BBELT 2023 sketch notes by Emily Bryson

 We are currently in the middle of the 2023 #BBELT (the Best and Brightest of English Language Teaching) conference an Americas focused international conference for teachers. It's now an online event that the British Council has organised since the 1990s - #BBELT2023 is hte 20th time it's been organised, and the third time it's been held entirely online. Prior to that it was a face-to-face conference organised in Mexico City.

This time round, in order to add a different dimension to the event, we've asked Emily Bryson to document the proceedings by creating sketch notes. Emily is also encouraging all of the participants at BBELT to document the talks they attend. Creating sketch notes is a fabulous way to document conference sessions. Emily has talked about graphic facilitation before in a fascinating webinar for the British Council Americas (below).

Here are the sketch notes Emily has produced for the first day's plenary of  #BBELT2023

ChatGPT Challenges #3 - Student Behaviour

 

Continuing the series of asking ChatGPT to provide advice for teachers...

ChatGPT, can you give practical advice to teachers to help them manage and address student behavior and disciplinary issues?

1. Establish clear expectations and rules. 

Clearly communicate and consistently enforce expectations and rules for behavior in your classroom. Use positive reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior by praising and rewarding students when they exhibit appropriate behavior. 

2. Address issues immediately. 

Address problematic behavior as soon as it occurs and intervene promptly to prevent it from escalating. Use a consistent disciplinary process: Use a consistent process for addressing disciplinary issues and ensure that consequences are fair and appropriate. 

3. Communicate with parents.

 Communicate with parents and guardians about their child's behavior and involve them in finding solutions to any issues. 

4. Build relationships with students. 

Building positive relationships with your students can help them feel more comfortable and willing to share any issues they may be experiencing. 

5. Provide emotional support. 

Provide emotional support to students who may be struggling with issues that may be affecting their behavior. 

6. Reflect on your practice. 

Reflect on your teaching practice and consider ways to modify your strategies to address disciplinary issues more effectively. 

7. Seek professional development. 

Seek professional development opportunities to improve your understanding of classroom management and strategies for addressing disciplinary issues.

Can you give some examples of how teachers can apply this idea of positive reinforcement to affect behavior in the classroom?

Positive reinforcement is a technique that can be used to shape and maintain desired behaviors in the classroom. It involves providing a desirable consequence following a desired behavior. Here are some examples of how teachers can apply positive reinforcement in the classroom.

1. Verbal praise.

Verbal praise can be used to recognize and acknowledge students for their positive behavior. For example, a teacher might say, "Great job working quietly during independent reading time." 

2. Tokens or stickers. 

Teachers can use tokens or stickers as a way to acknowledge and reward positive behavior. For example, a student might earn a sticker for turning in their homework on time. 

3. Classroom economy. 

A classroom economy can be set up where students earn points or money for positive behavior, which can then be exchanged for rewards such as extra recess or a preferred seat. 

4. Recognition boards. 

A recognition board can be set up in the classroom where students' names are added for positive behavior, such as good participation or being a good helper. 

5. Rewards.

Teachers can set up a reward system where students can earn rewards, such as a free homework pass, for positive behavior. 

6. Positive notes. 

Teachers can write positive notes to students' parents or guardians to acknowledge and recognize positive behavior. 

7. Public recognition. 

Teachers can publicly recognize students for positive behavior, such as calling their name in front of the class or announcing it to the school. 

It's important to keep in mind that positive reinforcement should be used consistently and in a way that is appropriate for the students and the behavior being reinforced. Also, it should be part of a larger classroom management strategy, and not the only one used. Additionally, It's important to be mindful of the potential negative effects of rewards, such as decreased intrinsic motivation or creating a competition among students.

How can a teacher effectively reflect on their practice? What do you suggest they do? How should a teacher start?

Reflecting on one's practice is an essential step in becoming an effective teacher. Here are some suggestions on how a teacher can effectively reflect on their practice. 

1. Keep a reflective journal. 

Keep a reflective journal where you can record your thoughts and observations on your teaching practice. Reflect on what worked well and what didn't, what challenges you faced, and what you learned from the experience. 

2. Seek feedback. 

Seek feedback from students, colleagues, and supervisors on your teaching practice. This can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and strengths. 

3. Reflect on your goals.

Reflect on your goals for the class and student learning, and how well you met them. Consider what you could have done differently to better achieve your goals. 

4. Observe other teachers.

Observe other teachers in action, whether it's in your own school or in other schools. Take note of their teaching strategies and how they manage their classrooms, and reflect on how you might use similar strategies in your own teaching. 

5. Use data.

Reflect on data such as student test scores, attendance, and engagement to understand how well your teaching practices are working and where you need to make changes. 

