Teaching TOEIC Speaking Test Preparation

For the last few weeks, I was assigned to teach a Korean university student preparing for his TOEIC speaking test. Unlike TOEIC listening and reading test, there is no many resources or certain books can be used for practice. Thus, I searched on Google for some help. So far, there is only one sample of TOEIC speaking test provided by ITC (International Test Center) as the official institution which holds the test. Fortunately, I found a very useful website with a number of samples (http://aekotoeic.blogspot.co.id/). As well, I found a channel on YouTube which gives some tricks and strategy in taking the test (Kenton County Adult English as a Second Language). I haven't taken this test before so I needed to learn about the test so much more than what the student should.

I have put altogether the materials and some important information regarding to the test in the following link. Please feel free to find the documents for your use . Klik disini

It was just Once

                   Last week I just could attend Technology and Language Learning class. Mr. Teguh showed the work of previous cohort students’ work. Those are so amazing. Unfortunately, after finishing it they just left it. Actually it is pretty good product. Then, students were divided into groups which consist of Multimedia Production students for each to help other members. Students discussed about the websites which provide free account weblog. They are wix.com, glogster.com, blogspot.com, wordpress.com, weebly.com etc. There are advantages and disadvantages of each blog. Honestly, it was the first time for me to know more those URL except blogspot.com. I have already adventured on this. From the discussion, my friend and I in group decide to use wix.com to do the Technology and Language Learning assignment.

Wooowww,,,, Great,,,!!!

It is a good time to make a reflection of this subject for last week meeting. Actually I just reviewed the material in the module before I am typing right now, because I have to recall those materials. As time goes by, human can create a lot of innovation of technology, especially in language learning.
At first, I thought that no approach is used in developing the technology of language learning. In fact, there are kinds of approach is used. As mentioned and discussed in classroom, there are natural and total physical approach. No approach is better or worse. It depends on what the objective learning is.  In certain condition, it will be better if we combine those approaches. Based on my understanding, those approaches are just embedded in listening and reading skill.

OOhhhh yaaaa,,,

In the first class meeting last week, we discussed about Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL). The development technology of mobile really helps language learners. I can find it in myself. Actually when I was a child, my old brothers and sister did not have any mobile. Yes, it was not really important for them because it was so hard to have any mobile. Some years ago, we just learnt language from the textbook and teacher as the resources. There was no good facility such language laboratory, even any mobile. Also I could find the language learning result of them. The result was not really satisfying.

This is a Short Story

 The early class of last week, I had a debate. It was about whether internet connection or language library is better to be installed in school. I think in language learning, it is better to have language laboratory to exercise and train the English proficiency of students. By internet connection, it is right that student can search more knowledge for enhancing and developing language learning input, but in the end school needs language laboratory to examine the success of this language learning process. Actually it would be a hot debate if class had time longer.

Reflection of Technology and Language Learning: Technology will take face-to-face class meeting away in learning language

There were two class meetings for Technology and Language Learning (TLL) with Mr. Teguh Khaerudin as lecturer last week. I used to think this subject would be boring, but after I knew that Mr. Teguh is the lecturer, I put this thinking away from my mind. Although I know may be it will not be so hard because there some joking in class, I am still worried. I am worried that I will not be able to do and finish assignments in this lesson. Besides, it also pushes me to learn and understand harder.

I was little bit shocked when he told that we would also talk about the history and development of technology over time. I hate talking about history.  Fortunately, after asking him about this, it would be just about the history and development of technology which relates to language learning.

Those all above are just a slightly opening, and this below is what I will share.

It was very interesting to talk about advantages and disadvantages of using technology in learning language. I love Mr. Teguh’s way in this activity. He gave us an article and we had to find out some key points of it. Although sometimes there were some new and hard words, I just skipped and guessed the meaning. Trough this activity, it pushed me to read the article whether I am interested in or not.

The development of technology in learning is increasing, improving and advancing over time. Based on the advantages of technology in learning language which has already discussed in class, this is cheaper than face-to-face class meeting. It attracts most of people’s attention to join in this kind of learning style. They will prefer it than joining any private course around which has limited time and other disadvantages. It is not only in learning language, there are some online learning also which have already grown on the earth.

According to that condition, I am imagining that one day face-to-face class meetings and its teachers are disappeared from this world because of the development of technology itself. If I think farther about this, I will also get that it is possible for schools to be disappeared. The learning system will be cyber learning. I am as an English teacher candidate who will share English as the second language to my students; I feel that I will not be needed anymore to share this. Besides, although it is possible to happen in the future, not everyone can reach this technology, so still there will be the opportunity for me to teach them and to be a teacher. Another possibility is maybe I will be a part of technology in language learning. (hehhehhe)