Portfolio Part 1: Learning Journal by

Portfolio Part 1: Learning Journal by https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep Learning method: Traditional Grammar and Vocabulary Practice en-us 2021-12-31 13:11:24 UTC 2022-02-10 09:56:41 UTC hello@padlet.com Learning Goal: English tenses Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2029487373 In this week I studied the English tenses simple present, simple past, present perfect, simple future and irregular verbs. My goals for this week were to repeat the current English tenses that I often use and the correct conjugation of irregular verbs. I seldom use other English tenses. Sometimes I make mistakes when it comes to conjugate irregular verbs. For this reason, I had a look at them this week too. I learned and repeated in total more than 80 irregular verbs! I have never noticed that I know so many irrgular verbs. Furthermore, I tried to write down a sentence for each irregular verb, and I also devided the irregular verbs into two groups: one group showed that some irregular verbs have same verb forms (e.g. simple past and past participle: hurt > hurt; feel > felt; sell > sold; ...) and the other group showed that some irregular verbs have different verb forms (e.g. simple past and past participle: break > broke > broken; eat > ate > eaten; ...). My difficulty concerning the English tenses was to differentiate between the simple present and the present perfect. Having analysed the usage of the tenses simple present (routine) and present perfect (just completed), I now understand when I have to use simple present and present perfect. By the end of the week, I wanted to be able to refresh irregular verbs and to improve my ability to use the simple present and present perfect. For my learning goal, I used the "Essential Grammar in Use Deutsche Ausgabe" which is a Cambridge grammar book. I worked on the English tenses for one week. On each day, I did at least three units. For me, the most useful lessons resulted from the unit structure in the Cambridge grammar book. Every unit starts with pictures and dialogues. Then, the grammar topic is introduced in German and English which make it easier to understand the topic. A unit ends with several excercises including translation excercises. False friends are also noticed (e.g. Handy= smart phone). This week worked very good because I had enough time to read through the topic. I am a very big fan of books and pens, so I had a lot of fun in writing and reading.

All in all, I fully achieved my learning goals because I read and wrote a lot about the English tenses and irregular verbs. I am not a social person and do not have a lot of communication with other people, so I spoke to myself in English to practice and to refresh my pronounciation. A mirror helped me to see how I was doing 😀

To improve my English language skills in terms of grammar and vocabulary during this course, I know that one of the best ways to enhance grammatical abilities is to read. I will come across several grammatical rules while reading, and I will automatically reinforce good grammar usage in my mind. After that, I think I will begin to apply these basic grammatical principles to my writing and speaking. In my opinion, it might be realistic to me to read and to listen at least one English short story, fairytale or fable once a week. I subscribed a YouTube channel called "Lovely English Stories" which offers learning English vocabulary and pronounciation. These English stories are for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners. I really like the method to read and to listen to English stories because these videos are created by qualified English teachers and the English in these videos is the English that English speakers really use.

https://www.youtube.com/c/LovelyEnglishStories

I watched and read the following English story this week: "Sarah and Lucy. Going away to university" (https://youtu.be/j5o6l5gBpnE, Access 03/12/2021).

My learning and practising plan for next week is the usage of the English time and place prepositions "in,on and at". ]]> 2022-02-04 14:10:51 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2029487373 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2029499525 2022-02-04 14:17:41 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2029499525 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2030495921 2022-02-05 08:50:10 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2030495921 Learning Goal: English prepositions Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2031286143 Because of the sheer quantity of them in the English language, prepositions are notoriously difficult for English language learners to grasp. When I am attempting to figure out what prepositional meanings are and how to use them correctly, I frequently become annoyed. For this reason, I planned to practise and to repeat English prepositions, especially the time and place prepositions "in, on and at". I want to be able mastering English prepositions, but I am aware to continue practising and repeating the usage of English prepositions. To use the right preposition is a challenge. The best way to master this challenge is to do excercises continuously during my study and after my study too. I often make mistakes in using preposotions because they have several meanings (eg. in the restaurant vs. at the restaurant). For me, the hardest part of learning English is the correct usage of prepositions! That means that I am going to keep on buying grammar books and I am going to search for suitable online excercises. I prefer to learn at home when my children are at school. Online excercises are a good opportunity to bridge the time to university (e.g. arriving by train or bus). For achieving my learning goal, I watched a YouTube video and I also did an excercise which belonged to the YouTube video. For me, the most meaningful experiences were that the learning video published by the English teacher Lucy (https://youtub.be/92XBCRYZ1S8, Access 06/12/2021) is very memorable and comprehensive. The video attracted me a lot and it was enjoyable because it is a combination of speech, examples and jokes. Her video was not complex and it was not too long. I would like to point out that YouTube videos are easily accessible when it comes to a special topic (in my case English prepositions). They are also the first class to look something up. I watched the video at home which means that I was very flexible concerning time and place. Furthermore, I would recommend to watch learning videos on YouTube for several reasons:

