HOW CAN THE STANDARD-FEATURES WORD-PROCESSING PROGRAMS BE EXPLOITED FOR TEACHING WRITING SKILLS?

Nowadays, Word-Processing programs are very important in the teaching-learning because they are a powerful tool that facilitates the learning of a second language. Clearly, no other technology resource has had a great impact on education as Word-Processing programs. These programs not only offer high usefulness and flexibility, they also are “model-free” instructional software. A Word-Processing Program can be used by teachers to support any kind of directed instruction since it value as aid in education is universally recognized. Also, these kinds of programs have become the most commonly used software in the teaching-learning process.

In order to take advantage of the powers of word processing requires considerable skill in its use. Word-Processing programs are a reliable source where students can improve their writing skills thanks to the features of these programs as grammar and spelling than can help students to correct and understand their mistakes and to write sentences, paragraphs, etc. in a more accurately way. Also, Word-Processing programs as Microsoft Word can help students to increase their vocabulary thanks to its synonym dictionary that its part of the features of this program.

Undoubtedly, using Word-Processing programs helps to write on a faster way so that they improve their writing fluency because students can arrange their thoughts and ideas in an easy manner. Good writing requires concentration and focus on the words used to express the ideas of the writer, and that means that the writer cannot be distracted by the mechanics of operating the word processor; its operation should be almost a second nature.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS OF A SECOND LANGUAGE.

Do you think technologies (e.g., videos, computers, etc.) should play a central or a peripheral role in second language teaching and learning? Why?

In my opinion, technology should play a peripheral role in second language teaching and learning. But why technology should play a peripheral role instead of a central role? It should play a peripheral role by the simple reason that the central role in the teaching-learning process is performed by the figure of the teacher.

Clearly, the figure of the teacher will never be replaced because it is decisive in this process. It is a fact that students have change so that the teaching learning process has to evolve. By this reason, teachers have to take in account new materials for their classes such as videos and Power Point presentations.

Also, teachers have to keep in mind that the need of students change trough the time so that teachers have to change or improve their teaching plan in order to fulfill in a complete way the student`s needs.

Nowadays, technology is very important for the teaching-learning process because it is a powerful tool that teachers use to convey knowledge in a very effective way. Technology has become a necessity in each classroom and it is used by the vast majority   of teachers because it is perfect to present or introduce a second language.

In conclusion, the central role in the teaching process is performed by the teacher who is in charge of choosing the correct activities and materials for their students with the help of technology.

THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN IMPROVING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF TEACHING

Clearly, research plays an important role in improving our understanding of teaching because it provides many useful benefits to teachers. In fact, research is the bridge between the hidden side of education and future successful classroom activities.

Undoubtedly, research is a powerful tool that can be use as a teaching strategy for effective teaching.  Also, research helps to obtain meaningful knowledge and skills trough exploring different knowledge sources. But in my opinion, the ultimate goal of research in the teaching process is to enable teachers and teaching institution to make sound decisions about the educational activities and experiences that will best serve students.

 Nowadays, research is an essential part of teaching because teachers can use it to acquire knowledge and to clarify doubts about a certain topic. For example, imagine there is a teacher who has use the same teaching method plan for years. The teacher´s teaching method plan has worked for innumerable times but the principal assign a new class for the teacher. He use his teaching method plan but he got realize that his method do not work anymore. To resolve this problem, the teacher can use research to find another teaching plan that better suits his student’s needs. Also, he can pick characteristics from many teaching methods to develop a new teaching method that helps him to reach the goals that he aims for his class.

In addition, new teachers can use research in order to find information about how to plan their lessons and pick the correct topics for their students taking in account their age and precious knowledge. Teachers also can search attractive teaching materials, games, interactional activities and many other essential materials inside the classroom.

In conclusion, research is an necessary tool in the teaching-learning process because it serve as a meaningful guide to teachers who want to acquire new knowledge and clarify doubts about relevant topics.

EXPERIENCES BY LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE

Clearly, there are many ways to learn a second language. It is a fact that some ways are more effective than others. Also, to learn a second language depends on how much effort you make to learn it.

Undoubtedly, to learn a second language is a very different experience to each student. For example, the grammar structures can be very difficult for some students and very easy for others. The main reason is that, the student´s skills are not in the same level so that teachers must choose teaching methods that correctly fulfill the needs of the students.

In my case, I learned the 60% of all that I know about the English language by a non-conventional method: playing videogames. I learned how to use many grammar structures. Also, I improved my reading skill and I added many new words to my vocabulary thanks ti this particular method. So that, when I started to study English at school, I only needed to improve my pronunciation and writing skills. Even though many teachers did not believe me that I learned the vast majority of my English by playing video games, they started to believe in this particular method when I began to get good grades at tests.

