UNIT 8: NEW WAYS TO LEARN

I.       TÓM TẮT LÝ THUYẾT

1.        Nội dung

Pronunciation: Sentence stress

Vocabulary: Words and phrases related to different ways of learning

Grammar: Relative clauses – defining and non-defining relative clauses with who, that, which, and whose

Reading: Reading for main ideas and specific information in a text about online and face-to-face learning

II.   BÀI TẬP ÁP DỤNG

Getting Started

Listen and read

Long: Hi, Nick. What are you doing?
Nick: I’m watching the video that my geography teacher uploaded on Eclass.

Long: Really? What is it about?
Nick: It’s about global warming. My teacher asked us to watch the video and find more information about this topic.

Long: So, is watching the video part of your homework?
Nick: Yes. Next week, we’ll work in groups and discuss the topic in class.

Long: Sounds interesting. You can watch the video many times and also search for more information at home.
Nick: You’re right. I’m not good at taking notes in class, you know. So I prefer this way of learning. It gives me a chance to discuss with my classmates, who may have original ideas on the topic.

Long: Does your teacher often ask you to prepare materials at home and discuss them in class, Nick?
Nick: Yes, she does. We’re doing a lot of projects that help us understand the lessons better. This way of studying, which gives us more control over our own learning, is quite useful.

Long: You’re lucky. My teachers use very traditional methods of teaching at my school. I wish I could try these new learning activities.

Read the conversation again and decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).

1. Nick is preparing for his next geography class.  ___

2. Nick’s note taking skills are quite good.  ___

3. Nick’s class is working on many projects now.  ___

Match the verbs with the nouns to make phrases in 1.

Complete each of the following sentences with ONE word from the conversation.

1. Nick is watching the video _______ his geography teacher uploaded on Eclass.

2. This way of learning gives him a chance to discuss with his classmates, _______may have original ideas on the topic.

3. They are doing a lot of projects _______ help them understand the lessons better.

4. That way of studying, _______ gives them more control over their own learning, is quite useful.

Từ vựng

1. blended learning /ˈblɛndɪd ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ (n.phr): học tập kết hợp
 Eg: Blended learning is an educational strategy that combines conventional education with online learning.

2. face-to-face learning /feɪs-tuː-feɪs ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ (n.phr): học tập trực tiếp
 Eg: Face-to-face learning ensures a real-time interaction between students and teachers, and among students themselves.

3. online learning /ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ (n.phr): học trực tuyến
 Eg: What are online learning tools?

4. upload /ˌʌpˈləʊd/ (v): tải lên
 Eg: Please upload all your assignments on time.

5. search for /sɜːʧ fɔː/ (v.phr): tìm kiếm = look for /lʊk fɔː/
 Eg: You can watch the video many times and also search for more information at home.

6. be not good at /biː nɒt gʊd æt/ (v.phr): không giỏi việc gì đó
 Eg: I’m not good at taking notes in class, you know.

7. prefer /prɪˈfɜː(r)/ (v): thích hơn
 Eg: So I prefer this way of learning. It gives me a chance to discuss with my classmates, who may have original ideas on the topic.

8. material /məˈtɪəriəl/ (n): tài liệu
 Eg: Does your teacher often ask you to prepare materials at home and discuss in class, Nick?

9. do a lot of projects /duː ə lɒt ɒv ˈprɒʤɛkts/ (v.phr): thực hiện rất nhiều dự án
 Eg: We’re doing a lot of projects that help us understand the lessons better.

10. control over /kənˈtrəʊl ˈəʊvə/ (v.phr): kiểm soát nhiều hơn
 Eg: This way of studying, which gives us more control over our own learning, is quite useful.

11. traditional methods of teaching /trəˈdɪʃənl ˈmɛθədz ɒv ˈtiːʧɪŋ/ (n.phr): phương pháp giảng dạy truyền thống
 Eg: My teachers use very traditional methods of teaching at my school.

12. try /traɪ/ (v): thử
 Eg: I wish I could try these new learning activities.

13. geography /dʒiˈɒɡrəfi/ (n): địa lý
 Eg: Nick is preparing for his next geography class.

14. original /əˈrɪdʒənl/ (adj): nguyên bản, ban đầu
 Eg: This way of learning gives him a chance to discuss with his classmates, who may have original ideas on the topic.