Firstly, watching the learning video increased my learning motivation because the English teacher Lucy is a very kind person who explains different grammar and vocabulary topics simple and not complicated. S

Secondly, in my opinion the learning video stimulated my cognitive process of thinking because while Lucy was explaining the rules of the usage of the prepositions "in, on and at". I was listening to her and thinking about my own examples. I also had to read the learning video because the video had subtitles.

Finally, learning videos have organizational benefits. Learners can take notes at any place and they can watch the video as many times as they wish. As a result, I have improved my language skills in using the English prepositions "in, on and at". I now understand that (these are only some examples) the preposition "in" is used when we talk about periods of time, seasons and parts of days or when we have these elements in a context. The presposition "on" is used when we talk about parts of days, days and holiday with the word "day". The preposition "at" is used when we talk about specific times, holidays without the word "day" and miscellaneous. This skill will be essential to me as a learner and later as a teacher because I now know that the usage of the prepositions of time moves from general to more specific contexts (in > on > at). I now also realize that the preposition of place "in" is used when we talk about enclosed spaces such as to be "in a car" or "in a classroom". These are small places and we have to use "in". I have never known before that there is such a grammar rule! I was very surprised.

In general, the learning video was effective and it worked for me. The English teacher Lucy talked very clearly and she came to the point explaining the different prepostions.

In this week I fully achieved my learning goal. I watched the learning video several times and I also did the free PDF file. To achieve my learning goal, I made time to watch the learning video several times and I went through my Cambridge grammar book to fix my knowledge about the rules of using the English prepositions "in, on and at".

In this week I watched and read the following English story: "The unexpected first date" (https://youtu.be/DLiGAkZXloM, Access 10/12/2021).

My learning and practising plans for next week are to be creative and reflective concerning reading and writing. ]]> 2022-02-06 10:15:05 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2031286143 Learning Goal: Creative thinking, reading and writing Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2032485399 In this week I tried to be more creative. First of all, I worked with some quotes which were said by famous and well-known people. Every child asks him- or herself at least one time: Why should I learn? Why is learning important? Me as a teacher should answer this question. Let me give an overview of the two quotes I worked with and which I like:

“Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.” Albert Einstein (https://www.immersivelearning.news/2020/03/14/learning-is-anexperience-everything-else-is-just-information-albert-einstein/, Access 13/12/2021.)

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2253-live-as-if-you-were-to-die-tomorrow-learn-as, Access 13/12/2021.)

Well, my answer to the above-mentioned question would be: Learning is necessary for our survival. Information and continual learning nurture our minds in the same way that food nourishes our bodies. Continuous learning is now an essential aspect of developing critical thinking abilities and exploring new methods of interacting with individuals from other cultures. I hope my students will understand what I want to say. Having analysed these quotes, I now reflect what learning means and that learning is such an important process in our lives. Learning is a privilege and unfortunately not a basic right around the world. I thought a long time about the quotes before I was able to formulate my own interpretation about the meanings.

