NET Scheme News 2023 Spring issue 43

The presentation in the form of a lesson demonstration was given by Rebecca Martyn from Marymount Secondary School. She presented a lesson based on a textbook used in the school, National Geographic Life (Pre-Intermediate). The moral dilemma created was based on the reading passage about two climbers caught on a mountain, where one fell and the other had to decide whether to hang on to the rope or to cut his partner free and ultimately save himself. Rebecca incorporated thinking routines into the lesson. Teachers used Tug of War to consider their options and question if they were really making the right decision. The routine also allowed teachers to consider the consequence of their choice and whether they felt it was justified in the context. Teachers noted that these routines allowed all students to have a role and encouraged more reluctant participants to become engaged in a more kinaesthetic manner. The authentic nature of the text and the way that only half of the passage was revealed to the class added interest. In the demonstration lesson, teachers were placed in the role of students.They were asked about the best and worst decisions that they had made in their lives. It was heartening to note that many said that coming to Hong Kong to teach was in their ‘best decision’ category. The discussion of worst decisions was somewhat more lighthearted.Teachers worked through the routines and trialled ideas, contemplating the dilemma that their decisions could bring.Teachers enjoyed the very active approach and were eager to hear what others thought. After having had so much theoretical input, the practical applications and on-the-spot brainstorming is genuinely refreshing. In the classroom, sometimes we all just fall into habit and it becomes monotonous after a while. The cluster meetings help formulate new perspectives and more creative approaches to apply alongside our established class routines Iqra Munir, HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College One teacher noted the differences between learning about teaching and actually engaging in teaching activities. Learn Explore The discussionwhich followedwas robust and interesting. The genuine sharing of ideas and extension of these into further classroom activities built around reading, writing, listening and speaking was valued by the participants. We used a gallery walk activity to enable quick feedback to follow the group planning and discussion. Teachers were able to ask questions and consolidate ideas, and they benefitted from the input and feedback from others. Domino Discover was a routine which was used to gather feedback, and teachers were encouraged to focus on listening to others to produce a summary of the discussion. Discuss and Reflect We welcome feedback and ideas for future cluster meetings. Further meetings on thinking routines, drama, and writing were some of the areas which participants requested. We hope to see many teachers at the next Kowloon Region cluster meeting, which will be held sometime in June. In the meantime, we would like to thank people for attending at this busy time. Luana Hasell, Regional NET Coordinator, NET Section There is something for everyone at the cluster meeting.You’ll always walk away with more added to your bag of teaching tricks! 17 NET Scheme News Issue 43