Self evaluation

[sparklers]

In my teaching experience at private language schools and public sector colleges, I have often quickly shared an idea for an activity, a section in a resource book; discussed classroom experiences or problem students in the limited spare time available. However, I still do not dedicate enough time to reflect on my teaching in a more careful and systematic way (ie journal writing, peer observations, action research).

After years of teaching, I know which are the good ideas and approaches to use, but I still come across unexpected challenges which I try to ‘quickly fix’. There is also a tendency to think that I only have to work on my weaknesses.

I am currently working on a project about self evaluation for my Trinity Diploma in TESOL. I would very much appreciate it if any experienced EFL/ESL teachers could answer my questionnaire below. The short questionnaire has multiple choice questions and space for comments. It would only take a few minutes.

Teacher Questionnaire

1) How much emphasis do you put on listening when planning a lesson?
A) High
B) Medium
C) Low
D) Other
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2) Which of the following listening skills are a problem for most students?
A) Ungrammatical phrases
B) Hesitations
C) Elision
D) Assimilation.
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3) What are the problems you encounter when teaching writing skills?
A) Motivating students
B) The teacher as resource
C) Being the feedback provider.
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4) What problems do you encounter with your students’ writing techniques?
A) Accuracy and range
B) Style
C) Target reader
D) Organisation.
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5) What problems do you have when planning and teaching pronunciation activities in lower levels?
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6) What part of teaching pronunciation do you have the most difficulty with?
A) Consonants or consonant clusters
B) Vowel length
C) Word stress
D) Tonic words
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7) How do you evaluate your lessons?
A) I make a mental note at the end of each lesson
B) I write down a few comments.
C) I write about the students’ performance in the tasks. d) Other …………………………………………………………………………………………………........................................

8) What problems do you encounter when doing self-evaluations?
A) Time
B) I don’t know how to do one effectively.
C) Other
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Many thanks for your time.