Reasons for choosing the study
Effective teaching methods are essential for foreign language instruction, particularly in English To deliver high-quality English lessons that inspire students, educators must employ unique and engaging strategies Prioritizing innovative teaching techniques is crucial for fostering a motivating learning environment.
Teaching is an artistic process that goes beyond mere knowledge transfer, focusing on building relationships among teachers, learners, and materials Effective foreign language instruction hinges on not only a teacher's expertise but also the teaching methods employed to engage students While innovative techniques have enhanced the quality of high school language classes, the "Test Yourself" periods in English 10 and 11 often lack student interest and attention, despite their role in reinforcing knowledge This article introduces a new approach to revitalizing these assessment periods, aiming to enhance student engagement and improve overall learning outcomes.
Aims of the study
In the contest of designing teaching aids organized by Tho Xuan IV High School in the school year 2019-2020, I designed a product model called
"The miracle circle" in order to:
- Put the content of "Test yourself" periods into a game activity to stimulate students' interest in learning.
- Promote the ability to use language, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, to bring students closer to the goal of teaching English to develop language skills.
- If well-prepared, teachers can test a greater amount of knowledge through the system of questionnaire in each "Test yourself" period.
The "Miracle Circle" is an innovative approach to enhancing English language teaching, specifically designed for self-assessment periods in grades 10 and 11 This method encourages active student engagement and promotes effective learning strategies By integrating this technique, educators can significantly improve students' understanding and retention of English concepts The Miracle Circle fosters a collaborative learning environment, enabling students to test their knowledge and skills effectively This new improvement in teaching practices aims to create a more dynamic and interactive classroom experience for learners.
Subjects of the study
This study will investigate the student's interest in learning English Then set out a number of activities to help students to improve quality of "Test yourself" periods in English 10,11.
Methods of the study
Methods to build the theoretical basis: Learn the reality of the problem then find out the solutions to solve the problem.
Methods actual survey, gathering information: Distributing questionnaires learning attitude of students towards subjects in English before performing the subject Then gather information to grasp the spirit of their learning
Statistical methods, data processing: After applying the theme will be the result statistics about the level of student progress to evaluate the success of your project.
The Miracle Circle is a new approach that enhances the teaching and self-assessment periods in English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method aims to improve student engagement and understanding by fostering a collaborative learning environment By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can effectively assess students' progress and encourage self-directed learning, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes in English language proficiency.
Contents of the study
Rationale of the study
The quality of "Test Yourself" periods often falls short in engaging students due to their general and monotonous nature, lacking genuine interest for both teachers and learners To create effective and captivating lessons, it's essential to incorporate enjoyment into foreign language learning Language games should be viewed as valuable rather than time-wasting, as they foster a comfortable environment for students Group and emulation activities can transform the classroom atmosphere, reducing stress and enhancing understanding, ultimately aiding in deeper knowledge retention To address this issue, I have researched and implemented group activities in teaching English, successfully transforming "Test Yourself" lessons from the English textbooks for grades 10 and 11 into engaging and rewarding collective games.
Current status of the problem before applying the study
A survey conducted with 90 students from classes 10A1 and 11A2 aimed to assess their enthusiasm for studying English and their opinions on the Test Yourself period The findings reveal insights into their overall experiences and preferences regarding English language learning.
1.You like or dislike studying English?
Normal Dislike 2.You enjoy learning “ Test yourself” period?
Normal Dislike 3.Why do you like (dislike) to learn“ Test yourself” period ?
Thank you for your cooperation !
The Miracle Circle is a new teaching method designed to enhance self-assessment during English periods for grades 10 and 11 This innovative approach encourages students to actively engage in their learning process, fostering greater understanding and retention of the material By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can create a more interactive and supportive classroom environment, ultimately improving student performance in English This method not only aids in self-evaluation but also promotes collaboration among peers, making learning more effective and enjoyable.
And this is the result :
Total Like very much Like Normal Dislike
The findings indicate that most students lack interest in learning English, particularly in the "Test Yourself" lesson, which they perceive as difficult and boring Many students express fear towards studying English, often feeling disengaged during lessons, leading to a passive learning environment Additionally, the textbook activities are viewed as challenging, monotonous, and unengaging, contributing to the overall lack of enthusiasm among students.
The high school where I teach is situated in a rural area facing economic challenges, with the local economy primarily reliant on agriculture As a result, families often do not prioritize investing in their children's education, leading to significant learning difficulties for students who lack adequate educational resources.
