Every opinion matters!!!

 

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Students may feel frustrated when they don't have a clue about the topic and activities. Students may also feel disappointed when their thoughts are not been taken seriously. So is there a tool to solve this problem without taking much time? The answer is definitely YES. It's Padlet. 

What is Padlet?

It's a virtual massage whiteboard to which you can add text, images, videos, links, etc. Padlet has a simple and intuitive interface and a wide range of functions, which can act as a multimedia presentation and communication platform in language teaching.

How to use Padlet for your classes?

• In class

• You can use it for students to show their work on Padlet, such as understanding of the topics, posters, drawings, learning outcomes, etc. After students post them, you can let students choose one or two based on their interests and conduct further investigations.

• In this way, students not only shared their ideas and evaluated others' ideas, but also they have the opportunity to have more autonomy in choosing their interest areas for deeper digging and understanding. 

• The activity can be conducted by individuals, groups, and in breakout rooms (for online teaching). 

• Before class

• You can use it as a preview activity for students, so that they can have some knowledge about the class topic and bring their understanding to the class. 

• You can also use it as a discovery activity that allows students to present their thoughts, different perspectives, interests and preferences. According to these pieces of information, you can decide how to group your students (which is another aspect of differentiated classrooms). 

• After class

• You can use it as homework for students to reflect and enhance their knowledge through some interesting topics. For example, if you teach past simple tense in class, you can ask students to describe their unforgettable experiences or make a short story. 

With Padlet, every student's voice can be heard. Besides, if students are confused about the activity, they may be inspired after reading their classmates' ideas. 

Here is a video to explain how to create a Padlet:

 

Advantages

• It's really easy to operate! Just enter the topic or the question in the title box and provide some instructions in the description box, and then send the link(s) to your students. Your preparation process is finished. 

• Students can choose to post with their names or anonymously. 

• Increase students' critical thinking skills. 

• Personalised. Students can design the colours of fonts and add additional information, such as videos, pictures, and audio.

Disadvantages

• Teachers may need to take some time to check students' posts, avoiding sharing sensitive content on walls, because it's an open space.

• It requires the Internet and devices. 

Overall, Padlet is good for students because every student's thoughts can be valued and evaluated. They can also develop their critical thinking skills. For teachers, it's a useful, convenient and time-saving tool for language teaching. So, do not hesitate no more, try it now and receive more!