In many ways a student journal is the ideal project for language learning. There is a clearly-defined end product while at the same time providing plenty of room for choice regarding content. The students can focus on individual interests such as sport, computers, the environment, music, etc. - with obvious motivational benefits - while at the same time working within a clear structure to a common aim. The 'four skills' of reading, writing, listening and speaking are integrated naturally. For example in order to produce an article on music a student might:

• Read articles in a music magazine or at an internet web site to get ideas (reading)

• Listen to songs and write down the lyrics (listening / writing)

• Write survey questions and interview other students about their musical tastes / talents (writing / speaking / listening)

• Write up the findings for the journal and / or display the results as a chart or table (writing / academic writing)

• Add artwork to make the page attractive and pull everything together for publishing (graphic design skills)

Within the overall school context a journal is useful in providing a focus for written work: students know that the journal will be published and the potential for communication with a real audience provides motivation and encourages attention to style, accuracy and presentation. Students have a chance to practise a variety of text types - articles, reviews, letters, crosswords, cartoons, graphs and tables. Decisions about content provide a forum for discussion and negotiation. Finally, in common with all project work, learner autonomy and co-operation are fostered as students try out different roles and learn to get on with their peers. In summary, a student journal:

• provides integrated skills practice

• allows students to contribute each according to their ability and interests

• provides a focus for written work

• encourages attention to style, accuracy and presentation

• provides a discussion and negotiation forum

• encourages learner autonomy, co-operation and motivation

To view our teenage students' course Journals you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is probably already installed on your computer. If not, it is available as a free download from Adobe:

Depending on the speed of your connection, download may take several minutes. Please be patient.

ECS Sibford teenage course journal 2009 week 3

Adobe pdf (1.75 MB)

Adobe pdf (4.5 MB)

ECS teenage course journal 2007 week 2

ECS teenage course journal 2007 week 3

Adobe pdf (2.25 MB)

Adobe pdf (2.25 MB)

Adobe pdf (2.25 MB)

ECS Poetry Workshop, International Voices, week2

ECS Poetry Workshop, International Voices, week2

Microsoft Word (90 KB)

Microsoft Word (90 KB)

Microsoft Word (90 KB)

'International Voices' Poetry Workshop file 2 by students at English Country Schools, Summer 2006

Microsoft Word (60KB)

Microsoft Word (60KB)

ECS teenage course journal 2006 week 1

ECS teenage course journal 2006 week 2

Adobe Acrobat (1.8MB)

Adobe Acrobat (2.0MB)
 

Week 1 (1.5MB)

Week 2 (1.2MB)

Week 3 (1MB)

Best of.. (1.6MB)

Intro & Invitation
Feng Shui
Murder at ECS Photo Story
Staff Interviews
Guess Who?
Erez Potter & The Secret Common Room
Lost in the Wood Photo Story
Travel Bureau
Cookery at ECS
School Song
A Day on the Mountain
France and Lebanon
Vote for Us!
Crossword
Photo Quiz