6. Reflect on your own learning. 

Reflect on your own learning as a teacher, and consider what you need to learn to be more effective. Reflect on student's needs: Reflect on the specific needs of your students and how well you're meeting them. Consider how you can better support their learning and engagement. 

7. Reflect on the school culture

ChatGPT & Educational Challenges #2 - Diverse Needs of Students

 

As part of the Teachers Talk Radio show about the major Educational Challenges for teachers, I asked the AI software about the second challenge it mentioned, then challenged its suggestion to take into account the learning styles of the learners. I'd heard that ChatGPT tries to give you the answer it thinks you want, and if you argue against its response, it will change accordingly. This appears to be the case below. Once challenged about learning styles, it seems to agree with me that caution needs to be taken, despite having originallly suggested using this. 

Moving onto the second of your eight challenges, you mentioned catering to students with different learning styles and backgrounds as a major challenge. Can you give some practical advice to teachers to help them with this? 

In order to meet the diverse needs of students with different learning styles and backgrounds, teachers can… 

1. Use a variety of teaching methods. Incorporate different teaching styles, such as visual, auditory, and hands-on activities, to cater to different learning styles. 

2. Differentiate instruction. Provide different levels of materials and activities to meet the needs of students with different abilities and backgrounds. 

3. Create a positive learning environment. Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture where all students feel valued and respected. 

4. Use technology. Utilize technology such as educational apps, videos, and interactive games to engage students and provide multiple ways for them to learn. 

5. Encourage collaboration. Use group work and cooperative learning strategies to allow students to learn from each other and share their unique perspectives. 

6. Provide support. Be available for extra help and provide support for students who may be struggling. 

7. Communicate with parents. Regularly communicate with parents and guardians to keep them informed of their child's progress and any concerns. 

8. Reflect on your teaching practice. Regularly reflect on your teaching practice and look for ways to improve your teaching strategies to better meet the diverse needs of your students. 

I was surprised to hear you mention learning styles, which seems to have fallen out of fashion recently. In fact, isn’t there evidence that a teacher catering to different learning styles of students can actually be a bad thing? 

Research on the effectiveness of catering to different learning styles, also known as "learning styles theory," has been mixed. While some studies have found that catering to different learning styles can be beneficial for students, other research has suggested that it may not have a significant impact on student achievement. 

One critique of the learning styles theory is that it suggests that students have a preferred way of learning that is fixed, and that catering to that specific learning style is the best way to help them learn. However, evidence suggests that students are capable of learning through various modalities and that teaching should be multimodal. 

Additionally, catering to different learning styles can be time-consuming and can require additional resources, which might not be feasible for teachers in certain settings. 

Furthermore, it can also lead to teachers to stereotype students, this can limit their own perception of the student's abilities and can be detrimental to their learning. 

In summary, catering to different learning styles can be beneficial for some students, but more research is needed to understand the best ways to do so. It is important to remember that students are capable of learning through various modalities and that teaching should be multimodal and inclusive. 

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the resources and time that catering to different learning styles requires, and to avoid stereotyping students based on their supposed learning style. 

But isn't learning styles theory just pseudo science? 

The concept of learning styles theory suggests that individuals have preferred ways of learning, and that learning can be optimized by catering to these specific styles. This theory has been popularized in education and is often used to explain the differences in student learning. 

However, there is a significant amount of evidence that suggests that learning styles theory is not supported by scientific research. Many studies have shown that there is little to no correlation between learning styles and student performance. Some researchers argue that the theory is based on anecdotal evidence and lacks a solid scientific foundation. 

Furthermore, some studies have shown that students are capable of learning through various modalities and that teaching should be multimodal and inclusive. Additionally, the idea of learning styles can be limiting as it suggests that students have a fixed preferred way of learning which can lead to stereotyping students based on their supposed learning style. This can limit the teacher's perception of the student's abilities and can be detrimental to their learning. 

In conclusion, while it may be appealing to think that students have preferred ways of learning and that catering to these specific styles can improve their performance, there is little scientific evidence to support this theory. It is important to remember that students are capable of learning through various modalities and that teaching should be multimodal and inclusive.

ChatGPT & Educational Challenges #1 - Gamification

 

What does ChatGPT have to say about gamification? As part of the Teachers Talk Radio show about the major Educational Challenges for teachers, I asked the AI software for advice about gamification, following up on its suggestion to make use of it. 

What is gamification and why should teachers be interested in it? Is gamification just using points and leader boards with students? Or are there more sophisticated ways of using it in class?

