Challenge and Support
CHALLENGE refers to the level of difficulty of the activity. If the activity is too easy for students they do not grow, though they may develop some confidence and confirmation of their own abilities. If it is too difficult they may become frustrated and confused (and retreat). Was the self introduction activity at the right level for you? Would it be at the right level for your students?
SUPPORT refers to the things a learner needs in order to succeed. Support begins by being clear about what is expected. Instructions and a model give clarity. Support can be human such as a teacher or a student-peer who clarifies or gives advice or help during preparation. Support can also be in the form of notes, a page in the textbook or key cue words or pictures. Support also consists of praise and encouragement (and clapping and smiles) after completion. Did you have enough support during the preparation of the poster for the self introduction activity? During your presentation? Would your students need more supports? If so, which kinds of support would they need?
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Think of an activity you have done as a learner of a new language and reflect using the following questions as your guide: |
What was the challenge of the activity for YOU? What made it interesting? What made it a little difficult but not too difficult? What made it something you wanted to try? |
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Name the supports in the activity that helped you feel confident that you could complete the activity? That gave you help during the preparation of the poster? That give you help during the presentation? |
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What might be the challenge for THEM? Would it be interesting? Too difficult? Too easy? Why might they want to try to do it? |
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Which type of supports would you give your students to help them succeed in completing the task and feeling a positive attitude toward the new language? Which type of supports would you give your students to help them feel confident that they can complete the activity? During the preparation of the task? During the presentation? |
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