Reflection Paper (Silent Way)

1. Reflection in the lesson

While I was listening to the reporters, since the lesson is intended for elementary pupils, I
found the strategies and materials used in the lesson fitting to the instructional level of the
participants. In addition, giving them process activities will help stimulate their minds and help
them better understand and appreciate the meaning of what they are doing in the class. As a
whole, the lesson was effective and comprehensive.
2. Reflection on the method
Silent way, as a method of language teaching, somehow conforms to the contemporary
view of the teaching-learning process wherein teachers are encouraged to be facilitators of
learning, not the sole repository of information.
This method actually tickles my curiosity and interest because I realized that by employing
this in the classroom, my students would be more actively involved in the learning process. I also
found this method unique because it maximizes the use of non-verbal communication which is
typically used only as a supplement to verbal communication. I also found this method helpful
because this would help foster creativity, develop independence, autonomy, and responsibility,
and promote self-reflection among students.
However, I also realized that since instructions in this method are given with the use of
non-verbal communications, teachers will encounter difficulty getting the attention of the students
especially if they are so involved in the activity given to them.
Furthermore, since this method uses gestures and charts, this would be helpful for visual
learners, but would put auditory learners at a disadvantage. Likewise, the absence of immediate
feedback and modelling of the language would also put communication at stake.
In a nut shell, I found this method very useful to the type of learners we have today,
however, important things must also be considered for us to attain better results with this method.
3. Reflection about the presentation
I found the presentation effective since the presenters brought a sample material which
made our knowledge concrete regarding the type of instructional materials we should prepare
and use when using the method. Likewise, the presentation was comprehensive making us aware
of the “whats”, “hows”, and “whys” of using the method.

Reflection Paper (Grammar Translation Method)

1. Reflection in the lesson
 As I listened to the presenter, since grammar translation is a traditional method, activities
were mostly worksheets and writing exercises. I commend the presenters for finding ways of
making the lesson interactive and enjoying with the use of interactive activities like gallery walk
and poster making. This would make the students participate since the activities were not only
constrained to providing them the text and translating it to the target language and vice-versa.
2. Reflection on the method
With mother-tongue as the medium of instruction used in grammar translation method, I
found this method especially useful for elementary teachers. This would help pupils acquire more
vocabulary and be sensitive to the rules of grammar. This likewise helps promote smooth
transition between mother-tongue and second language of learners. I also realized that if this will
be employed in the classroom, learners would become experts in writing sentences and adhering
to the rules of the languages.
However, grammar translation, as a traditional method, would only result to an
improvement of learners reading and writing skills while compromising the other macro-skills of
the language such as listening, speaking, and viewing skills. In addition, I likewise realized that in
this method learners are not given opportunities to use the language in authentic communicative
situations. With this, learners would master the construction of the language but would find it
difficult using and applying it in real-life conversations. I also find the activities tedious since
students are constrained only to translating the whole text to the target language and vice versa.
3. Reflection about the presentation
The presentation was good and informative. I know it is difficult to apply traditional method
in modern classrooms. Honestly, while the presentation was going on, I was actually thinking of
how would it be possible for a traditional method to tailor-fit to modern classrooms. Honestly, I
was confused of what to do--is it to faithfully follow the principles of the method or deviate from
them so as to address the demands of the modern classroom? For this, I commend the presenters
for coming up with a good presentation.