Now that you've met the "Wrinkles" group, let me tell you a little more about this project. The premise is that weblogs can be used as an effective tool for language learning for ESL (English as a Second Language) students as well as native English students. Providing opportunities for increased social, academic, and technological participation will facilitate the process by which ESL students can more quickly and efficiently develop their language skills. The native English-speaking students will also learn and develop their language skills and have the additional opportunity to practice helping others with skills they have already internalized. Cooperative learning can improve achievement and relationships. Students of different ethnic backgrounds have much to learn from each other. My belief is that when working together, they can gain a greater respect and learning from each other and reach higher academic goals.
The best way to learn a language is by having dialogue with native English speakers. Many times, due to scheduling and academic constraints, ESL students miss out on additional opportunities or projects provided in schools. The feeling is that ESL students must learn all the basics before they can be released from what is viewed as loss of valuable instructional time on the basics.
I have come to believe in the research that says the way to remediate is to accelerate. Research supports that learning increases in complex, challenging, well-orchestrated environments (Caine, Caine, 1994). Higher level thinking contributes to better reasoning and understanding (Costa, 1987). It's up to us as teachers to design learning environments to promote maximum intellectual growth. Then oversee it carefully to learn as we go and make adjustments as needed.
ESL students and native English-speaking students each have unique knowledge and skills. Forming a mixed group will benefit all students.
The "Wrinkles" group will be immersed in a language-rich environment in which students will be constantly engaged in language activities. There will be lots of interaction among the students so that learning through communication can occur. Weblogs can facilitate this type of learning environment. The students will work in pairs, small groups, and as one large group. They will select topics of their choice and have topics selected by the teacher, as needed. Students will be motivated to discuss topics which are relevant to them. The idea is to build a learning community where students mutually support each other in learning.
Weblogs are unlike traditional websites. They provide instant, "type-n-click" publishing. After these students have engaged in language-rich activities they will write about the experience.
Weblogs offer the possibility of further discussion and interaction from a much wider audience. This audience can respond to what the students have written by giving suggestions or simply commenting on their writing and the content. This acknowledges the students' efforts plus provides a motivating force.
The group meets once a week for two hours. In addition to writing about topics of interest, students will have guided sessions to reflect and write about how they feel about writing, weblogs, and the learning process. We will be meeting in a small instructional lab setup for wireless laptops. It has a large oval conference table that provides a warm, cozy type environment. We can all talk and share easily and have a closeness that encourages conversation.
Weblogs provide a way to share the learning experience. This type of dialogue gives students and teachers a voice that leads to learning discoveries. Students' writing is fostered, collaboration is encouraged, and communication in new ways will be explored. Meanwhile, the teacher will be sharing the project through weblog postings to other education webloggers. The other educators take the thoughts expressed, add their own, and the collaboration expands to an even larger group.
One final note is that all writings are original and will be unedited in order to observe progress made by the students. If you're reading this please join our weblog and share your thoughts. Comments, thoughts, and suggestions about our writing are welcomed and treasured!