Kayla TS #15

Date/Time: October 18, 2016/2:50 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: CIES Student Lounge
Topic/Skill: Speaking/Describing
Feedback provided to tutee:

I told Jimin to not be afraid to try new things.  The only way to get better at English is to use the language and try new words, sentences, etc. out.


Lesson(s) about tutoring and/or the tutee you learned:

 Because this session was short, I turned it into a "chill" session.  We played two games, UNO and Taboo.  Last session I asked Jimin if she and other CIES students played the games provided by CIES.  She said they never really played them, and I was a tad bit sad because they have some really great games.  I guess they just don't know how to play them or they are too busy.  Anyways, we played UNO first because I think that is a classic American game despite its name.  Luckily Danny and Maritza were in the lounge too so we all played together.  I guess I could have told her to read the instructions and teach me the game (to make it more of a learning activity), but like I said, it was really a chill session.  Then we played a few rounds of Taboo.  Through playing this, I learned Taboo can be a great way for extending vocabulary and making students think critically through describing a word with limitations.  Although some of the words were a bit difficult for Jimin, she was able to get some words, and she tried her best.  She seemed to be a little shy/scared (lack of a better term) to throw out words and descriptions, but she did try.  Also, since there is a timer, students have to think faster (it kind of relates to being timed on the TOEFL exam)  I think that maybe a good project is to make a Taboo game specifically for ESL learners (less restricted words, more time, and different words depending on level).   I think that she enjoyed that game more, and if we were to play again she'd enjoy and have a better understanding.  I think all of the CIES students should play Taboo, Scrabble, Scategories, and all the other games available.