What is a webquest?
A WebQuest is an 'inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web' (See http://www.webquest.org).
Think of a webquest as a project. Ideally it should be completed by small groups of students but it can be adapted for individuals.
- collect information from various sources around a single theme
- present that information in a variety of way.
- work in teams to collect, collate and analyse information
- apply knowledge gained in a variety of contexts
- draw on skills and knowledge gained in other subjects
- make judgements in selecting materials
- fun listening and watching materials
Is it like a class project?
Yes, with the emphasis on working in groups and using the internet. Students can use innovative approaches to presenting information depending on the resources available to them. These can include high tech resources (e.g video, audio etc) but can also use the simplest materials (e.g hand written notes and drawings.
Webquest can be largely classroom based (providing learners have access to the internet). Alternatively can complete tasks as homework or term projects.
What are the resources?
Reading and listening materials
Which resources do I use with my students?
Think of ESL Young Learners as a library. Materials are broadly categorised by age and/or level - but visitors can use any materials they can manage. The materials for the under-ten age group range in level from Beginners to Pre-intermediate.
The materials for young adults are suitable for the 11+ age group.
Is the content of the young adult material also suitable for confident younger children
There is no reason why confident younger readers should not attempt the materials aimed at Young Adults. Similarly older children with a lower language level or reluctant readers may prefer to try the shorter, simpler texts before moving on.
In terms of content, the aim has been to proved fun materials suitable for all.
Where do I start?
Wherever you like! ESL Young Learners is library not a book with a beginning, middle and end.
What do you recommend for younger children?
A good starting point for younger children is the Uncle Edgar section. The stories are fun and easy to follow. They are also have a strong visual element.
What do you recommend for young adults/teens?
The Fred and Rita conversations are very popular and flexible in terms of level.
Who edits ESL Young Learners?
The site was created by Kieran McGovern. He writes/produces most of the materials and is responsible for the content.
Kieran has been described as being 'amongst the best writers of language learner materials in English’ Extensive Reading in the Second Language Classroom (Cambridge, 1998).
He is the BBC World Service Teacher Blogger for August 2009.
Kieran also edits ESL Reading.
Who endorses ESL Reading/Young Learners?
ESL Young Learners receives no external funding or institutional support. It has links with Extensive Reading, the British Council and many other organisations promoting language learning through reading. In February 2009 it won the EnglishClub.com Site of the Month Award.
ESL Reading/Young Learners features in Tips for Teaching with Call: Practical Approaches to Computer -Assisted Language Learning (2008, Pearson/Longman).
How can you support this site?
You can help support future development by making online purchases via the advertisments.
There's no extra cost to you - and a big benefit to the site!
Custom Search
What
you need
1. The Internet or a good enyclopedia and/or atlas.
2. A scrapbook or other other way to store and present
your information.
3. A printer (but only print the things you need! Store
images and text together e.g in a Word document or
Photoshop contact sheet.
4. Pen, pencils etc
Use your imagination! You could draw your own maps, for
example, or colour printed copies.
