Issue 2, 2014
English Language e-bulletin
The English Unit (Secondary)
English
Language
Teaching
Seminar
2014
ELTS 2014
Encore!
workshops
Enhancing Teaching,
Learning and Assessment
Between 4 and 10 November 2014, re-runs of popular concurrent workshops from ELTS
2014 were conducted at the ELTS 2014 Encore. This was to cater to the needs and
interest of teachers who had missed ELTS 2014.
Participants in ELTS 2014 Encore had the opportunity to learn how to develop content,
pedagogy and assessment skills in order to implement a quality curriculum. Their
feedback is very encouraging.
“Highly interactive discussions with
plenty of opportunities to seek
clarification and reflect on one’s
practice as an English teacher.”
“Resources shared are extremely
comprehensive and user-friendly.”
“I have learnt how to use
processes and principles
as guidelines when I plan
lessons.”
Please access ELTS 2014 resources via the EL (Sec) Page in OPAL: ELTS
Do keep a look-out for ELTS in 2015.
AfL through Retelling (RT)
in Project En-ELT
Read and Retell is one of the strategies that schools in the EL Unit (Sec)’s Project En-ELT (Enhancing
English Language Learning and Teaching) receives training in. This instructional strategy encourages
students to understand a text first by retelling it through free-writing, and then sharing and comparing
their written Retelling (oral recount) with each other.
In this way, students are engaged in various language processes which involve them in, for example,
discovering story schemas, recollecting salient details and replicating language structures. These
processes engage students holistically in all the areas of language learning, including critical listening
and viewing, and speaking and representing. Here is what the RT process may look like in an EL
classroom:*
Preparation (by the teacher)
 Choose a text that exemplifies the language skills which are to be taught.
 Organise the class into pairs.
 Reveal only the title of the text for prediction before distributing the entire text.
Predicting (by the students; 5-10 minutes)
 Predict the plot/ main ideas from the title and record these as phrases/ brief sentences on the board.
 Predict some words/ phrases that the writer is likely to use.
 Share and compare the words/ phrases in pairs/ groups.
Reading (by the students; 5-10 minutes)
 Anticipate and confirm prediction as they read the text.
 Individually, read the text silently.
 Aim for comprehension, not memorisation.
 Highlight or annotate key ideas/ words.
 Re-read as many times as needed.
Retelling (Written) (by the students; 10-15 minutes)
 Write out quickly what can be recalled for someone else who has not read the text.
 Do not refer to the reading text, as far as possible.
 Free-write quickly.
Sharing and Comparing in Pairs (by the students; 10 minutes)
 Ask their partners:
1) How is your retelling different from mine?
2) Do you think you have changed or omitted anything that alters the original meaning of the text?
3) Which bit of my retelling would you like to borrow? Why?
Structuring Consolidation in Retelling Lessons (by the teacher; 10-20 minutes)
 Conduct a check for understanding of what has been comprehended and discussed.
 Draw input from the class.
 Record and organise their answers to reflect the story grammar/ organisational structure of the text and
the language features used.
 Facilitate students’ reflection on what they have learnt.
With that as a snap-shot, go on, try RT as a reading and writing strategy in your EL classroom.
For more information, please contact Dr. Lydia Tan-Chia (Lydia_TAN-CHIA@moe.gov.sg)
*Adapted from: Brown, H., & Cambourne, B. (1987). Read and Retell. Portsmouth, UK: Heinemann.
Using Language Analysis of Rich Texts in the EL Classroom
in Langlit Project
Another professional development project of the EL Unit (Sec) is the Langlit Approach to teaching English
Language. As mentioned in previous issues of the EL e-bulletins, the Langlit Approach focuses on the
language analysis of rich texts – both literary as well as informational/ functional – and introduces ways to
teach students how to analyse different texts critically.
Come 2015, a series of Langlit workshops has been planned for EL teachers.
Details of Langlit Workshops
Langlit: Using Language Analysis of Rich Texts in the EL Classroom
This workshop aims to support schools’ implementation of EL Syllabus 2010 by providing teachers with
 an understanding of the Langlit Approach in relation to the syllabus
 an appreciation of text selection and question-crafting considerations
 an awareness of Langlit lesson design considerations
 hands-on experience in working with rich texts using language analysis
Langlit: Teaching Writing in the EL Classroom
This workshop aims to support schools’ implementation of EL Syllabus 2010 by providing teachers with
 an awareness of the three areas of consideration in the teaching of writing
 strategies to teach writing that complement the Langlit Approach
 micro-teaching opportunities in using these strategies
The meta-language taught is
really useful in guiding how text
analysis should be done. It
makes me feel more competent
as a teacher.
