Mind mapping

   Neuroscientists tell us that the brain connects and organizes information in networks and maps. Visual thinking and mapping tools, especially, mind mapping, help us manage information and transform it into knowledge in ways similar to that used by our brain.


                                                  Mind mapping and Neuroscience



What follows is how I used mind mapping in my lessons and how students used it.

Students have to complete this mind map from a text they read . The text is a story. One of the objective of the lesson is reporting. By completing the mind map in the handouts I distribute, the students will have a visual structure of the story that helps them to retell the story easily. Students become better thinkers by analyzing ideas connecting them, synthesizing and simplifying for a better assimilation.

        The following mind map was created by one of my students she shared it in her blog. It was part of a creative writing session.

This is a screenshot from my student's blog
click to read her story   :)

MOOCS For Learners of English

   
      Want to learn or improve your English?  want to work out your speaking, writing or your grammar yet, you don't know where to start? Have you thought of joining language centers but you couldn't afford it?  You can become proficient at English by registering in MOOEC, the massive open online English Courses.

Serious Games For Better English

Combining learning to play, the idea sounds great and appealing to teachers but especially to students!

  There are undoubtedly a bunch of free games on the web that kids and teenagers can play and learn English. I chose Trace Effects a free 3-D adventure game that works on Windows  and MAC platforms. Designed by the the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the game is good for English language learning and social skills. It sharpens the player's communicative and collaborative skills as well as their critical thinking skills.  The game is about Trace,  a university student from 2035 and who accidentally traveled back in time to the present. His mission is to change the future for the better. To be able to do so, he has to help six people accomplish great things and impact the future positively. It's only then that he could get back home. Give it a try!

Trace Effects

Powtoon for Education

Lesson 9 : Who was the Man?

Who Was the Man? A Detailed Lesson Plan from Hayfa Mejdoub


Now, assess your ability to choose effective verbs, adverbs and illustrations to increase the impact of a horror story and make it scarier. Explain the reasoning behind some of your choices.

Super stories: verbs and adverbs: assessment - (TLF L8469 v2.0.0)

Nabheni Rewarded for Innovation

   Hayfa Majdoub from Bachir Nabheni School, Hammam-Lif Selected as 
Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert

                 Recognized as global leader in using technology to transform education

November 16^th , Hammam-Lif, Bashir Nabheni School Hayfa Majdoub was announced today as a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert joining the more than 5,600 educators in the MIE program worldwide. Each year, Microsoft selects innovative educator experts to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other through a global community dedicated to improving student outcomes through technology.

  “Many educators aspire to become MIE Experts and it’s an honor that I’m selected as one. I’m excited to be part of a devoted community of teachers from around the world believing in the power they have to impact their students,  their schools and  their colleagues. Empowered by the professional development opportunities, the tech tools that the MIE Expert program provides, I’ll carry on my work as an advocate of technology integration in education”.

As an MIE Expert, educators build their capacity for using technology in both the classroom and curriculum to improve student learning, advise Microsoft and educational institutions on how to integrate technology in pedagogically sound ways and be an advocate at conferences, events and trainings for how Microsoft technology can improve learning.

“Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts are inspiring examples of educators applying new ways of teaching and learning in their classrooms that motivate students and empower them to achieve more,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president, Worldwide Education, Microsoft. “We celebrate and support the work they do every day!”

To learn more about the MIE Expert program you can find out more here. If you are an educator and interested in joining the MIE Expert program self-nominations will open in April 2016. We invite you to also join our Microsoft Educator Community where you can learn and grow professionally, exchange ideas and learn from others, and make connections globally and earn recognition.

Nabheni is Coding!

AFRICA CODE WEEK: From 01st to October the 10th

   Like many other schools in Tunisia, Nabheni participated in the event taking place for the first time in the African continent the Africa Code Week. Mrs Damerji and Mrs Majdoub organised two sessions in which students and teachers enthusiastically participated. They were about coding using scratch, learning the basics of programming via the offline application.            Students'performances, however, were different. Some of them were hooked in from the first time, while others need more time to work on their coding skills. Overall, all agreed that a tool like scratch could deconstruct the myth of coding. No need to be a computer science geek to learn coding, now it's easier, funnier and within the reach of everyone! Because coding is the new language of the 21st century, it's our duty as educators to assist our students in speaking that language fluently!