Language

Pronunciation

a. Listen and repeat. Pay attention to the stressed words in bold in the sentences.

1. We should ‘finish the ‘project for our ‘history ‘class.

2. ‘Peter is re‘vising for his e‘xam ‘next ‘week.

3. ‘Students will ‘spend more ‘time ‘working with ‘other ‘classmates.

4. I ‘like to ‘watch ‘videos that ‘help me ‘learn ‘new ‘things.

5. I have ‘installed some ‘apps on my ‘phone.

b. Read and underline the stressed words in the sentences. Then practise reading them.

1. Our teacher often gives us videos to watch at home.

2. I never read books on my tablet at night.

3. It is a new way of learning and students really like it.

4. You can find a lot of useful tips on this website.

5. They should make an outline for their presentation.

Vocabulary

a. Match the words and phrases with their meanings.

b. Complete the sentences with the words and phrases in a.

1.    ________ learning allows us to communicate with teachers immediately and    directly.

2.    One benefit of ________ is that you can learn anytime and anywhere.

3.    Our teachers always encourage us to ________ lessons before class.

4.    You need a specific ________ to improve your English speaking skills.

5.    ________ combines online videos with traditional classroom methods.

Grammar

a. Match the two parts to make complete sentences.

b. Join the following sentences. Use who, that, which or whose. Add commas where necessary.

1.    My brother teaches me how to use a laptop. He is good at computers. 

      My brother ________________________________________.

2.    Peter is a friend of mine. His sister is taking an online math course. 

      Peter _____________________________________________.

3.    Lan has read the book. I lent her the book. 

      Lan ______________________________________________.

4.    The boy has designed this invention. He is only 10 years old.

      The boy __________________________________________.

5.    That app is easy to use. It can help improve your English pronunciation.

      That app _________________________________________.

Từ vựng

1. strategy /ˈstrætədʒi/ (n): chiến lược
 Eg: My teachers have many strategies to keep us focused on the lessons.

2. allow someone to do something /əˈlaʊ ˈsʌmwʌn tuː duː ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (v.phr): cho phép ai đó làm gì
 Eg: Blended learning allows us to communicate with teachers immediately and directly.

3. encourage someone to do something /ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ ˈsʌmwʌn tuː duː ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (v.phr): khuyến khích ai đó làm gì
 Eg: Our teachers always encourage us to complete our lessons before class.

4. voice recorder /vɔɪs rɪˈkɔːdə/ (n.phr): máy ghi âm
 Eg: Whether you’re headed to a lecture or a board meeting, sometimes it’s good to record what’s going on. These are the best voice recorders!

5. workshop /ˈwɜːkʃɒp/ (n): hội thảo
 Eg: The speaker will share new learning activities in our workshop.

6. instruction book /ɪnˈstrʌkʃən bʊk/ (n): sách hướng dẫn
 Eg: My cousin gave me an instruction book.

7. presentation /ˌpreznˈteɪʃn/ (n): bài thuyết trình
 Eg: Let’s vote whose presentations were really impressive.

8. design /dɪˈzaɪn/ (v): thiết kế
 Eg: The boy has designed this invention. He is only 10 years old.

9. easy to use /ˈiːzi tuː juːz/ (adj.phr): dễ sử dụng
 Eg: That app is easy to use. It can help improve your English pronunciation.

10. be familiar with /biː fəˈmɪliə wɪð/ (v.phr): quen thuộc
 Eg: Are you familiar with his books?

Reading

Work in pairs. Look at the photos and answer the questions.

1. How do the students learn in each photo?

2. Are you familiar with these ways of learning?

Read the texts. What are the two students talking about? Choose the correct answer.

A. Ways of helping students

B. Ways of learning

C. How to enjoy learning

Kim

I think face-to-face learning is better than online learning because I can communicate with teachers and other classmates immediately and directly when I have questions. In class, I can work in groups and discuss with friends. This helps me understand the lessons better. When I have a problem, I can ask for answers or help immediately. I can’t do this in online classes. I have to email my teachers and wait for their reply. Learning in a traditional classroom also has fewer distractions than learning online. My teachers have many strategies to keep us focused on the lessons. I really enjoy my lessons and learn a lot.

