Oxford Prelim 2021
I Have A Future
Thank you, Teacher,
For reaching deep in me
to find all I can be
before I can see it myself.
You never gave up on me.
I have a future
because of you.
By Joanna Fuchs
-The first thing I learned was PRELIM stands for Partnered Remote English Language Improvement Model.
-It helped us with accuracy, fluency, and pronunciation
-ICQs, CCQs, Reading strategies, Discourse markers
-Debate
-Taking classes on Zoom was anew norm and we have learned how to take classes on Zoom. Though I prefer Google Meet as it is free and integrated with Gmail and other such useful google features and it is constantly improving since the pandemic started last year.
-We learned and experienced how online classes are conducted as learners/teachers and how to integrate Facebook and WhatsApp in teaching
-The concept of Mentoring was effective and I will continue to practice it as an English teacher as I have created groups for my students.
-We learned the importance of research and management in teaching. It was not a solo flight but there were people behind it supporting our teachers and mentors. Special thanks to all those who were working behind the screen. We did not see you on screen but we felt your presence through your contribution and we appreciate your efforts in helping our teachers in making us better teachers.
-I am deeply indebted to SPELT and Oxford for making my dream of studying at Oxford/with Oxford come true. I would request more such opportunities.
-We learned a lot from our MENTOR Sara and our teacher Maria. Both used different mediums but did their job so effectively, honestly, diligently that at times we felt as if we were in the classrooms and they were right in front of us. Sara's exuberance and Maria's cool, calm and composed demeanor was an extraordinary combination and it has left an indelible imprint on my personality as an English Teacher.
-I also thank all my class-fellows who did their best to make it successful through their active participation and if I made any mistake, I hope they will forgive me.
-I have learned that “I’m NOT the main source of information” “I’m one of the many sources of information
“Competitions and comparisons DO NOT accelerate learning”
“Cooperation and sharing accelerate learning”
My role as a teacher is as THE Instructor / Explainer (Boss) .I am a Learning facilitator (Partner) & My job is to ensure that all my students participate in my class using pair work and group work and to make sure that students are engaged and motivated. I must be organized and well-prepared.
The most important lesson I learned is 'learner autonomy (this term was used more than once in both our mentoring and zoom classes) . Therefore, as a teacher, I must strive to transform my students into independent learners, independent human beings, and inspire them to become leaders and they will make an independent nation.
-I think I should also thank my invisible, minuscule yet formidable enemy COVID-19 which caged and locked us all across the globe without any discrimination AND APPARENTLY SEPARATED US BUT IN ONE WAY IT REMINDED US THE FORGOTTEN SECRET THAT OUR SURVIVAL AND PROGRESS LIES IN WORKING TOGETHER AND OUR STRENGTH IS IN SHARING AND COOPERATION NOT IN CONFRONTATION AND COMPETITION and partnership is the only way forward, especially in depressing times.
-On behalf of my class I thank all those who were part of this project, our mentors, teachers, content developers, researchers, and the person who was behind this idea of this project, Team Oxford and Team SPELT, Facebook, WhatsApp, and everybody who was directly or indirectly involved in it. Though you may not be with us in-person you will always be with us in our memories, in our prayers because you were kind to us during unkind times. In Ode to the West Wind: your arrival reminded us: “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” You came like the spring season in the autumn of covid-19. A few lines for all those teachers who kept on teaching during the lockdown.
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Such moments sometimes occur in my life
When time stops and the world stalls
When the moonlight does not enter my home
My nights are dull and filled with gloom
My weary eyes search for light
The thick dark curtains start falling off and
A thousand moons appear on the horizon
Flooding it with a peaceful light
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Thank you &goodbye.