My next step was to think about statements concerning independent learning and to give an answer to the question: "What can you do to improve your own language skills (especially in terms of grammar and vocabulary) in the course of the semester?" When I know what kind of learner I am, I will be able to give an answer to this question. So, which statements are suitable to me? The following statements mostly describe me as an independent learner:

1. make choices about what courses to study within a programme

2. set own short- and long-term learning goals
3. use the library, online information and other resources effectively
4. accept what I read in textbooks and on websites as facts.
5. know where to find information I need

In this week, I achieved my learning goal. I made some research concerning learning quotes and I answered to myself the question what learning means to me. In addition, I bought the book "The Life of Mahatma Gandhi" because his learning quote inspired me, so I would like to know more about him and his life. In my semster break I will start reading that book.

All in all, learning is not just doing every day grammar excercises, but also to read and to think about the learning process and to find a method which consists of different ways of learning. As I wrote in week 2, reading is also a powerful weapon to acquire vocabulary and grammar structure. It was interesting and useful to read about learning quotes because it gave me the chance to reflect my thoughts. I was able to realize that one day I will be asked by students what learning is and why (especially) children should learn. This understanding will be important for me as a teacher.

In this week I watched and read the fairytale "Snow White" which is my favourite fairytale! I love it (Snow White — Audiobook + text | The Fable Cottage, Access 17/12/2021).

]]> 2022-02-07 07:45:38 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2032485399 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2032527207 2022-02-07 08:13:13 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2032527207 Learning Goal: Listening to English music to improve my language skills Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033278010 Another excellent technique for language learners to expand their English vocabulary and enhance their listening skills is to listen to music. People may do something they like while also learning English. Nobody can guarantee that listening to music would help English learners become fluent in the language, but it is a viable alternative if study time is restricted.

In this week I heard three English pop songs (1. Robin Schulz & Felix Jaehn- One More Time feat. Alida, 2. Robin Schulz- In Your Eyes feat. Alida and 3. Ed Sheeran- Bad Habits). I wanted to try something new and I thought about my favourite songs. While I was listening to my songs, I was singing and took a look at the mirror to see my pronounciation and the movement of my lips. My learning goal was to learn English by listening to music. Its particular purpose is to develop English vocabulary by making lists of words and expressions which are used in the songs.

I would like to give an overview about my strategy I used and some reasons why I highly recommend to listen to music.

As I wrote before, I chose three of my favourite songs. I found the best time in my daily routine to listen to them. I decided to listen to them at home and to turn on the television while I was cleaning my house. My children were at school, so I enjoyed it to be alone at home. I would like to stress that a regular pattern is necessary to improve English language skills. That means that I have to listen to English songs regularly and again and again. I created a playlist on my smart phone too, so one click and the song I like is played.

Another aspect I would like to point out is that with practice, I am able to recall the song's beat and even parts of the lyrics. Repetition is also a good strategy to build English vocabulary. When I listen to music, it might be difficult to grasp all of the words. I would go so far to say that even native English speakers do not comprehend all of the lyrics! I advise everyone to go online and search for the lyrics by typing the song's name and lyrics. Lyrics are sometimes included with YouTube music videos. I have observed that if I read the lyrics while listening to the song, I may expand my English vocabulary and enhance my listening abilities at the same time. I may also use the lyrics to assess my listening abilities by listening first and then reading the lyrics to ensure that I comprehend what I have heard.

Finally, listening to music allows me to expand my English vocabulary, even if I don't understand all the lyric of a song. I have discovered that it is best to obtain a general knowledge first, then go over words and idioms in greater depth later. Making a list of new terminology might also be beneficial. That is the reason why I wrote down the new term or expression, as well as its German definition, and then an example sentence using the new vocabulary. I am attempting to use the new phrase or statement in a proper context whenever it is possible. Repetition and practice are two of the most effective techniques to enhance English skills.

In this week I achieved my learning goal. To improve English language skills by listening to music is a useful and enjoyable strategy. One should note here that English spelling is not as logical as many other languages. It can be a challenge for language learners. As a result, listening to music can aid in the development of English pronunciation abilities by providing examples of how to pronounce words and phrases with rhythm and intonation. However, English learners must be cautious at times since artists may alter the sound of words. A word with only two syllables, for example, could be altered to have three syllables in the song. After I heard a song, I read the lyric. Some words were unclear while listening to the song and sometimes I heard the wrong word which means that I totaly misunderstood the song!

