Question

2.1 Discuss at least five (5) benefits of using themes as the basis for vocabulary

building.
(15)
2.2 Briefly explain by means of practical examples how teachers can use word
walls and thematic charts to enhance the learning of writing skills in the FAL
classroom.
(15)
2.3 Discuss how you would use role play as a tool for enhancing the learning of
vocabulary in context in a Grade 5 class.
(10)
2.4 Discuss the importance of teaching Writing at word level and explain why it
should be integrated with the teaching of the other skills (Reading and Viewing,
Speaking, Listening and Language structures and conventions).
(10)

Answer 1

2.1 Benefits of using themes as the basis for vocabulary building:

1) Interesting Themes Encourage a Love of Learning

2) Children Make Deeper Connections

3) Children Learn About the World

4) Learning Becomes meaningful

5) Theme-based Learning Supports Different Learning Needs

2.2 Uses of word walls:

1) They provide a permanent model for high frequency words

2) They help students see patterns and relationship in words, thus building phonics and spelling skills

3) They provide reference support for children during reading and writing activities.

2.3 Using a set of guidelines can be helpful in planning role playing exercise. Harbour and Connick (2005) offer the following:

1) If you plan to use role playing as a graded exercise, introduce small, non-graded role plays early in and during the semester to help students prepare for a larger role play which will be assessed.

2) Determine how the role play will be assessed: will observers be given an assessment rubric? Will observers’ remarks and scores be shared with the role players? Will the observers’ scores be included with the instructor’s scores? Will the role players be given the opportunity to revise and present the role play again? Will observers be taught how to properly assess the performance (include meaningful feedback that is not purely judgmental but rather justify all remarks that are practical and unbiased)?

Instruct students that the purpose of the role play is to communicate a message about the topic and not focus as much on the actual person acting the role.

3) Tie role plays to learning objectives so students see their relevance to course content.

Allow time for students to practice the role play, even if it is spontaneous, so they will be able to think deeply about the role and present it in a meaningful way.

4) Reduce large chunks of content into smaller sections which can be more effectively presented as a role play.

5) When assigning a role play, explain its purpose and answer questions so students are able to properly prepare the exercise. Provide guidelines about content to include: general presentation behavior (eye contact, gestures, voice projection); use of props; and specific language to be used (content-related vocabulary) and language not to be used (profanity, slang).

6) Challenge all students equally when assigning role plays so everyone will be assessed on equal ground.

2.4 When a writing process is used to teach writing, students begin to understand writing as a form of communication. Furthermore, writing helps students recognize that they have opinions, ideas, and thoughts that are worth sharing with the world, and writing is an effective way of getting them out there!

hope it helps