Gamification is the process of using game design elements in non-game contexts, such as education, to engage and motivate people to learn. It involves using elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and competition to make learning more interactive and engaging. It also has the potential to increase motivation, engagement, and retention of information. There are different ways that teachers can use gamification in the classroom, and it's not limited to just using points and leaderboards. 

Some examples include:   

1. Quizzes and quizzes. Teachers can use game-based tools such as Kahoot! and Quizlet to create interactive quizzes and quizzes that make learning fun and engaging.   

2. Game-based learning platforms. Teachers can use game-based learning platforms such as Classcraft and DragonBox to create game-like learning experiences that align with the curriculum.  

3.Virtual worlds and simulations. Teachers can use virtual worlds and simulations to create immersive and interactive learning experiences.   

4. Game-like challenges. Teachers can create game-like challenges, such as scavenger hunts or escape rooms, that align with the curriculum and make learning more fun and engaging.   

5. Storytelling and role-playing. Teachers can use storytelling and role-playing to make learning more engaging and interactive.   

6. Rewards and feedback. Teachers can use rewards, such as badges and certificates, to motivate and engage students, and provide feedback to help students track their progress.   

Overall, gamification can be an effective way to make learning more engaging and interactive, and can increase motivation and retention of information. However, it's important to remember that gamification should be used in a way that aligns with the curriculum, and enhances instruction and learning, not just for the sake of using games. It's also important to consider the accessibility of the technology and to have a plan in place for students who may not have access to technology or internet at home. 

Some teachers are uncomfortable about gamification because it promotes a behaviorist approach to learning and teaching. Are they right to be worried about this?

Gamification, as a concept, does draw some inspiration from behaviorist learning theories which propose that learning is the result of the reinforcement of certain behaviors. Some educators may express concern about using gamification in the classroom because it may be seen as promoting a behaviorist approach to learning and teaching, which emphasizes the reinforcement of certain behaviors and the use of rewards and punishments to shape student behavior. 

However, it's important to note that gamification can be used in a variety of ways and can be aligned with different learning theories. For example, it can be used to create more engaging and interactive lessons that align with constructivist or humanistic approaches to learning, which focus on student-centered and active learning. 

Additionally, it can be used to provide immediate feedback and positive reinforcement of student's efforts to improve their understanding of the material. Furthermore, it's important to remember that gamification is just one of the many tools that teachers can use to engage and motivate students. It can be a useful tool to create a more interactive and engaging learning experience, but it should be used in a way that aligns with the curriculum and the teacher's overall teaching philosophy. It's also important to consider the accessibility of the technology and to have a plan in place for students who may not have access to technology or internet at home. 

In conclusion, while some teachers may be concerned about the potential limitations of using a behaviorist approach in gamification, it can be used in a variety of ways and can be aligned with different learning theories. It's important to use it

ChatGPT & Educational Challenges #1 - Incorporating Technology

 

Continuing from yesteday's post, I asked ChatGPT for more detail on the first educational challenge:

Can you give advice to teachers to help them incorporate technology and online learning into the classroom?

Here are some practical tips for teachers to help them incorporate technology and online learning into the classroom: 

1. Start small. Begin by incorporating technology into one or two lessons a week, rather than trying to do too much at once. 
2. Use technology to enhance, not replace, traditional teaching methods. Use technology to supplement your existing lesson plans, rather than trying to replace them entirely.
3. Get to know the tools you’re using. Before you start using technology in the classroom, take the time to learn how it works and what it can do.
4. Provide students with clear instructions and expectations. Make sure students understand how to use the technology and what is expected of them when they’re using it.
5. Incorporate interactive activities. Use technology to create interact ive activities that will keep students engaged and motivated. 
6. Use technology to differentiate instruction. Use technology to create different versions of lessons for different student groups, based on their learning needs and styles. 
7. Provide students with opportunities for online collaboration. Encourage students to work together on online projects and assignments. 
8. Give students a choice of devices. Allow students to use their own devices, if possible, and provide instruction on how to use them. 
9. Use the technology to provide real - time feedback. Use technology to provide feedback on student work in real - time. 
10. Use technology to increase student engagement. Use technology to make lessons more interactive and engaging.

How exactly can a teacher use technology to make lessons more interactive?

