Learning ESL - Nelly Ribot
Starry Starry Night (1889) by Van Gogh
Nelly Ribot currently teaches English as a second language at Los Médanos School in Trenque Lauquen, Argentina. She had previously attempted to apply Multiple Intelligence in her classroom of first graders, which was met with success. She then tried to help her 8th and 9th graders use English fluently using the same method.
First, she found out a little about her student's background. Her research told her that her class was especially interested in art, music and drama. So she suggested some topics revolving these themes and allowed students to choose their final topic, which was "Vincent Van Gogh: 150 years later", in memory of Vincent Van Gogh's 150th birth anniversary. This will be a one=month project with the students spending 2 hours a week on it.
She worked along with other teachers to help students better understand Van Gogh's work and life, such as inviting the art teacher to explain in spanish about his life with pictures and a projector (Spatial). The students were also divided into groups to work on the project. They used a variety of ways to research such as researching his bibliography online (Linguistic, Mathematical-logical), visiting online art galleries (Spatial). Students also brought in reproduction of works by Van Gogh they found. After some general research on Van Gogh, each group chose a specific area of Van Gogh's life such as his childhood and focused on it.
The students then tried to convey their findings in the forms of posters and signs (Spatial, Linguistic), making collages, and even making their own artwork as a form of interpretation of Van Gogh's artwork. (Spatial, Intrapersonal). One boy played guitar for the class and they sang "Starry, Starry Night" together (musical, interpersonal, bodiyl-kinesthetic). These were all prepared for the big day in which they will showcase these products to their schoolmates, parents and school staff. But before that they had a practice session so they could point out each other's strengths and weaknesses and see where they can improve. (Interpersonal, intrapersonal). Nelly also took this as an opportunity to assess her students in a more laidback environment.
First, she found out a little about her student's background. Her research told her that her class was especially interested in art, music and drama. So she suggested some topics revolving these themes and allowed students to choose their final topic, which was "Vincent Van Gogh: 150 years later", in memory of Vincent Van Gogh's 150th birth anniversary. This will be a one=month project with the students spending 2 hours a week on it.
She worked along with other teachers to help students better understand Van Gogh's work and life, such as inviting the art teacher to explain in spanish about his life with pictures and a projector (Spatial). The students were also divided into groups to work on the project. They used a variety of ways to research such as researching his bibliography online (Linguistic, Mathematical-logical), visiting online art galleries (Spatial). Students also brought in reproduction of works by Van Gogh they found. After some general research on Van Gogh, each group chose a specific area of Van Gogh's life such as his childhood and focused on it.
The students then tried to convey their findings in the forms of posters and signs (Spatial, Linguistic), making collages, and even making their own artwork as a form of interpretation of Van Gogh's artwork. (Spatial, Intrapersonal). One boy played guitar for the class and they sang "Starry, Starry Night" together (musical, interpersonal, bodiyl-kinesthetic). These were all prepared for the big day in which they will showcase these products to their schoolmates, parents and school staff. But before that they had a practice session so they could point out each other's strengths and weaknesses and see where they can improve. (Interpersonal, intrapersonal). Nelly also took this as an opportunity to assess her students in a more laidback environment.
Guitar playing and singing 'Starry, Starry Night' in class
Showcase and Presentation
On the big day, students presented their findings and explained how the project has affected them personally. (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal). Parents were extremely touched by the growth of their children, with some even shedding tears at the end of the presentation.
We can see from the results of this project that it was a big success. From the student's reflection of themselves we can see that they have learned more about themselves. They also learned the necessary knowledge while having fun at the same time. Below you can see Nelly Ribot's own thoughts on this project.
"My experience using MI to teach English as a second language has yielded successful results with students of different ages and abilities, and has been accepted with much enthusiasm by parents and community members. It allows each student to draw from his or her own strengths to approach learning. I know I will keep trying new ways of implementing MI in my classroom, since teachers are always in search of something better to offer his or her students. Winds of change are also blowing here in Argentina. Awareness of the fact that education needs to be transformed are increasing. It is my opinion that MI is a perfectly acceptable addition to our school curriculum and an invaluable tool for educational transformation. I hope that many other teachers will want to face the challenge. It's absolutely worth the effort." - Nelly Ribot
Images obtained from:
We can see from the results of this project that it was a big success. From the student's reflection of themselves we can see that they have learned more about themselves. They also learned the necessary knowledge while having fun at the same time. Below you can see Nelly Ribot's own thoughts on this project.
"My experience using MI to teach English as a second language has yielded successful results with students of different ages and abilities, and has been accepted with much enthusiasm by parents and community members. It allows each student to draw from his or her own strengths to approach learning. I know I will keep trying new ways of implementing MI in my classroom, since teachers are always in search of something better to offer his or her students. Winds of change are also blowing here in Argentina. Awareness of the fact that education needs to be transformed are increasing. It is my opinion that MI is a perfectly acceptable addition to our school curriculum and an invaluable tool for educational transformation. I hope that many other teachers will want to face the challenge. It's absolutely worth the effort." - Nelly Ribot
Images obtained from:
- Gilles, Bobby. "”Jim Campilongo On The Lost Art of Melodic Guitar Playing” by Sojourn Worship Arts Pastor Mike Cosper." Sojourn Music. N.p., 30 Oct. 2008. Web. 7 Jan. 2011. <http://www.sojournmusic.com/2008/10/30/jim-campilongo-on-the-lost-art-of-melodic-guitar-playing-by-sojourn-worship-arts-pastor-mike-cosper/>.
- "My Opinion." The Free Blogger. N.p., 4 Dec. 2007. Web. 7 Jan. 2011. <http://assimswebsite.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-opinion.html>.
- the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.. "Vincent van Gogh." Howstuffworks. N.p., 21 Aug. 2007. Web. 7 Jan. 2011. <http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/vincent-van-gogh.htm#>.
