Assalamualaikum, hello, hi
1. 1. This website is to teach English for second language
learners. This website is originated from Germany, thus it is ran by non-native
speaker administer. Although overall, this website is to teach English but it
focusing on teaching grammar, specifically and vocabulary. It has special links
for explanation and exercise for grammar and vocabulary. For grammar and
vocabulary, the exercises are filling in the blank, it’s either writing a full
sentence, a world or placing the answers in the correct categories, and choose
or tick the correct answers. Other than just grammar and vocabulary, this
website also provides with a section for exercise, which further divided
according to level of proficiency. For the exercise section, there are many
other ways used to test the learner. Games such as ‘Hang-a-man’, crossword
puzzles and others are used. This is a good way for exercises as by using
games, learners will not be demotivated or afraid of making mistakes, instead
this makes the learners feel comfortable and enjoy the learning process.
Learners can receive immediate feedback on the exercise. Some answers are also
provided with further explanation. Exercises levels are differentiated using
the number of years of using English. I don’t agree with level of proficiency
is defined according to the number of years one learns the language. There
might be some gifted learners who learn and improve themselves faster than the
other. However, learner can define themselves and choose the appropriate level
of exercises for them to try.
2. 2. This website is free for anyone to use. There is no
registration needed, whether for learning, trying the exercises or downloading
worksheets for teachers and students. I consider this website as very friendly
user and helpful. The interface is simple and easy to understand.
3. 3. For teaching grammar, I believe it is a universal way of
using table to illustrate and explain how the rules work. Just like in my
English classes, reference books or any other English grammar website,
englisch-hilfen.de also uses table in explaining grammar rules. In teaching
vocabulary, this website uses topic in which are universal and could easily be
familiar to the learning. I did encounter this method when I was in my secondary
school. Teacher used topics which we were familiar with, and triggered us to
come up with more words or vocabulary that were related to that particular
topic. The games as exercises are brilliant. During my microteaching and also
practicum, I did use games for my teaching. Crossword puzzles and ‘Hang-a-man’
were the same games that I used. Although using technology is more fun than
just using mah-jong paper and whiteboard. This website uses the simple and easy
ways in teaching English, as well as making the learning process fun.
4. 4. I don’t think none of the exercises from this website, can’t
be done in normal classroom setting by using only books and whiteboard. The
basic, simple way of testing, using fill in the blank. ‘Hang-a-man’ or
crossword puzzle, these methods have been conducted before in class. Maybe the
use of multimedia and technology are what makes this website more interesting.
Instead of bringing and using many books and a dictionary, this website
provides link for exercises and even digital dictionary.
5. 5. I believe this website practices the traditional teaching
method, where teaching grammar is more important. Grammar is viewed as the most
important aspect in learning English language. Grammar explanation and grammar
exercises links are place on top of the website. Drilling is used by this
website in teaching grammar and vocabularies. There are tons of exercises and
test for the learners to use. The exercises are further divided according to
appropriate level. Thus, giving the leaners vast chance in testing their
knowledge, comprehension and understanding.
6. 6. The interface is user friendly, as the links are place at the
suitable places. To me, the font style and size are also suitable. There is no
broken link (updated until the day I posted this post). Each lesson is conducted properly, as it
starts with text related to the topic, explanation, grammar explanation and
exercises. Furthermore, learners can receive immediate feedback to their
answers. Although this website is a bit traditional, information wise, it helps
a lot. However, I would suggest the admin to improve the layout as well as
integrating other interactive learning style, such as using video.
7. 7. I would use this website for exercise but not as the main
place to learn English. As I said before, englisch-hilfen.de focusing more on
grammar and there are many other aspects which are also important. The exercises
and tests provided are great as they are properly selected and categorised according
to level. As for the level, I find it is hard to define one competency based on
how many years of learning the language. Hence, this is another reason my I’m
not using this website as the main place to learn English.
this is only from my perspective. it might be different than you. so, click on the website and try for yourselves.
p/s: many ways to learn
t
j
