Reflection Report

We chose the topic ‘’Greetings’’ considering it as the most fundamental topic for the communicative aspect of English
Language Teaching. Despite its basicness, with the previous knowledge 3rd graders have from the 2nd grade, further
explanations around the topic can be made. We have chosen every step meticulously, emphasizing the importance of
establishing a strong foundation in primary knowledge.

When planning the unit and lesson plans, most of our time was dedicated to thinking about two key steps in the ASSURE
model. The first one is the ‘’Select Strategies, Technology, Media, and Materials’’ step. As a beginning, we discussed how to
integrate this step into our lesson model. We tried to provide appropriate rationales for each selection. Even though it
consumed the most time, we were able to complete subsequent steps efficiently. The second one is the ‘’Utilize Technology,
Media, and Materials’’ step in the ASSURE model. Preparing materials one by one and evaluating their appropriateness
wasn't as simple as ABC. Following the completion of each material, we checked its appropriateness for the lesson plan,
curriculum, and the learners. If we identified any flaw, we made necessary adjustments. Moreover, clearly defining and
instructing expectations for learners played an important role in ensuring their active engagement in the learning process.

As for the process of determining the prerequisite skills and knowledge, we prepared them based on the sources the
Ministry of National Education provides. This helped us shape the overall lesson according to the levels and needs of
3rd-graders. We expect basic knowledge of forming sentences, questions and using personal pronouns from them before
attending these classes. The rationale behind the time allocation was to support these previous skills and add onto them
with this new unit (the Greetings) and various activities. We allocated more than half of our each lesson to drill and game
activities, in other words, to repetition and reinforcement. We believe determining our time allocation based on these
characteristics of the behaviorist approach will make the learning experience effective and enjoyable.

Through the objective determination process, we examined the objectives the Ministry of National Education provided in
the 3rd grade curriculum. We paid great attention to each objective and identified the necessary parts to use in the lesson
plan. In other words, we tried to abide by the Ministry, only leaving room for our creative approaches to teaching in the
activities employed in the lesson plan.

Integrating technology into education is the most crucial thing in the modern world. As technology is growing rapidly,
young learners expose the technological devices too much. Because of this, they find the classical teaching books so boring
that they cannot focus on the topic. We decided that the students could feel more confident and motivated if we utilize the
media and materials in the classroom. It gives rise to better grades and active participation.

Instructional methods are selected for increasing the communicative and speaking skills. We used both classical and
improved methods and materials. Students learn the most of the lessons altogether. Group learning develops students’
communication. Our unit is called ‘Greetings’ and contains sentences to create dialogues. Therefore, we decided to integrate
these dialogues into the role play technique. Students act out by reading the script. Games are also such an excellent visual
technique that students like to join the lesson actively. They can stay alert because some students are addicted to video
games. Songs are implemented for teaching numbers and alphabets via YouTube videos. These videos are not only visual
devices but also listening practices. Another video material is a cartoon video which we prepared via Powtoon. It is a fun
activity and we believe that learning occurs when it is fun. Besides video materials; mind maps, presentations and
infographics are applied to demonstrate the lessons’ elements.

Throughout the implementation of the Greetings unit, the teacher will utilize various approaches. This unit contains basic
introduction elements such as greetings, numbers and alphabet. Therefore, we need to add interactive methods to raise
students’ active participation. Drill & Practice strategies improve students’ knowledge. Drills affect students’ understanding
positively. A chain drill starts with a question. This question is asked to students one by one. Students expose the question
directly and communicate with each other. This strategy refers to a behavioral approach in which teachers observe students’
behaviors. If the students keep making the same mistakes, teachers can focus on the error. On the other hand, games create
a more communicative environment than drills. That is why we put game strategy at the last week of the unit. Students can
bring all their knowledge into the last part, hence, teachers evaluate them through observing their answers and attitudes
towards the topic. This strategy is based on a task based approach that the teachers can measure their students’
development. Whether the students understand the topic or not is clearly seen through the task that the strategy includes.

Utilizing instructional methods, media and materials is planned as:

Powtoon: Cartoon videos are quite intriguing for children. We plan to use the video in the first two lesson hours. Thus, we
can take students' attention at the beginning of the lessons. We put greeting phrases in the video. Also, we can pause the
video to make drills with the learners.

Prezi: As introducing oneself is a complex topic with numerous substructures, integrating it into the lesson with a tool that
can be utilized in differentiated aspects would be the most appropriate plan. We utilized it for presenting the topic,
explaining the details, and facilitating both individual and peer activities.

Piktochart: We use this website to create an infographic. We plan to demonstrate the infographic on the screen and explain
the details of the topic. This infographic can also be hung on the classroom’s walls.

Canva: We plan to utilize the Canvas media to introduce the alphabet. It is created in an enjoyable theme that allows
students to associate each letter with different colors and icons, which supports the learning process. This association will
help them embody this abstract concept and acquire it, rather than memorize it.

YouTube: We utilize YouTube videos as additional visual aids. Many students spend their time on social media platforms so
that YouTube videos are the best options for teachers. We plan to sing songs by listening to the songs via videos.

Kahoot: Kahoot is used for an overall review and assessment at the end of the unit. Because it is both entertaining and
competitive, it will attract the attention of the students. The colorful images and numbers on the questions will also help
students remember what they learned better. Because the teacher will be able to see the scores of the students, he/she may
decide to teach what is needed again.

Bubbl.us: Utilizing a concept map to outline topics, subtopics, and overall vocabulary before starting the unit will help
students have a clearer vision of what they will learn. Furthermore, this approach helps students to gain an understanding of
what to expect. That’s why we utilized this tool to construct the lesson plan.

Course Book: Teachers can follow the curriculum from the books which are provided by the Ministry of National Education.
Therefore, we want to utilize the book according to our lesson plan. We use many elements, such as fill-in-the-blank and
matching activities in the classroom.

By creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, the amount of participation will be ensured. Learner participation is
encouraged by the teacher’s questions during the introduction of the topics. These questions require active mental
engagement and help students understand the topics better. By practicing and participating in this active mental process, the
new knowledge or skills can be sound and permanent. Moreover, the colorful theme of the presentations will attract the
attention of the students and encourage them to participate even more.

Evaluation is to be done regularly during the introduction session by participation. Rather than a traditional assessment
like a quiz or an exam, after all the topics are covered, there will be a Kahoot game session at the end of the unit. This is like a
game and also entertains the students. They will help students to practice new knowledge and skills they gained through the
whole unit. Kahoot also gives performance feedback to the students with the scores. This not only gives the teacher the
chance to evaluate the students but also helps students to see what they learned and which parts they have problems with.
Making the assessment with an entertaining game may also reduce the stress of a regular quiz or exam.