Especially the song "Bad Habits" was a challenge because many words were such as they were 'swallowed up'. After reading the lyric I had so many 'ahhhhs'.

This week I did not listen to a short story or something similar. I was very busy with the songs.

My learning and practising plan for next week is to repeat the usage of English adjectives.

]]> 2022-02-07 15:03:01 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033278010 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033344704 You can break my heart
But you can't break my spirit, baby
When we fall apart
I will pick up the pieces

Watch me dancing
Watch me dance the night into the morning
Darling, hold me
Like it was forever, darling, hold me

This is our last song, last night, last sunset
Last kiss goodbye ain't done yet
Last song, last night, last sunset now
Then we'll do it one more time

Then we'll do it one more time

You can shut the light
But you can't take the sunshine from me
I'll be up all night
Making fire with every heartbeat

Dancing
Watch me dance the night into the morning
Darling, hold me
Like it was forever, darling, hold me

This is our last song, last night, last sunset
Last kiss goodbye ain't done yet
Last song, last night, last sunset now
Then we'll do it one more time
Last song, last night, last sunset
Last kiss goodbye ain't done yet
Last song, last night, last sunset now
Then we'll do it one more time

Then we'll do it one more time
Then we'll do it one more time
(One more time)
(One more time, oh)

(https://www.songtexte.com/songtext/robin-schulz/one-more-time-g7bbc0ee8.html, Access 24/12/2021.)

]]> 2022-02-07 15:28:08 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033344704 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033347112 Hearing whispers in the night
Voices filling up your mind
You're like a ghost of you
You've been drowning in the rain
Slowly saving up the pain
So deep inside of you

See the colours of the sky
Slowly turn from black and white
A rising hope, bright as gold
And now there's nothing left to lose
So we're breaking all the rules
And they don't know what we know

'Cause I can hear the thunder from afar
A lightning in the dark
I can feel the fire come alive
So calm before the storm
So dark before the dawn
Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes
In your eyes
Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes
In your eyes
Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes

Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes

Now you'll never be the same
Once you've felt that burning flame
You're chasing stars alive
What was broken's left behind
Watch it crumble in the light
Nothing can stop you now

See the colours of the sky
Slowly turn from black and white
A rising hope, bright as gold
And now there's nothing left to lose
So we're breaking all the rules
And they don't know what we know

Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes

Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes
In your eyes
Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes
In your eyes
Oh, I can see the fire in your eyes

(https://www.songtexte.com/songtext/robin-schulz-feat-alida/in-your-eyes-g5b888344.html, Access 24/12/2021.)

]]> 2022-02-07 15:29:04 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033347112 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033351715 One, two, three, four
Ooh, ooh

Every time you come around, you know I can't say no
Every time the sun goes down, I let you take control
I can feel the paradise before my world implodes
And tonight had something wonderful

My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearin' this will be the last, but it probably won't
I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do

My bad habits lead to wide eyes stare into space
And I know I'll lose control of the things that I say
Yeah, I was lookin' for a way out, now I can't escape
Nothin' happens after two, it's true, it's true
My bad habits lead to you

Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
My bad habits lead to you
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
My bad habits lead to you

Every pure intention ends when the good times start
Fallin' over everything to reach the first time's spark
It started under neon lights, and then it all got dark
I only know how to go too far

My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearin' this will be the last, but it probably won't
I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do

Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
My bad habits lead to you
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh

We took the long way 'round
Burned 'til the fun ran out, now

My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearin' this will be the last, but it probably won't
I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do

Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
My bad habits lead to you
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
My bad habits lead to you

(https://www.songtexte.com/songtext/ed-sheeran/bad-habits-gba82d66.html, Access 24/12/2021.)

]]> 2022-02-07 15:30:52 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2033351715 Learning Goal: How to use English adjectives Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2034884671 In this week I was very busy because it was Christimas and holiday time. My children were at home and I decided to do more online excercises instead of using a grammar book.

The first aspect to point out is that I had to find a website to practice English grammar online. This is why I chose the most famous website worldwide: British Council. The online resources and units have short and clear grammar rules which make it possible to practice a variety of English grammar skills in short time, everywhere and whenever possible.

