|
HOW IDEAL WORKS?
We all like to feel that there is some purpose to our lives. By establishing that learning English will help fulfil that purpose, whatever it is, IDEAL motivates students to work towards this goal. Setting targets that can be reached one after another keeps up the momentum. The targets can be based on creative activities that the students will enjoy after they have successfully completed a conventional lesson. Designing a tee shirt is one that most students look forward to doing. Whereas subjects such as spelling can be precisely marked, these creative activities can be generously graded on the basis that appreciation of art depends on eye of the beholder.
There are no hard and fast rules on how to run IDEAL courses. Nonetheless, the principle of moving steadily forward with a certificate as an end point provides a basis for IDEAL classes which can be carried out as part of on-going English lessons within the framework of existing statutory regulations.
Grades.
Choosing at which grade to introduce Dilo stories into English lessons can be decided by the English teacher after reading the proposed set book(s) e.g. Dilo and the Call of the Deep and/or Dilo Makes Friends. Key Stages 2 and 3 are usual.
Duration.
A minimum period of one school term is advised for an IDEAL course, with an extension for a longer period if appropriate.
Tests.
To determine the academic value of IDEAL it is necessary to assess each student’s standard of literacy before and after the chosen period. To avoid unnecessary tests, IDEAL lessons are best commenced immediately after SATS.
Certificate of Achievement.
Regardless of the outcome of their final SATS students should, whenever possible, receive some form of recognition, for completing an IDEAL course. This can take the form of an International Dolphin Watch Certificate, awarded at the discretion of the teacher.
Students should be told when they embark on an IDEAL course that these Certificates of Achievements will be awarded to those who perform satisfactorily. This gives students a final target to work towards.
|
