learners. It is good that you gave the name of the activities, but more explanation is needed to comprehend what to do or what not to do in order to make our young learners engage in thinking. Except for these matters that I pointed, I found your reflection informative enough and comprehensible, indeed. Thank you for sharing your ideas and experience with us... ====