Laura

I think online learning has more advantages than disadvantages. My school is trying to change from face-to-face to blended learning, so sometimes we have online classes. I don’t have to go to school, but I don’t feel I’m missing any lessons by taking online classes. Furthermore, I think I learn online as much as I learn in a traditional class. I can’t talk to my teacher and classmates, but I can email them at any time. I also have an online discussion board where I can exchange comments and ideas about my projects with my classmates. The only disadvantage is I really need to have a fast Internet connection.

Read the texts again and decide who mentions the following by putting a tick (✓) in the correct box.

Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions.

Which way of learning do you think is better? Why?

Từ vựng

1. miss /mɪs/ (v): bỏ lỡ
 Eg: I don’t have to go to school, but I don’t feel I’m missing any lessons by taking online classes.

2. email /ˈiːmeɪl/ (v, n): gửi email, email
 Eg: I can’t talk to my teacher and classmates, but I can email them at any time.

3. exchange /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ (v): trao đổi
 Eg: I also have an online discussion board where I can exchange comments and ideas about my projects with my classmates.

4. Internet connection /ˈɪntəˌnɛt kəˈnɛkʃən/ (n.phr): kết nối mạng
 Eg: The only disadvantage is I really need to have a fast Internet connection.

5. ask for /ɑːsk fɔː/ (v): yêu cầu
 Eg: When I have a problem, I can ask for answers or help immediately.

6. wait for someone’s reply /weɪt fɔː ˈsʌmwʌnz rɪˈplaɪ/ (v.phr): chờ ai đó phản hồi
 Eg: I have to email my teachers and wait for their reply.

7. distraction /dɪˈstrækʃn/ (n): sự phân tâm
 Eg: Learning in a traditional classroom also has fewer distractions than learning online.

Speaking

Put the advantages and disadvantages of online learning from the box into suitable categories. You may add more to each category.

a. We can learn at our own pace.

b. We may have technical problems.

c. We sit in front of a computer for a long time.

d. We can learn anytime and anywhere with an Internet connection.

e. We can organize our own study schedule.

f. We can’t discuss and talk to each other face to face.

Work in groups. Each group chooses to be either For or Against online learning. Discuss and provide explanations to support your side. Use the table below to note your ideas.

ONLINE LEARNING

Work with a classmate from the opposite group. Discuss your opinions about online learning. Use your notes in 2.

Example:

A: I think online learning has more advantages than disadvantages.
First, we can learn anytime and anywhere with an Internet connection.
So, we don’t have to travel long distances to school. We can stay at home to attend lessons.

B: I don’t agree with you. Online learning has more disadvantages than advantages.
Studying online means we have to sit in front of a computer for many hours, and this is not healthy for our eyes and back.

Từ vựng

1. technical problems /ˈtɛknɪkəl ˈprɒbləmz/ (n.phr): sự cố kỹ thuật
 Eg: We may have technical problems.

2. study schedule /ˈstʌdi ˈʃɛdjuːl/ (n.phr): thời gian biểu học tập
 Eg: We can organise our own study schedule.

3. harm /hɑːm/ (n): tổn hại
 Eg: She’ll do anything to protect her children from harm.

4. short-sightedness /ˌʃɔːt ˈsaɪtɪdnəs/ (n): chứng cận thị
 Eg: What can you see if you are short-sighted?

5. backache /ˈbækeɪk/ (n): đau lưng
 Eg: Gardening gives me such a backache.

6. attend /əˈtend/ (v): tham gia
 Eg: Which school do your children attend?

7. be healthy for /biː ˈhɛlθi fɔː/ (v.phr): tốt cho cái gì
 Eg: Studying online means we have to sit in front of a computer for many hours and this is not healthy for our eyes and back.

8. log in /lɒg ɪn/ (v.phr): đăng nhập
 Eg: If you are already a registered user, please log in.

Listening

Work in pairs. Tick (✓) what you often do to prepare before a new lesson.

Read materials for the new lesson (textbooks)

Watch videos related to the lesson

Search information related to the new lesson

Review old lessons

Listen to the first part of the conversation between a teacher and her students, then answer the following questions.

1. What is the teacher talking about?

2. What has she uploaded on Eclass?

Listen to the second part of the conversation and complete the flow chart with no more than TWO words.

Log in to your account on Eclass and click the 1) __________ folder. 

Read the materials, watch the videos and 2) __________ of the main ideas. 

Go to the library, read newspaper articles or search the Internet to find 3) __________. 

Work in group, 4) __________ and write down your research results. 