Many English teachers recognize the significance of the "Test Yourself" periods in their curriculum; however, these sessions often pose challenges due to the high student-to-teacher ratio in classrooms, which can exceed 50 students This large number makes it difficult for teachers to effectively organize and manage activities, leading to increased stress and difficulty in maintaining control over student engagement during these critical periods.
Many tasks in English 10 and 11 are not well-suited for students, as some activities are overly challenging while others are too simplistic for their skill levels This disparity makes it difficult for teachers to effectively motivate their students during the "Test Yourself" period.
The Miracle Circle is a new teaching method designed to enhance self-assessment periods in English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative approach aims to improve student engagement and learning outcomes by fostering a collaborative environment By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can effectively support students in evaluating their progress and understanding of the material This method not only encourages active participation but also promotes critical thinking skills among learners Overall, the Miracle Circle represents a significant advancement in teaching practices for English language education.
Using “ the miracle circle” to help students more interested in “Test Yourself” periods in English 10, 11
2.3.1 Introduction of teaching aids model "The miracle circle"
"The miracle circle" consists of two basic parts:
Part 1: A circle made of wood with a diameter of about 50 cm, the center of the circle is a spinning wheel to help the circle move, centered by an arrow The content on the circle is divided into seven sections that are specific to the 7 question areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, fun questions and lucky boxes), along with the number of points corresponding to the increasing difficulty gradually from 20, 40 to 60 points.
Part 2: A rack made of wood has three fixed legs, a length of 50cm used to fix and help move the circle.
• Illustration of product model “the miracle circle”
2.3.1.2.How to apply "The miracle circle" to the "Test yourself" periods:
- The content of "Test Yourself" period is codified and designed by teachers in question packs for group activities according to the principle of group games.
The teacher organizes the class into four groups based on the model and adjusts the number of groups for the game Each group selects a representative leader responsible for spinning the wheel to determine the question package and score For instance, if the wheel lands on the Listening box with a score of 20, the group must answer the corresponding questions.
The "Miracle Circle" represents a new approach to enhancing English language teaching for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method focuses on improving listening skills through the "Test Yourself" periods, where teachers facilitate interactive learning Students can earn points—20 for each correct answer—encouraging engagement and motivation By incorporating this strategy, educators aim to foster a more effective and enjoyable learning environment.
Teachers prepare questionnaires using a system that displays them on the screen After students choose their questions, the teacher presents the corresponding numbered questions as outlined in the lesson plan.
Below, I would like to present some sample lesson plans that I used in some
"Test Yourself" in English textbooks 10, 11.
2.3.2.1.Lesson plans for the content of the lesson "Test yourself B”
(Grade 10 English textbook program page 72, 73)
The system of corresponding questionnaire on the rotation are as follows:
* "LISTENING" QUESTION PACKAGE: (Including 5 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
2 questions (10 points for each): Listen and choose the best answer A,B,C or D:
… miles to the … of London, and it has about … people.
A.15/west/12.000 B.50/east/ 120.000 C.50/ west/ 120.000 Question 2: Oxford is located
… England and it has a population of …90.000
B in central/ about C.in central of/ over
2 questions (20 points for each): Listen and decide Tor F statement Correct the false one.
Question 3: There are so many computer companies in Oxford.
Question 4: What is really of interest in Oxford is the car
- The teacher introduces two places that students will hear in the slideshow.
Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to their group to listen to the tapescript, answer and explain answers if required by the teacher.
The "Miracle Circle" represents a significant advancement in the teaching methodologies for English language assessments in grades 10 and 11 This innovative approach enhances students' self-assessment skills, fostering a deeper understanding of their progress By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can create a more engaging and effective learning environment, ultimately improving student performance in English.
Question 5: Listen again, look at the screen and make a summary.
Car factory questions corresponding to the students' choice on the screen, open the tapescript part of the lesson for the students to listen and give them time to answer.
- Teachers provide additional information and explanations
Question 1: C Question 2: B Question 3: F (in Reading)
Question 4: T Question 5: Oxford has a population of about 90.000 It is the city of unniversities such as Cambrige, oxford and many car factories
* QUESTION PACKAGE "READING": (Including 5 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
2 questions (10 points for each): Read and decide whether the statement T or F Question 1: … It is necessary for students to work at home in their free time.
Question 2: … Most people think that homework is not fair.
