Sunday, April 22nd 2018.

WEEK: 13

RANK: 5

Based on the articles "10 Benefits of Getting Students to Participate in Classroom Discussions" by Maryellen Weimer and "Increase Student Interaction with "ThinkPairShares" and"Circle Chats" by Kristina Robertson.

I would like to start my weekly log with a quote that I think it can sum up the two articles "ELL students need more opportunities to practice language skills in an academic environment in order to become more successful students" -Kristina Robertson (2006). After reading the articles I can realize that both mentioned important things about improving communication, shy students, pair work and more. Being honest, sometimes I do not like to work with people I do not know, but these articles made me taught about those people who are extremely shy and whenever the teacher ask something, they think a lot if they should answer or not. Students should participate more in classes specially ELL because they need to practice the language they are learning. I think that more than once I have experienced the feeling of "Should I answer? What if I make a mistake and everybody laughs at me? I'd better not answer" but I have had teachers who have encouraged me to do it, and I believe every teacher in this world should be like that. There are some activities that teachers can do to improve participation. Sometimes students feel more comfortable sharing toughts with a partner, so educators can include this activity in their classrooms. Another idea can be, having weekly debates about controversial topic(I think everybody would love it) in this way students can be always be prepared for the week, research and learn more vocabulary. Teachers, do not just "do nothing" whenever you see a shy student, reluctant to speak, try to include different activities not just for those who are always speaking, but those who do not.