5) __________ the teacher if you have any questions. 

Work in groups. Discuss the questions.

Which is more effective: blended or traditional learning? Why?

Từ vựng

1. effective /ɪˈfektɪv/ (adj): hiệu quả
 Eg: Which is more effective: blended or traditional learning? Why?

2. review /rɪˈvjuː/ (v): xem lại
 Eg: Let’s review what has happened so far.

Writing

Work in pairs. Discuss and tick (✓) the benefits of blended learning.

1. It helps students have more control over their own learning.

2. It is easier to get access to lesson materials.

3. It may not prepare students well for tests.

4. Students can develop better communication and teamwork skills.

5. It is not suitable for students who have no Internet connection or computers.

Work in groups. Use the benefits in 1 and your own ideas to complete the following outline.

Topic sentence

Blended learning is a way of studying a subject which combines learning over the Internet and face-to-face learning, and brings several benefits to us.

First benefit

First, blended learning helps us have more control over our own learning.

• Explanation 1: Learning materials are available at all times online.
• Explanation 2: Students who are absent from school won’t miss lessons.

Second benefit

Second, blended learning makes studying more effective and enjoyable.

• Explanation 1: Teachers can use both online tools and in-person activities to make lessons more interesting.
• Explanation 2: We have more time for pair work and group work.

Concluding sentence

In conclusion, blended learning is an effective method that allows students to learn flexibly, collaborate more, and better understand the lessons.

Use the outline in 2 and expressions below to write a paragraph (120 – 150 words) about the benefits of blended learning.

Từ vựng

1. get access /gɛt ˈæksɛs/ (v.phr): truy cập
 Eg: Online learning is easier to get access to lesson materials.

2. communication and teamwork skills /kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən ænd ˈtiːmwɜːk skɪlz/ (n.phr): kỹ năng giao tiếp và làm việc nhóm
 Eg: Students can develop better communication and teamwork skills.

3. be not suitable for /biː nɒt ˈsjuːtəbl fɔː/ (v.phr): không phù hợp cho
 Eg: It is not suitable for students who have no Internet connection or computers.

4. be absent from /biː ˈæbsənt frɒm/ (v.phr): nghỉ học
 Eg: Students who are absent from school won’t miss lessons.

Communication and Culture / CLIL

Everyday English

a. Listen and complete the conversation with the words in the box. Then practice it in pairs.

Tom: Mai, can you show me how to install the app I-Speak on my smartphone? I want to practice my English speaking skills. 

Mai: Of course. First, 1) ______ to the App store on your phone. Second, 2) ______ ‘I-Speak’ in the search box at the top of the screen, then 3) ______ the ‘Search’ button.

Tom: Let me try. OK, I see the search results. What do I do next?

Mai: Now, click ‘Get’ next to the ‘I-Speak’ icon and 4) ______ until the download is complete.

b. Work in pairs. Make similar conversations about how to install another study app on a smartphone.

Culture

a. Read a text about modern schools and answer the questions.

MODERN SCHOOLS

Modern schools are designed to help each student to be successful. Teachers play the role of a guide for them and prepare them for lifelong learning. They encourage and challenge them to become responsible and confident individuals.

Class discussion is a main feature of modern schools. Students are expected to take part in discussions and express personal opinions. It is also important to ask questions in class if students do not understand any point or instruction. Group learning is another common feature. Students may work in small groups on a project task.

In class, teachers and students use computers to access digital learning resources. Teachers use technology and audio-visual materials to support their lessons. Outside the classroom, students have a chance to participate in field trips to famous landmarks such as museums, hospitals, and industry locations. These trips give them real-world experiences. Students also attend school camps to make friends with other students and to develop life skills in unfamiliar environments.

1. What is the role of teachers in modern schools?

2. What are two common features of modern schools?

3. How do students use computers in the learning process?

4. How do students learn about the real world?

b. Work in groups. Discuss whether your school has similar features and learning activities.

Từ vựng

1. click /klɪk/ (v): nhấp vào
 eg: Now, click ‘Get’ next to the ‘I-Speak’ icon and wait until the download is complete.

2. install /ɪnˈstɔːl/ (v): cài đặt
 eg: Mai, can you show me how to install the app I-Speak on my smartphone?

3. practice /ˈpræktɪs/ (v): rèn luyện
 eg: I want to practise my English speaking skills.