2 questions (20 points for each): Read and answer the question:
Question 3: Why do students have to repeat tasks which they have
- The teacher slides the questions that correspond to the students' choice on the screen, carefully read the text and give them time to answer.
- The teacher provided additional vocabulary in the lesson and further
Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to their group to read the paragraph carefully, focusing
The Miracle Circle is a new innovative approach aimed at enhancing the teaching and self-assessment periods for English in grades 10 and 11 This method encourages active participation and engagement among students, fostering a deeper understanding of the language By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that promotes critical thinking and self-evaluation, ultimately leading to improved academic performance in English.
Question 4: According to the text, is homework necessary?
1 questions 60 points : Read and answer the question:
Question 5: What is the main idea of the passage? explanation.
Question 3:Because most teachers donot properly plan the homework tasks they give to students
Question 5: It is about homework on the main content of the related question, answer and explain the answer if requirsed by the teacher.
* QUESTION PACKAGE "Grammar": (Including 6 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
2 questions 20 points (10 points for each): choose the best answer : Question 1:You can’t drive a car
B when D because Question 2: Steven Spielberg’s film, … More than $ 100 million to make, was a great success
A which it cost C which cost
Question 1: Combine, using relative pronoun
- The teacher slides the questions that correspond to the students' choice on the screen, allowing students to discuss using the answer sheet if necessary.
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Return to the group, answer and explain the answer if asked by the teacher.
The Miracle Circle represents a significant advancement in the teaching and assessment of English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative approach enhances self-testing periods, allowing students to engage more effectively with the material By integrating this method, educators can foster a more interactive learning environment, ultimately improving student outcomes in English language proficiency The Miracle Circle not only encourages self-assessment but also promotes critical thinking and collaboration among peers.
The girl chatted with him yesterday.
Question 2: Choose the mistake and then correct it
That’s the man who daughter is
2 questions (30 points for each): Question 1: Put the verb in bracket in correct form
Sue … (come) to see us tomorrow She … (travel) by train and her train arrives at 10.15.
I … (meet) her at the station.
Nobody has invited her to the party.
1 The girl who chatted with him yesterday arived here at 6.30 a.m
1 Will come/ is going to travel / will meet
2 She hasn’t been invited to the party
* FUNNY QUESTION PACKAGE "fun corner": (Including 3 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
1 questions 20 points : Look at the picture and make a suitable sentence
Make a passive sentence base on the picture
- The teacher slides the questions that correspond to the students' choice on the screen, allowing students to discuss using the answer sheet if necessary.
1 The man was eaten by the flower
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Return to the group, answer and explain the answer if asked by the teacher.
The Miracle Circle is a groundbreaking approach that enhances the teaching and self-assessment periods in English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method promotes active learning and encourages students to engage deeply with the material By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can facilitate a more interactive classroom environment, helping students to test their knowledge effectively This continuous improvement in teaching strategies aims to boost student confidence and academic performance in English.
Make a sentence base on the picture, using will or be going to
3 3 She is going to have a baby
2.3.2.2.Lesson plans for the content of the lesson "Test yourself A" grade 11 English textbook program page 42)
The system of corresponding question packages on the rotation are as follows:
* "LISTENING" QUESTION PACKAGE: (Including 5 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
2 questions 20 points (10 points for each): Listen and choose the best answer A,B,C or D:
Question 1: They’ve known each other for …… years
A.25 B.35 C.45 D.55 Question 2: They’ve been living here in Brighton since
2 questions 40 points (20 points for each): Listen and answer the question Question 3: They didn’t see each other
- The teacher slides the questions that correspond to the
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to your group to listen to the tapescript, answer and explain answers if required by the teacher.
The Miracle Circle is a new approach designed to enhance the teaching of self-assessment periods in English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method aims to improve student engagement and understanding, allowing learners to test their knowledge effectively By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can foster a more interactive and supportive learning environment that promotes self-reflection and academic growth This strategy not only benefits students but also empowers teachers to facilitate more dynamic and impactful lessons.
The couple in the tape became friends due to shared interests and experiences that fostered a strong connection between them Their conversations revealed common values and mutual understanding, which helped to deepen their friendship.
- Teachers provide additional information and explanations
Question 5: Because they live next door to each other
* QUESTION PACKAGE "READING": (Including 5 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
2 questions 20 points (10 points for each):
Question 1: How was the boy dressed?
