Have your students working in small groups and rotating from one task/station to another. Let them submit their work online and give them online feedback. Encourage them to supporteach other while working face-to-face or collaborating online. Mix the course book content with online activities. Use technology to enhance your classroom work. Blend the learning experience.
Blended learning applies to a learning model that combines traditional face-to-face education with online elements. There are numerous ways (models) to blend learning.
Rotation. In the rotation model, students rotate around varius learning contexts. The two most common models are station rotation in which students “rotate” around a range of tasks, and lab rotation which takes students off their desk and traditional classroom setting to a centre providing access to technology – a language lab, library or a computer suite. Both models allow teachers to differentiate and personalise instructions and content. The first model works particularly well for grammar activities and reading comprehension activities. The latter utilises the technology and, subsequently, makes the process of teaching and learning more attractive and efficient.
Face-to-face: Blended learning doesn’t mean replacing traditional teaching with technology. It is a perfect combination of the two for the educational benefits of learners. A face-to-face element is not debatable. What is, however, discussed, is the amount of face-to-face instructions and the role of the teacher/instructor.
Trips: Both, virtual trips and real-life out-of-school visits encourage “beyond the textbook” learning. Real trips are authentic, personal and develop sense of community. An added value of virtual trips is their low or no cost and easy logistics.
Peer support: Supporting each other during face-to-face or online collaboration, students develop a rapport based on mutual trust and respect. Peer-to-peer teaching employs students’ natural curiosity and prior knowledge. It helps them build their research and presentation skills, and boosts their self-confidence.
Flipped classroom: It allows teachers to manage the face-to-face time more efficiently and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. Students can learn in a more personalised way and at their own pace.