4. play the role of /pleɪ ðə rəʊl ɒv/ (v.phr): đóng vai trò là
 eg: Teachers play the role of a guide for them and prepare them for lifelong learning.

5. challenge /ˈtʃælɪndʒ/ (v): thách thức
 eg: They encourage and challenge them to become responsible and confident individuals.

6. class discussion /klɑːs dɪsˈkʌʃən/ (n.phr): thảo luận trong lớp học
 eg: Class discussion is a main feature of modern schools.

7. take part in /teɪk pɑːt ɪn/ (v.phr): tham gia
 eg: Students are expected to take part in discussions and express personal opinions.

8. group learning /gruːp ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ (n.phr): học nhóm
 eg: Group learning is another common feature.

9. digital learning resources /ˈdɪʤɪtl ˈlɜːnɪŋ rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ (n.phr): các nguồn học tập kỹ thuật số
 eg: In class, teachers and students use computers to access digital learning resources.

10. audio-visual materials /ˈɔːdɪˌəʊ-ˈvɪzjʊəl məˈtɪərɪəlz/ (n.phr): tài liệu nghe nhìn
 eg: Teachers use technology and audio-visual materials to support their lessons.

11. field trip /fiːld trɪp/ (n.phr): chuyến đi thực tế
 eg: Outside the classroom, students have a chance to participate in field trips to famous landmarks such as museums, hospitals, and industry locations.

12. real-world experiences /rɪəl-wɜːld ɪksˈpɪərɪənsɪz/ (n.phr): những trải nghiệm thực tế
 eg: These trips give them real-world experiences.

13. unfamiliar environments /ˌʌnfəˈmɪliər ɪnˈvaɪərənmənts/ (n.phr): môi trường xa lạ
 eg: Students also attend school camps to make friends with other students and to develop life skills in unfamiliar environments.

Looking back

Pronunciation

Listen and underline the stressed words in the sentences. Then practice reading them.

1. Many students bring smartphones to school nowadays.

2. You can download the app to study English.

3. Thanks to technology, students can learn anywhere.

4. My sister is looking for information for her presentation tomorrow.

Vocabulary

Complete the sentences using the words in the box.

1.    I don’t like ________ learning because it’s hard to make friends with my       classmates.

2.    ________ schools may not prepare us for the jobs of the future.

3.    I’m taking an online course so I need a fast Internet ________.

4.    With ________ learning, students are still able to attend face-to-face classes.

5.    Projects help us improve our ________ skills.

Grammar

Complete the sentences with who, which, that or whose. You may use more than one relative pronoun in some sentences.

1. That is the teacher _______ has received an award for excellent teaching.

2. We were invited to attend a talk show _______ is popular with teenagers.

3. Their school, _______ offers both face-to-face and online classes, is the best in the city.

4. The students _______ names are on the list will join the field trip.

5. Have you finished the project _______ was given by our art teacher?

6. My cousin John, _______ lives in Da Nang, is coming to visit me this weekend.

Từ vựng

1. bring /brɪŋ/ (v): mang theo
eg: Many students bring smartphones to school nowadays.

2. thanks to /θæŋks tuː/ (v.phr): nhờ vào
eg: Thanks to technology, students can learn anywhere.

3. make friends /meɪk frɛndz/ (v.phr): kết bạn
eg: I don’t like learning because it’s hard to make friends with my classmates.

4. award /əˈwɔːrd/ (n): giải thưởng
eg: The teacher has received an award for excellent teaching.

5. talk show /tɔːk ʃəʊ/ (n): tọa đàm
eg: We were invited to attend a talk show that is popular with teenagers.

6. on the list /ɒn ðə lɪst/ (pre.phr): trong danh sách
eg: The students’ names on the list will join the field trip.

Project

Work in groups. Do a survey to find out how students in your school use electronic devices to learn. Try to find at least 15 students to interview. Ask about the following:

name of students using electronic devices in learning

types of electronic devices (e.g. desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones)

how often they use them (e.g. every day, twice a week)

purpose for using them (e.g. to read articles, to use educational apps, to take online courses)

Names                   Devices                  Frequency              Purposes

Present your group’s findings to the class. Your presentation should include:

– How many students use each device? 

– Which electronic devices do students use for study / relaxation/ social interaction?

– How often do they use these devices? Give possible reasons.