There are many ways that teachers can use technology to make lessons more interactive and engaging for students. Some examples include: 

1. Online quizzes and surveys. Teachers can use online tools such as Google Forms or Kahoot! to create quizzes and surveys that students can take during class. These tools allow for real - time feedback and can be used to assess student understanding.  
2. Interactive whiteboards: Interactive whiteboards, such as Smart Boards, can be used to create interactive lessons that include multimedia elements such as videos, images, and animations.
3. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Teachers can use virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technology to create immersive an d interactive learning experiences. For example, students can take virtual field trips or explore virtual environments related to the subject they are learning. 
4. Collaborative tools: Teachers can use collaborative tools such as Google Docs, Trello, or Slack to facilitate group work and allow students to work together on projects and assignments in real - time.
5. Video conferencing: Teachers can use video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams to create virtual classrooms where students can interact and collaborate in real - time. 
6. Gamification: Teachers can use game - based learning platforms such as Kahoot, Quizlet, or Classcraft to make learning more interactive and engaging for students. 
7. Online simulations: Teachers can use online simulati ons to give students hands - on experience with a topic or concept. For example, students can use simulations to learn about physics, engineering, or economics. 

It's important to remember that technology is a tool, and it should be used in a way that enhance s instruction and learning, not just for the sake of using technology. It's also important to consider the availability and accessibility of technology for all students, and to have a plan in place for students who may not have access to the technology or internet at home.

Nothing controversial there, although I don't agree with all of these. However, ask any teacher experienced in using technology and hey'd come up with their own list. 

ChatGPT & Educational Challenges #0

 

As an experiment, I decided to interview #ChatGPT for my Teachers Talk Radio show on January 17th this year, asking the software to let me know what it thought were the major educational challenges facing teachers these days. I took the text and used LOVO text-to-speech software to give ChatGPT a voice and hey presto! I had the AI as a guest on my show. What was the most interesting though was the actual responses and what happened when I interrogated the tool further on some of the answers. 

Since then, I've been meaning to revist some of these answers and amalyse them a little further and relfect on them, so here's the start of that series. Let's start, however, with the initial questions and then what ChatGPT thought are the major challenges facing teachers today 

Why would someone choose to be a teacher? What benefits are there? What are the downsides to teaching?

Someone might choose to be a teacher because they have a passion for helping others learn and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of students. They may also be drawn to the opportunity to inspire and shape young minds, and to be a role model for their students. 

Some benefits of being a teacher include: 

• Making a difference: Teachers have the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of their students and help shape their future.
• Professional growth: Teaching provides opportunities for professional growth and development, such as attending professional development workshops and conferences. 
• Flexible schedules: Many teachers have summers off, which can provide flexibility for travel or pursuing other interests.
• Job security: Teaching is a stable career with a consistent demand for qualified educators.
• Personal satisfaction: Teaching can be a fulfilling and rewarding profession, as teachers have the opportunity to see the direct impact of their efforts on the success of their students. 

However, being a teacher can also come with some downsides: 

• Stressful workload: Teachers often have a heavy workload, including lesson planning, grading, and other administrative tasks. 
• Limited autonomy: Teachers may have limited autonomy in terms of curriculum and classroom management. 
• Long hours: Teachers often put in long hours, including time spent outside of the classroom on planning, grading and other tasks. 
• Limited pay: Teachers' salary can be lower than other professions with similar qualifications. 
• Emotional exhaustion: Teachers may experience emotional exhaustion from dealing with the daily challenges of the classroom and student's personal lives. 

What are the most important challenges that face teachers at the moment? 

Some important challenges that teachers currently face include: 

• Incorporating technology and online learning into the classroom 
• Meeting the diverse needs of students with different learning styles and backgrounds 
• Managing and addressing student behavior and disciplinary issues 
• Keeping up with changes in curriculum and educational policies 
• Ensuring student engagement and motivation 
• Balancing workload and finding time for lesson planning and preparation 
• Keeping abreast of new research and best practices in education. 
• COVID-19 pandemic impacts on virtual learning and the education system.

Here's the programme in full: 

Revisiting gamification

In January this year and then a few weeks later, I did two presentations on Gamification. I was asked to do one of these and thought it would be interesting to make it a two-parter when asked to present at a different event. 

The first event was for teachers in Romania at the second Shine conference, and I based what I did on a presentation I did nine years previously, revisiting Gamification: Magic Bullet or Broken Sword, first presented at the IATEFL LT SIG & TESOL CALL IS 2nd Web conference on June 14th 2014, and then revisited in October later that year at the IATEFL web conference. I was pleasantly surprised to see most of the gamification I presented then are still thriving. That presentation was very similar to the one I'd done in 2014 (slides here). 

The follow-up presentation, I did for the British Council's Teaching English website (see recorded video below) and this was also streamed live on Facebook. 

For this presentation, I changed the content, looking at some of the latest developments in gamification and changing a lot of the slides. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make gamification a feature of the Teachers Talk Radio show on 1st February. 

I still think there's a lot of potential for gamification in language teaching and learning that hasn't been tapped into yet, and so I think I'll definitely be exploring it further here on this blog and elsewhere.