Journals, questionnaires, and interviews

     In this session it will be talked about journals, questionnaires, and interviews as well, but it is focused on questionnaires and interviews since these two tools have been used for the authors of this article.

     It is known that questionnaires and interviews are relatively structured and formal, but they are more useful with people who have a regular level of proficiency in the second language acquisition. Then, the provided information is valuable for planning and assessing students; however, feedback must be given periodically.

     As a student and as well a teacher, both tools have been practiced. In the second semester of my program, I was asked to answer a short questionnaire written my teacher. It was applied in order to know our level of English at this time. At the beginning we were a little bit reluctant, but when the teacher gave us feedback, we realized that it was a good idea since it permitted the teacher to knows our doubts and failures. 

     On the other hand, I tend to interview students as soon as I a start working at any institute (it does not mean that I would  not do it at schools, it is beacuse I haven't had the opportunity to work at any aschool yet, I did it, but just for a very short time) since it helps me to know the level of English the students have, their tastes, ambitions, expectations and so on and so forth. I could have notice that some students do not like interviews, and sometimes they feel uncomfortable. But then, I try to be friendly and tell them joke in order to avoid nervousness and make them to feel comfortable.

     I would say that all of these tools are really useful not only for teachers, but also for students  because they offer a wide way to express opinions, ideas, and expectations, so it allows the teacher to give a better assessment since she/he knows what are students weakness, failures, doubts, or strength. I think it is better when you know what your students’ needs are, in order to help them to improve their abilities and knowledge.