Let me start by considering the facts why online learning (in my case online grammar excercises) is an effective way to learn.

Firstly, online learning means to be flexible. Excercises can be done at home, at the way to work or when children are at home. Nevertheless, one should accept that there is no in-person teacher, but online excercises give feedback too (by showing the right and wrong answers). To illustrate this point, let me give an example. I chose the grammar topic "adjectives" on the British Council website. After a short explanation what adjectives are, I chose the online excercise "Where adjectives go in a sentence". The excercise constists of ten small sentences (items). I had to decide if the sentence structure is right or wrong. This excercise showed me that I have to keep in mind the following grammar rule: "Adjectives describe nouns and they can be used in front of a noun". In total, I did seven different online excercises concerning using adjectives. Each excercise had ten items.

Moreover, the online excercises were time-saving because the excercises were quickly done, comfortable in using, understandable and not too extensive. One cannot deny that these facts matter when children are at home. Especially mothers have to keep job (or study), household and child-rearing in balance. I enjoyed the flexibility of online learning and I also developed the self-discipline skill time management. I did not want to interrupt my learning journal.

To achieve my learning goal, I devided my time: time for my children and time for my online excercises via the British Council website and it really worked good. I had a feeling of success while doing the different excercises. I personally believe that it is a good and effective way to raise the level of difficulty in small steps such as on the British Council website. I firstly did excersices at a beginner level then at a intermediate level and after that at an advanced level. I was very happy to "feel" my success. The online excercises were very enjoyable. Having learned about the topics "Where adjectives go in a sentence", "Adjectives with ing and ed", "Adjectives order", "Comparative and superlative adjectives", "Intensifiers", "Mitigators", and "Noun modifiers", I now think that I am able to use adjectives correctly.

(https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/adjectives, Access 31/12/2021.)

To conclude, I fully achieved my learning goal this week. I wanted to be able to use adjectives correctly in sentences. Of course, I will practice and repeat excercises concerning adjectives (and other grammar topics!) because I pointed out that regularity is very important to fix grammar rules and to improve English language skills.

In this week I watched and read the English short story "Making Decisions" (https://youtu.be/Dib0t8UE_WA, Access 31/12/2021.).

My learning and practising plan for next week is the usage of English conjunctions. ]]> 2022-02-08 07:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2034884671 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2035261707 2022-02-08 11:42:49 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2035261707 Learning Goal: English Conjunctions Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2035451396 Conjunctions are an important aspect of English grammar. They can improve practically any sort of writing if applied correctly. Conjunctions are useful in all types of writing. However, when they are used inappropriately or not not at all, the effect is choppy and incoherent writing. What are conjunctions? A conjunction is a word or phrase that connects two sentences, clauses, phrases, or words together. Conjunctions are frequently used in speech without our knowledge. They can be used in place of beginning a new sentence in writing. When English learners employ conjunctions correctly, their writing will have a more natural flow and rhythm.

This week I learned a lot about English conjunctions. I sometimes make mistakes when it comes to put a coordinating conjunction (but, if, or, ...) in the correct sentence order. In addition, I would like to know if there is any mnemonic that helps me to remember all coordinating conjunctions. I want to be able to use coordinating and correlative conjunctions. Of course, the common conjunctions come across speech (e.g. in English courses at university). Anyway, using the wrong conjunction in writing let the writing piece sounds rough and unconnected.

In this week I did excercises in my "Cambridge Essential Grammar in Use Deutsche Ausgabe" grammar book. I am convinced that grammar books are a good and effective idea to improve English language skills. One should not forget that grammar books ensure learners to know all rules about sentence structure, tenses, prepositions, conjunctions and more. I chose the "Cambridge Essential Grammar in Use Deutsche Ausgabe" because I was looking for a grammar book which I can use both for school and university. It is a good option to look up grammar rules or other things such as phrases. This book has around 318 pages and can be used collateral to our seminar. This book is my personal handbook that I use during my study at university and after my study too. It is clear that there is no time interval concerning improving language skill because it is a process and development. I cannot say that after this course I am a very good English speaker or even a high-qualified teacher. I need experience and continuous practice. That is why, in my opinion, it is realistic to do at least three grammar excercises a week as I did.