B He dressed in brand-new uniform
C He dressed in brand-new outfit
Question 2: what did the writer bring a camera to the party for?
2 questions 40 points (20 points for each):
- The teacher slides the questions that correspond to the students' choice on the screen, carefully read the text and give time to answer.
- The teacher provided additional vocabulary in the lesson and further explanation.
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to your group to read the paragraph carefully, focusing on the main content of the related
The Miracle Circle represents a significant advancement in teaching methodologies for English periods in grades 10 and 11 This innovative approach enhances self-assessment techniques, allowing students to effectively evaluate their understanding and skills By integrating the Miracle Circle into the curriculum, educators can foster a more interactive and engaging learning environment, ultimately improving student outcomes in English language proficiency.
Question 3: why was the party especial?
Question 4: Was the writer happy?
1 questions 60 points: Read again and choose the main idea of the text
B The feeling of the writer
C A birthday party of the writer’s son
Question 3: Because it is a party of aboy in a family has been childless for ten years
Question 5: A question, answer and explain the answer if required by the teacher.
* QUESTION PACKAGE "SPEAKING": (Including 3 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
1 question 20 points: Read aloud and write the pronunciation:
Nine- yam- machine – hour - house
How do you say when you first meet someone?
Make a short plan for your birthday party then present orally.
- The teacher slides the questions that correspond to the students' choice on the screen, allowing students to discuss using the answer sheet if necessary.
- Teachers can give some brief suggestions to help students find answers Encourage use of English by students
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to the group, answer and explain the answer if required by the teacher.
The Miracle Circle is an innovative approach designed to enhance the teaching of self-assessment periods in English for grades 10 and 11 This method aims to improve student engagement and understanding by fostering a collaborative learning environment By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can effectively assess students' progress while encouraging active participation and critical thinking This new improvement not only benefits learners but also enriches the overall teaching experience, making English lessons more dynamic and effective.
* QUESTION PACKAGE "Grammar": (Including 6 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
3 questions 30 points (10 points for each):
Fill the correct verb form ( base, full, or passive)
(see) you again after so long.
Question 2: … (be) honest, I’ve never done this type of work before.
2 questions 40 points (20 points for each):
(pick) up at the airport by the whole family.
(appoint) as a top leader in the school.
2 questions 60 points (30 points for each):
Question 6: Khi tôi kể Jim nghe câu chuyện đó, anh ấy dường như bị sốc.
Question 7: Để có tương lai tốt, bạn cần học tập chăm chỉ hơn.
- Teacher presents the questions corresponding to the student's choice on the screen, allowing students to discuss using the answer sheet if necessary.
Question 1: to see Question 2: to be Question 3 : to pay Question 4 : to be picked
Question 6: When I told him the story, he seemed to be shocked
Question 7: To have a good future, you have to study hard
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to the group, answer and explain the answer if required by the teacher.
The Miracle Circle is a new approach to teaching that significantly enhances self-assessment during English periods for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method fosters student engagement and encourages active participation in the learning process By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can create a more interactive and effective classroom environment, ultimately improving students' language skills and confidence in English.
* FUNNY QUESTION PACKAGE "fun corner": (Including 3 sentences)
Contents Teacher’s acts Student’s acts
1 question 20 points: what key does not lock the door?
1 question 20 points: what goes up when the rain comes down?
1 question 20 points: using to information to make a meaningful sentence base on these two pictures
- Teacher presents the questions corresponding to the student's choice on the screen, allowing students to discuss using the answer sheet if necessary.
3 I’m saving money to buy a mobile phone
- Students circle, choose a questionnaire and score accordingly.
- Go back to the group, answer and explain the answer if asked by the teacher.
The Miracle Circle is a new approach aimed at enhancing the teaching and self-assessment methods in English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative strategy focuses on improving students' learning experiences by encouraging active participation and self-testing By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can foster a more engaging and effective learning environment, ultimately leading to better student outcomes in English language proficiency.
Effectiveness of the study for educational activities, with myself,
The effective implementation of the aforementioned activities has led to significantly positive outcomes in the Grade 10 and 11 classes I taught during the past school year A comparison of the questionnaire results from the beginning to the end of the study reveals notable improvements.
Total Like very much Like Normal Dislike
Most children show a keen interest in English, actively engaging in "Test Yourself" activities and other classroom tasks This approach has fostered positivity and creativity among students, enhancing their learning experience Many have developed their knowledge and speaking skills, transforming from initial reluctance to newfound confidence in their abilities As a result, their academic performance has significantly improved.