Furthermore, I remember that my English teachers used many different methods to teaching English such as the Direct Method, the Audio-Lingual method, the PPP and the Grammar Translation Method. Some of these methods were really effective because I learned a lot with them. On the other hand, some teaching methods were worthless because they were focused on some aspects in which the majority of the students were skillful enough.

So that, teachers must be aware of the needs of his students in order to choose the most effective teaching method in order to fulfill the requirements that his students have. In order to reach this goal, teachers can create their own teaching method by choosing some features from the teaching methods that better fulfill his student’s necessities. Because teachers are not tied to an specific teaching method, they are free to develop their own teaching method.

A good teacher always trusts in their student´s potential and focuses their activities to challenge their student´s intellect in order to improve the skills and potential of their students. Teachers must have clear how to help their students to reach their purposes and goals. A teacher has to plant the seed of desire in the mind of his students and has to water it every day until the seed become a tree. A teacher plays an important role in the life of their students because the teacher is an example source to follow.

MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TEACHING APPROACHES, METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

In the learning-teaching process, we need to understand some concepts that are very common. These concepts can confuse the teachers if they do not have a clear definition of them.

We are going to discuss the definition and establish the main differences between some concepts that are very important for the teachers. These concepts are approach, method, technique and strategy.

Approach: I would say that this is the personal philosophy of teaching. What is the nature of education? What is the role of the teacher, the student, the administration, the parents? To be an effective teacher, does one need to strive to be authoritarian, to be autocratic, or is the best way to engender a sense of trust and familiarity, to be a 'educating/leading friend' to your students. To understand one's personal teaching approaches, one must first look to answer these types of questions. And of course, your opinion will change as time goes on - and it may vary depending on the students you're teaching.

Method: are the ways of presenting instructional materials or conducting instructional activities. A method comprises the principles and methods used forinstruction. Commonly used teaching methods may include class participation, demonstration, recitation, memorization, or combinations of these. The choice of teaching method or methods to be used depends largely on the information or skill that is being taught, and it may also be influenced by the aptitude and enthusiasm of the students.

Technique: These are the tricks we all know and use to get the job done in the classroom. Teachers have systems of rewards/punishments for students who comply and exceed or defy and lag behind. If a classroom is becoming distracted a teacher may use the technique of silent reading or shared reading to try to rope them in again. Another may choose to use a quick physical activity to distract their distraction and get them all to do the same thing at the same time - then quickly direct them back to work. This is really where someone with loads of experience can help another teacher improve her abilities. These are the tricks that can be taught to another teacher. Also a lot of teachers attend offer little tidbits of games, activites, and actions that teachers can use to achieve certain goals in the classroom. Everything from sending a note home to mom and a trip to the principal's office to giving out 'points' for good behaviour are examples of teaching techniques.

Strategy: include all approaches that a teacher may take to actively engage students in learning. These strategies drive a teacher's instruction as they work to meet specific learning objectives. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT PURPOSE IN EDUCATION: SELF-FULFILLMENT

SELF- FULFILLMENT

First of all, we have to define what self-fulfillment is: “the fulfillment of one's aspirations, hopes, etc. through one's own efforts.”

Self-fulfillment is our goal as teachers. Good teachers are always encouraging their students to be focused and reach their goals, to overcome problems and to never give up. Self-fulfillment is very important because as long as a person lives, he must have goals and dreams that will inspire and motivate him to improve. Happiness comes from making own decisions, putting in the best efforts and living dreams After putting in the hours and the energy, a person deserve to feel content and satisfied on the realization of his desires and ambitions.

A good teacher always trusts in their student´s potential and focuses their activities to challenge their student´s intellect in order to improve the skills and potential of their students. Teachers must have clear how to help their students to reach their purposes and goals. A teacher has to plant the seed of desire in the mind of his students and has to water it every day until the seed become a tree. A teacher plays an important role in the life of their students because the teacher is an example source to follow.
A teacher must have clear that he is teaching to inspire his student, not just for conveying knowledge. An excellent teacher has only one purpose: to change his student´s life and to leave a print in their lives. 

To reach this purpose, a teacher must have some characteristics. For example, he must be responsible, innovative and trusty. Also, a teacher must be approachable with his students. In other words, a teacher must have dedication with his work and has to take care of his students. He must to be aware in any change to his student´s behavior, taking into account the stimuli that are either inside or outside the classroom. 

Teachers have to use the transformational education that is the act of teaching designed to change the learner academically, socially, and spiritually. Transformational teaching begins with the learner, and transformational learning involves deep understanding and occurs in classrooms where teachers have high expectations.