Firstly, I went through the grammar rules concerning the conjunctions "and, but, or, so and because". I read the examples and tried to formulate my own examples. Furthermore, I did excercises which included illustrations and translation excercises. The illustration was an interesting option to do an excercise because it was a story of our daily life (go to work). As a final point, I found a mnemomic to remember all seven coordinating conjunctions- FANBOYS!

(https://www.scribendi.com/academy/articles/the_functions_of_conjunctions.en.html, Access 07/01/2022.).

I fully achieved my learning goal this week. For me, the most significant lesson resulted from understanding that conjunctions can help learners write more creatively by letting them to integrate concepts and compare clauses without breaking up sentences into unconnected fragments. Having read about the usage of conjunctions in my grammar book, I now understand conjunctions are connectors in every English language part. They are used in oral and written communication. As I wrote before, the knowledge of grammar is essential to me as a teacher.

This week I did not watch an English short story or something similar. I watched a short YouTube video about conjunctions to fix my knowledge. This video helped me to write down a complete list of conjunctions in English.

(https://youtu.be/G7qvcYcS3VM, Access 07/01/2022.)

My learning and practising plan for next is to recall a forgotten English grammar topich: The English conditionals. ]]> 2022-02-08 13:33:26 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2035451396 Learning Goal: English Conditionals Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2037710142 This week I dealt with a grammar topic that I actually never really understood. It has been a long time since I went to school and the topic has therefore been forgotten: The English conditionals! To be honest, I cannot even remember learning about the English conditionals in school. But since I want to be a teacher, I have to deal with this grammar topic, so that my future students do not fall into oblivion like me. I know that such grammar topics have no fun, but I want to look for ways to make them interesting. I do not want to be forgotten as a teacher.

I watched a learning video made by the English teacher Lucy (https://youtu.be/vXp0ETWXbWo, Access 10/01/2022.). Because I have never understood the English conditionals, I was hoping that her video would give me a better understanding of English conditionals. My learning goal is to be familiar with the usage of the four different conditionals, and I even did not know that the English language has them! What a shame. In addition, the learning video is an inspiration on how to explain difficult topics to the students in an understandable way.

I can recommend (learning) videos (especially the learning videos of Lucy) as a learning method for the following reasons:

1. The learning video about the English conditionals was a factual correct video because Lucy is an English teacher. That made the video professional and good in respect of content. I had the feeling that Lucy talked to me directly because at the beginning of the video she said: "This is an important topic and I know that lots of my students struggle with." I was also struggeling.

2. In addition, the learning video was not long (about 11 minutes). It had animations showing the important contents of the grammar topic. The focus was on the different English conditionals, how to disinguish them and how to use them. I really like the structure of her video. The grammar topic seemed to be so easy.

3. Though Lucy is an English teacher, she spoke in short and and simple sentences. Furthermore, her pronounciation is very clear. Maybe it is because of her British accent.

To sum up, I want to be able to differ between the four different English conditionals (zero, 1st, 2nd, 3rd). I would like to know when I have to use them and how I have to use them. I realised that conditionals are an important part of the English language because they express the present and the future regarding to facts, tips, advices and more. I now understand that the zero conditional is used when people talk about general truths that always happen (e.g. If I heat [simple present] water, it boils [simple present]). The first conditional is used when people talk about a realistic possibility in the future (e.g. If I have time [simple present], I will [future] visit my friend). I also know now that "if" can replaced with "when". In the first conditional modal verbs can also be used. The structure and the usage of the second conditional are a little bit different. It is used when people talke about advices or when they are asking hypothetical questions (e.g. If I were [simple past] you, I would buy the red dress [would + infinitive]). The last conditional is used when people talk about a past situation that did not happen. In short, it decribes an impossible result (e.g. If I had known [past perfect] more about the test, I would have learned [would have + past participle] for it better). After watching the learning video several times, I practised and checked my understanding. I did the free PDF and quiz made by the English teacher Lucy.

I fully achieved my learning goal this week. As a result, I have realised my understanding of the English conditionals. As a next step I want to adapt time for practising excercises concerning English conditionals. I also want to develop ideas how to create effective and student-oriented learning videos which make fun.