The micro-teaching activity and
demonstration helped us gain insight into
the strategy and how to carry it out in our
classrooms.
Would you like more details of the Langlit workshops? Please refer to the English Unit’s Calendar of
Courses 2015 at the end of this EL e-bulletin.
For enquiries, please contact Ms. Janet Liew (Janet_LIEW@moe.gov.sg)
The English Unit (Secondary)
Support for EL & Literature Teachers
Calendar of Courses 2015*
*Please note that the details are subject to change.
For confirmation of details, look out for the EL Unit (Sec)’s memos to be sent to EL HODs.
Learning Programme
1.
Department Management &
Curriculum Leadership
Course
Date
LAMP-plus: Curriculum Leadership Module – English Language
(Secondary) [Workshop for newly appointed KPs]
4, 5 & 6 Mar
(3 days)
Leading the Literature Team
1 & 2 Apr
(2 days)
Use of Drama Pedagogy in the English Classroom
25 & 26 Mar
4.
En-ELT Workshop A: Retelling (For project schools only)
19 & 20 Jan
(1 day; 2 runs)
5.
En-ELT Workshop B: Process Writing (For project schools only)
18 & 19 May
(1 day; 2 runs)
6.
En-ELT Workshop C: Reciprocal Teaching (For project schools only)
22 & 23 Jan
(1 day; 2 runs)
7.
En-ELT Workshop D: Creative, Critical and Inventive Thinking (For
project schools only)
21 & 22 May
(1 day; 2 runs)
8.
Langlit: Using Language Analysis of Rich Texts in the EL Classroom
25 Mar &
8 Apr
9.
Langlit: Teaching Writing in the EL Classroom
1 & 2 Jul
15 & 16 Jul
10.
Syllabus Implementation Support Workshop 2015: The Use and
Adaptation of Instructional Materials
4 & 5 Aug (ENA)
11 & 12 Aug (NT)
11.
Teaching Viewing and Representing (Secondary)
Terms 1 and 2
12.
Teaching English Language Learners of Different Abilities
Terms 1 and 2
Use of Drama Pedagogy in the Literature Classroom
9 & 10 Apr
14.
Teaching Poetry: Building the Basics
11 & 12 Feb
(1 day; 2 runs)
15.
Poetry Masterclass: Going Deeper into the Text
15 Apr & 5 Jun
(1.5 days)
16.
Poetry Masterclass: Designing a 21 Century Poetry Curriculum
4 & 5 Nov
(1.5 days)
17.
Networked Learning (Pedagogical Circles):
Empowering Writers in the Literature Classroom (Session 1)
27 Mar
18.
Networked Learning (Pedagogical Circles)
Drama Pedagogy (Session 2)
10 Jul
2.
3.
13.
Pedagogy / Instructional
Materials (English Language)
Pedagogy (Literature)
st
19.
School-based Assessment
(English Language)
School-based EL Assessment Workshop: Assessment Principles and
Item Setting Considerations [Exp/ N(A)]
3 & 4 Feb
10 & 11 Feb
24 & 25 Feb
26 & 27 Feb
2 & 3 Mar
5 & 6 Mar
20 Apr
22 Apr
24 Apr
21 Apr
23 Apr
20.
School-based EL Assessment Workshop: Assessment Principles and
Item Setting Considerations [N(T)]
21.
School-based EL Assessment Working Session: Principles in
Practice [Exp/ N(A)]
22.
School-based EL Assessment Working Session: Principles in
Practice [N(T)]
23.
Sharing Session: e-Oral Assessment [N(T)] – Considerations for
Developing Video Clips and Prompts
24.
Working Session: e-Oral Assessment [N(T)] – Refining Video Clips
and Prompts
25.
Workshop: Teaching, Learning and Assessment of Oracy [N(T)]
5 Aug
Lower Sec School-based Assessment Workshop
31 Jul
27.
Extending Lit Assessment Workshop
28.
Upper Secondary School-based Assessment Workshop
26, 27 & 30 Oct and
28 Feb 2016
(3.5 days)
17 & 18 Nov
(1 day; 2 runs)
26.
29.
School-based Assessment
(Literature)
EL Portals
13 Feb
16 Feb
17 Feb
4 Jun
e-Training on Navigating the EL Portals
Jan – Dec
30.