Results 2019 - 2020 academic school year: (Before applying the study)
Total Excellent Good Fair Very bad
Results 2019 - 2020 academic school year: (After applying the study)
Total Excellent Good Fair Very bad
90 students Number % Number % Number % Number %
The Miracle Circle is a new approach aimed at enhancing the teaching and self-assessment methods for English in grades 10 and 11 This innovative strategy focuses on improving student engagement and understanding during self-testing periods By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can foster a more interactive and effective learning environment, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes in English language proficiency for students.
Conclusions
Through the process of applying new teaching methods to teaching subjects, namely applying the tool "The miracle circle" to the teaching process of
"Test Yourself", I drew some lessons for myself :
1 In the process of application, there should be measures to change or modify in accordance with each lesson content, each grammar point and each student object to avoid boredom, or cause unnecessary confusion.
2 It is necessary to carefully prepare sound solutions for emulation activities among groups so as to minimize noise Otherwise, even though students can become the center and subject of the learning process, teachers lose control of the lesson time.
After each application, I think I will have some new experiences to draw from, but these are the main lessons to be shared.
Recommendations
Creating a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for participants is more challenging than simply telling a captivating story or delivering a lecture To maximize effectiveness, educators must be passionate, invest time in lesson planning, and prepare thorough presentations They should also understand the psychophysiology of different age groups and continuously study and collaborate with colleagues to enhance their teaching methods, ensuring that their lectures are increasingly optimized for better results.
The benefits of collective and group activities in education are well-documented, prompting teachers to focus more on these methods to enhance student engagement in English learning To maximize the effectiveness and advantages of these activities, I offer several recommendations.
1 In group meetings, English teachers exchange their investment experience in establishing a lesson plan that shares the "Test yourself" periods for both two volumes 10 and 11; In addition, tasks can be assigned to each member to compose each part in each specific lesson, then share with other members of the group to increase the efficiency of the lecture preparation.
The Miracle Circle is an innovative approach designed to enhance self-assessment during English lessons for grades 10 and 11 This method encourages students to actively engage in their learning process, promoting a deeper understanding of the material By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can foster a more interactive classroom environment, ultimately improving students' performance and confidence in the English language This new teaching strategy not only aids in self-evaluation but also cultivates critical thinking skills among learners.
2 If possible, the school can help organize an English extra-curricular course using the teaching aid.
3 With the subject of English, sometimes noisy minutes in class are inevitable but it is useful noisy minutes But in the school environment, this noise will affect other classes because sometimes performing emulation activities, students' psychology is very sensitive and hyperactive, sometimes they cannot control themselves , sometimes laughing very loudly, clapping hands
So teachers must be really active teachers, solving all unexpected situations that may occur in order to effectively implement these activities
XÁC NHẬN CỦA THỦ TRƯỞNG ĐƠN VỊ Thanh Hóa, ngày 01tháng 07 năm 2020
Tôi xin cam đoan đây là SKKN của mình viết, không sao chép nội dung của người khác.
The Miracle Circle is a new approach designed to enhance the teaching and testing of English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method aims to engage students more effectively during self-assessment periods, promoting active learning and better retention of knowledge By integrating interactive techniques, the Miracle Circle fosters a supportive learning environment that encourages student participation and collaboration This improvement in teaching strategies not only boosts students' confidence in their English skills but also prepares them for future academic challenges.
1 Games to teach English (Harold S Madren) - Oxford University Press 2003
2 BridgeTEFL: Teaching English With Games (2007)
3 Một số website giảng dạy Tiếng Anh: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/ http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/,http://www.britishcouncil.org , http://www.globaledu.com.vn , http://www.ila.com, …
4 SGK Tiếng Anh 10 (Bộ Giáo Dục và Đào Tạo)-NXB Giáo Dục
5 SGK Tiếng Anh 11 (Bộ Giáo dục và Đào Tạo) – Nhà xuất bản Giáo dục
6 ICT 4 ESD – Nhà xuất bản Giáo dục (2008)
The Miracle Circle is a new approach designed to enhance the teaching and testing of English for grades 10 and 11 This innovative method aims to improve self-assessment periods, fostering greater student engagement and understanding By implementing the Miracle Circle, educators can create a more interactive and effective learning environment, ultimately leading to better student outcomes in English language proficiency.