2004-04-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Please send a short e-mail to - wslesson@yahoo.co.uk - for full details and all necessary materials.

Brief Guide - How to start and run a Pilot Scheme.

* use the WS Lesson to introduce the idea of long-term vocabulary strategies.

* help learners to create a vocabulary file using photocopiable WS Pages - always making sure that extra pages are easily available.

* use WS Classes as regular short activities within the classroom.

* occasionally check vocabulary file development and give help where needed.

* encourage independent learning in the internet (if available) -
especially at WS Games, WS Tests, WS Sounds and Readings and WS Communication.

* (use WS Languages for learners of languages other than English)

* use the questionnaires below to help record student reaction to developing vocabulary using an individual long-term strategy.

Q1 - To be completed by students after the introductory WS Lesson at the beginning of the Pilot Scheme.

Please answer Y (Yes), N (No) or ?(Don't know)

1. Do you currently keep a vocabulary notebook?
2. Do you always (or usually) learn new words together with translations at the moment?
3. Do you think that creating an "organised vocabulary notebook" can improve your ability to get to know and use your new words?
4. Do you understand why it might be a good idea to give your new words different levels of priority?
5. Do you understand the difference between "connecting words" and "my words" in the "mind-mapping" section ?
6. Do you recognise the difference between "understanding" and "knowing" a word?
7. Do you understand why it's important not to highlight a whole word until it is "known".. or it's first letter before a word is "understood"?
8. Do you understand why it's important to leave gaps in the "my words" column until you are sure that the "new word" is known?
9. Do you plan to use your vocabulary file regularly?
10. Do you expect that your file will make learning words more enjoyable?

Q2 - To be completed by students after one month of the Pilot Scheme - and again after 3 months.

Please answer Y (Yes), N (No) or ?(Don't know) .

1. Do you think that creating an "organised vocabulary notebook" has improved your ability to get to know and use new words?
2. Has it been useful to prioritise new vocabulary in order to decide which words to develop in the "mind-mapping" section?
3. Does the "connecting words" column help you to identify and learn phrases that are of personal interest to you?
4. Do you leave gaps in the "my words" column until you are sure that the "new word" is known.
5. Do the gap-filling and highlighting systems help you to see the real vocabulary progress that you are making?
6. Do you find that it helps you to occasionally read through the example sentences that you have used?
7. Does your file help you to feel more comfortable with the language and make developing vocabulary more enjoyable?
8. Do you feel more capable of thinking and speaking in the new language as a result of using your file?
9. Do you plan to continue using your vocabulary file regularly in the future?
10. Would you recommend other learners to use such a vocabulary development strategy within an organised notebook?

Observation and Progress Reports.

As the Pilot Scheme develops, you will no doubt also be forming your own opinion about the effectiveness of "organised vocabulary notebooks" - and whether or not you would like to see them become used more widely or not.

Please let these opinions be known at the "Word Surfing Discussion Group"

For example.

* How are your students reacting to the WS vocabulary development strategy?
* Are they getting into the habit of recording new words on their WS pages?
* Are they becoming more motivated independent learners in any way?
* Are they finding it any easier to use their words and communicate in class?
* Are there any negative aspects to report on?
* How has the introduction of the scheme been positive/negative for you personally?
* What, if any, are the effects of WS Classes on atmosphere in the classroom?
* What, if any, are the effects on other classroom activities? (e.g. grammar lessons).
* Do you have any other criticisms, comments or suggestions about the approach?

Results

Please also send compiled results from the questionnaires - together with any personal comments/observations/suggestions - to the "Word Surfing Discussion Group"

Individual group results should be compiled as follows

Pilot Scheme Organiser - Any Teacher
School & Location - Any School, Anytown, Anyland
Language - Any Language
Group Participants - 24

Comments xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Results

Q1

1. 12 yes, 12 no, 0 ?
2. 22 yes, 2 no, 0 ?
3. etcetcetcetc

- Results for Q2 should be compiled in the same way.
- As results to Pilot Schemes are received they will be added to running totals and displayed here at the Pilot Scheme blogspot...

Many thanks for your interest in the Pilot Scheme - and please let your colleagues (and any teachers of any other languages) know about the project. The more people that take part, the more reliable the results will be.

Word Surfing Vocabulary Development Pilot Scheme