I believe this module definitely contains aspects which are highly applicable to my future teaching career. Thus far, I have gone through the pronunciation module; and the vocal production, oral communication, written communication and classroom communication modules online.
There are aspects of the course which I personally find not as useful in practical terms, even if theoretically they are all relevant and applicable. For instance, I find that the continued emphasis on "standard" Singaporean English slightly disconcerting. While I agree that teachers have to hold themselves to high standards of professionalism especially with our speech and communication, the "standard" English which this module insists upon may not always be applicable in the classroom. When a teacher is trying to build rapport with their students or are speaking to their students individually, speaking in a manner that represents social distancing could be counterproductive to whatever the teacher is trying to achieve. In addition, the many tips and tricks from the vocal communication skills are instinctively very useful, but I personally feel that it will be hard for some teachers to change their ingrained speaking habits, given that speech is such an instinctive part of our daily lives.
Of course, there are various pointers which I find that I can apply to my teaching in future. I find that the classroom communication module highly useful, especially the portions about questioning techniques and dealing with discipline issues – a reality for all teachers. As a beginning teacher, such practical tips will definitely help me become a better teacher as I begin my service in schools.
I also personally find the blended approach one that is very effective. In modules which are classroom-based, the temptation exists for student-teachers to be too focused on the instructor, as well as be hampered by other practical issues such as fatigue and lack of concentration while the lesson is ongoing. While the immediacy of feedback and vibrancy of discussion afforded in the classroom is beneficial, learning online allows for more content to be covered. I find that I learn better independently, being "forced" to evaluate the available materials on my own and thus actually covering more content than I might otherwise have in the classroom. In addition and importantly, I am able to manage my time and cover the online modules in my own time, something which is very useful given our unceasing commitments and assignments for all our modules. This allows me to concentrate better when I embark on my online modules. Of course, I understand that this may not always be possible for me to apply to my classroom teaching is possible, given that younger learners would probably require the scaffolding that is provided in the classroom setting.
In all, this communication skill module does hold many important and useful tips and tricks which I can apply to my classroom teaching in future, even if some of them may not come instinctively. Personally, I have saved many of the websites' content for my own consumption and revision in future, and I am sure they will prove to be highly valuable as I work through whatever problems I may encounter in future.
Edward