This week I did not watch any English short story or something similar. Instead, I searched for online excercises to practise the English conditionals.

(https://english.lingolia.com/en/grammar/sentences/if-clauses, Access 14/01/2022.).

My learning and practising plan for next week is: Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet!

]]> 2022-02-09 11:57:45 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2037710142 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2037931247 2022-02-09 13:57:50 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2037931247 Learning Goal: Improving different skills through English Literature Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2038826554 The last few weeks before the end of the semester are always very stressful. Exams will be written and other submissions must be made on time. Since I do not want to spend all day in front of my computer, I decided to read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in the last three weeks before the end of the semester. I concluded to buy a "short and simple" version of Romeo and Juliet. The original text of Shakespeare is simplied and condensed in that book, so that it can be understood quickly. The language charakter and the diction of Shakespeare are in this book the same as in the higher level of difficulty. In addition, the book has excercises and annotations to understand the text better. Now, I would like to talk about my strategy and method.

First of all, I would like to emphasize that Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love story of all time which will be taught in schools or in universities for a very long time.

Secondly, during these weeks, it was important to me to find out how I can reduce the learning stress that students often experience with. We accomplish a lot in short time, but how can we relax an still learn grammar and vocabulary effectively? I wanted to spend the last few weeks reading a love story that might come across later in class.

Furthermore, I read the text during the last three weeks. The book has only 48 pages of text, so I had enough time to read it in three weeks. After reading the book, I wrote a summary to practise my writing skills. This enabled me to pay attention to sentence structure, tenses and synonyms. The summary had 400 words. I gave the summary to a friend who is also studying English. She marked my mistakes and gave me tips on vocabulary. Because some words in the text of Shakespeare are written in "Old English", a list of "Words and Phrases" and a vocabulary list are attached in the book. I am very glad that these lists are available- they made the understanding better. After reading and writing a summary, I did comprehension excercises which are at the end of the book. I liked the last two excercises at most. I should find words and phrases that express love, happiness, death and sadness. Theses are the key words in the story of Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet. The other assignment was a creative wrting assignment. For example, I should write a love letter to Romeo or Juliet, taking into account their family circumstances. The excercises were not only for me an enrichment, but can also used in the classroom. I would also like to emphasize that the text in this version is very suitable for school theater performance. The text is short, clearly structured, understandable and the characters are introduced before to start reading.

To conclude, I fully achieved my learning goal in the last three weeks. I have learnt that a short version of classic literature has a great effect on stress management. In order not to sit in front of the computer all day, I took the time to read every day. Reading relaxed me gave me energy. I know the story of Romeo and Juliet, but I wanted to read a story that also can be understood linguistically. Reading helped me visualize the various acts and scenes. My thoughts got rid of digital media and I was able to concentrate on reading. By the way, reading is a good way to train concentration and an alternative to smartphones or other electronic devices. I recommend everyone to read and to imagine the story when they are stressed. I would like to add that reading keeps the brain healthy which is not a secret. Mental function is stimulated by concentration and imagination. After reading I went for a walk. I felt fit and active again. Concerning improving my language skills, I can say that I learned new vocabulary and phrases. In the story of Shakespeare vocabulary was used that represents a challenge and cannot be found in daily life. It might be realistic to read a short book during the semester. It was very enjoyable to read Shakespear, to write a summary and to imagine acts and scenes. I benefied from the book because I developed many ideas for the classroom. Literature can also be taught in elementary school. I received help from my friend and she gave me some advices.

Next I want to read more stories written by Shakespeare. I would like to start reading books with a lower language level and then the books with a higher language level will follow.

This week I did not watch or read an English short story or something similar, but I read a classic literature. ]]> 2022-02-09 20:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2038826554 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039719499 2022-02-10 08:11:10 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039719499 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039724095 2022-02-10 08:14:14 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039724095 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039724524 2022-02-10 08:14:32 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039724524 Katrinalbarzanji https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039798201 2022-02-10 09:03:44 UTC https://padlet.com/Katrinalbarzanji/jdc4yadwdn2692ep/wish/2039798201