Francesca @ PGDE English SCT

I used to hate grammar a lot when I was studying in secondary school because grammar was so mechanical and robotic to me. I learnt grammar by listening to teachers' explanations on grammar rules and doing A LOT of grammar exercises (form-focused exercises). And I disliked grammar so much, especially in junior forms, because I always scored low and I barely distinguished some slight differences between similar grammar items. Moving to senior secondary, I started to like grammar more because there wasn't grammar tests and exercises anymore! All I had was using grammar in reading and writing. At that stage, I came to realise that I actually know grammar and know how to use them. Of course I am not an expert in grammar but at least I can manipulate different grammar items to express myself articulately. Reflecting on how I teach grammar, I am quite frustrated indeed. I haven't figured out an effective and interesting way to engage students in learning grammar. The so-called...

In today's session, we have been exposed to the official English language curriculum devised by CDI/ EDB. The curriculum looks scientific and ideal, but when it comes to implementation, I fear that the curriculum is just way beyond manageable in reality. Let me take the scheme of work of my school as an example. From the scheme of work, the language content & macroskills are categorised into different units, modules and themes, hoping to use a thematic approach to strengthen and consolidate students' learning. Yet, when the scheme of work is being implemented, things just change (unfortunately). We, (not yet up to standard teachers), rely quite a lot of textbooks (by the way, we are using Upstream & Reading Explorer) and skills books. We follow other school-based portfolios as if our work were to check the box on the scheme of work and see what has been done and what is left. I have always wanted to use a different approach by creating learning interest and motivati...

I always believe that how you learnt influences how you teach, and how you teach influences how your students learn. Reflecting on my previous learning experiences in secondary school, I would summarise them into two stages. Stage 1: Junior Forms During my time in junior high, the most terrible memory was about grammar and vocabulary drilling as teachers put emphasis on how we should master grammar and language items in order to prepare us to attend HKCEE & HKALE. This memory wasn't pleasant at all especially I always scored super low in my grammar and usage tests. However, I also met an inspiring teacher. Instead of drilling (which she also did), she encouraged student-led learning by motivating us to explore and present our ideas. This is when I started exploring the English Language. Stage 2: Senior Forms When it came to senior forms, teachers' main objective was to equip us with the skills & knowledge we need for HKCEE & HKALE. Despite the boring lesso...

Hi! This is Francesca, one of the members taking PGDE (English) SCT this year. Nice to meet you all!