Face-to-face Workshop on Navigating the EL Portals
Apr
31.
Using the EL Portals for Teaching, Learning and School-based
Assessment
May
The English Language Institute of Singapore (ELIS)
Support for EL Teachers (Secondary)
List of Courses 2015*
*Please visit the website: http://www.elis.moe.edu.sg/courses/el-pedagogy for details on the courses. Please note that dates are
subject to change. To register, please contact Ms. Koh Bee Lian at Tel: 6664 1742 or by email at koh_bee_lian@moe.gov.sg.
Learning Programme
Course
Date
(Time: 2.30pm – 5.30pm)
1.
Teaching Oracy
Look and Listen, Stand and Deliver: Teaching
Oracy I (Secondary)
Term 1
Tues: 13, 20, 27 Jan; 3 Feb
Wed: 14, 21, 28 Jan; 4 Feb
Thurs: 15, 22, 29 Jan; 5 Feb
Term 2
Tues: 31 Mar; 7, 14, 21 Apr
Wed: 1, 8, 15, 22 Apr
Thurs: 2, 9, 16, 23 Apr
Term 3
Tues: 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul
Wed: 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul
Thurs: 9, 16, 23, 30 Jul
2.
Persuasive Speakers, Discerning Listeners and
Critical Viewers: Teaching Oracy II (Secondary)
Term 1
Tues: 13, 20 Jan; 3 Feb
Wed: 14, 21 Jan; 4 Feb
Thurs: 15, 22 Jan; 5 Feb
Term 2
Tues: 31 Mar; 7, 21 Apr
Wed: 1, 8, 22 Apr
Thurs: 2, 9, 23 Apr
Term 3
Tues: 7, 14, 28 Jul
Wed: 8, 15, 29 Jul
Thurs: 9, 16, 30 Jul
3.
Teaching Reading & Viewing
More Than Meets the Eye: Teaching Reading
and Viewing (Secondary)
Term 1
Tues: 13, 20, 27 Jan; 3, 10 Feb
Wed: 14, 21, 28 Jan; 4, 11 Feb
Thurs: 15, 22, 29 Jan; 5, 12 Feb
Term 2
Tues: 31 Mar; 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr
Wed: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Apr
Thurs: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr
Term 3
Tues: 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul; 4 Aug
Wed: 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul; 5 Aug
Thurs: 9, 16, 23, 30 Jul; 6 Aug
#
4.
Extensive Reading
Programme
Getting Students Hooked on Books: Extensive Programme customised
according to school needs
Reading Programme (Secondary)#
5.
Writing & Representing
In the Write Mind: How to Teach the Writing of
Expositions (Secondary)
Term 1
Tues: 13, 20, 27 Jan; 3, 10 Feb
Wed: 14, 21, 28 Jan; 4, 11 Feb
Thurs: 15, 22, 29 Jan; 5, 12 Feb
Term 2
Tues: 31 Mar; 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr
Wed: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Apr
Thurs: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr
Term 3
Tues: 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul; 4 Aug
Wed: 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul; 5 Aug
Thurs: 9, 16, 23, 30 Jul; 6 Aug
6.
Teaching Grammar
What, When, Why and How? : Teaching
Grammar (Secondary)
Term 1
Tues: 13, 20, 27 Jan; 3, 10 Feb
Wed: 14, 21, 28 Jan; 4, 11 Feb
Thurs: 15, 22, 29 Jan; 5, 12 Feb
Term 2
Tues: 31 Mar; 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr
Wed: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Apr
Thurs: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr
Term 3
Tues: 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul; 4 Aug
Wed: 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul; 5 Aug
Thurs: 9, 16, 23, 30 Jul; 6 Aug
7.
Assessment Literacy
On Your Marks: Assessment Literacy
(Secondary)
Term 1
Tues: 13, 20, 27 Jan; 3, 10 Feb
Wed: 14, 21, 28 Jan; 4, 11 Feb
Thurs: 15, 22, 29 Jan; 5, 12 Feb
Term 2
Tues: 31 Mar; 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr
Wed: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Apr
Thurs: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr
Term 3
Tues: 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul; 4 Aug
Wed: 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul; 5 Aug
Thurs: 9, 16, 23, 30 Jul; 6 Aug
A Happy New Year from the English Language Unit (Secondary) to all teachers and
all the best for 2015!