14 The Richness of Images Sketches for Creating Language
15 Using Icons Images for Generating Language
16 Transcribing
17 Some Ways to Group Discussions
18 Some More Ways to Group Discussions
19 Obsession with Tests
20 Alternatives to Pre-Reading Language Activities
21 Alternatives to Pre-Reading Language Activities
22 Alternative to Post-Reading Activities
23 Alternatives to Vocabulary Cards
24 Flawed English Flawed Thinking
25 Alternatives to Tests and Grading
26 Gestures Count for Nothing
27 Conversations about Part 2 Chapter 9 Analyzing
28 Moving Beyond the Headache Stage of Coding
29 From Uyo to Tokyo
I use the word transcribe, or some variation of it—transcribing, transcribed, etc.—close to 100 times in the text of Small Changes in Teaching. I use small changes around 60 times, excluding the number of times these words are used at the top of pages to indicate the title of the book.
No other word comes close in frequency to transcribe. Analyzing, another theme of the book, I use only 14 times, experiment 19 times.
So why not follow my own advice?
Well, as Gregory Bateson reminds us, “The obvious is often difficult to see.” (Mentioned 4 times.)
And I was so excited about achieving a dream I had had for decades to produce videos illustrating students doing activities I advocated that I did not notice that some of the audio was difficult to follow until some teachers who were using the book pointed this obvious fact out to me.
So thanks to those who used the videos and pointed out how difficult the teachers they worked with found the audio. I am eternally grateful. As you know, I advocate the integration of the 4 skills, plus the often ignored, the 5 th skill: emotion.
So now, Small Changes in Teaching is available in print, digital format, an audio book, videos and transcriptions of the videos. I am grateful to editors of TEFLology for suggesting an audiobook as well as posting many of the chapters on their podcast.
I remind you all to ask your students to comment on what you do. In my case, I have been blessed because those who have experienced workshops with me or some version of Small Changes have suggested alternatives without my asking. A very touching experience.