Bulletin Board

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí

Faculty of Humanities

School of English

English 420

Formal Presentation

Preparation Outline

Speaker’s Name: Gerald Cedeño - Margarita Martínez

Topic: Bulletin Board

Specific subject: Utilizing Bulletin Boards to Enhance Student Engagement in English Language Learning.

Specific Purpose: To explore how bulletin boards can be strategically utilized in English language classrooms to foster student engagement and facilitate language acquisition.

Introduction

I. Attention getter: Would you like to display information about an important upcoming event? Or would you like to make your classroom more beautiful? Well, with bulletin boards you can do it.

II. Thesis Statement: As a future professional in the field of teaching, we must start searching for effective tools to be able to teach a language, so knowing about the importance of bulletin boards in a class is necessary.

III. Preview on main points: The following presentation will give information about the definitions, types, roles, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, guidelines, assessments, and interactive boards for language teaching.

(Transition: We are going to start by explaining the definitions of what bulletin boards are.)

Body

I. Definitions

A. General.

According to New York Blackboard. (2022), A bulletin board is a display board typically made of cork, fabric, or other material, mounted on a wall or other surface, and used to post notices, announcements, and information. It is commonly found in various settings such as dormitory corridors, hallways, classrooms, lobbies, offices, kitchens, and children's rooms. Bulletin boards serve as a centralized location for sharing important messages, event details, reminders, and other relevant information with a targeted audience.

B. Specific.

According to Durin, J (2023) a bulletin board is a surface intended for displaying notices that give information about something. They enable users to send and receive messages of common interest. They are often made of cork which facilitates easier addition and removal of messages. In an elementary classroom, a bulletin board is a visual display located in the learning environment. There are several different types. Learn more about them below and get tons of teacher bulletin board ideas.

(Transition: Next, we will discuss the types of Bulletin Boards we can use.)

II. Types of Bulletin Boards.

According to New York BlackBoard (2022) in classroom settings, bulletin boards are utilized for various educational purposes. Here are some commonly used types of bulletin boards in classrooms:

A. Interactive Boards: These require student participation and are used for activities that promote engagement and interaction. Interactive boards can include puzzles, questions, and other activities that require students to improve skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

B. Informative Boards: These boards convey important information such as announcements, schedules, and academic content. They are usually simple and focus on providing key details that students need to know, such as test dates or classroom rules.

C. Display Boards: Display bulletin boards do exactly what their name implies they display student work. Often, display boards are used in the hallways outside of the classrooms to showcase student work on a new unit or subject. Display boards are great for back-to-school and parent-teacher conferences

(Transition: So, the types of bulletin boards were already discussed, now let's move on to the role of bulletin boards in Language Teaching)

III. The role of bulletin boards in Language Teaching.

According to (Languageadventurist, 2023) Bulletin boards play a crucial role in language teaching by promoting language diversity, fostering inclusivity, and creating a welcoming environment for all students.

(Transition: Now, we are going to talk about the characteristics of bulletin boards)

IV. Characteristics of bulletin boards.

The characteristics of bulletin boards are:

A. Beat at eye level: An interactive bulletin board does students no good if they cannot reach it. When planning such a board, make sure that it is at their eye level and easily accessible for young hands.

B. Be durable: If students will be manipulating items on the bulletin board itself (i.e. – matching picture of their classmates to hobbies they enjoy), make sure that the material you use is sturdy enough to withstand a lot of handling.

C. Include color: Visual interest is the key to keeping children engaged in interactive bulletin boards. Plain, boring boards with little color or visual appeal will not hold students’ interest. Have clear directions: Interactive bulletin boards should have clear, concise directions that are easy for your students to read and understand. If some of your students need extra help with reading, consider recording the directions and allowing students to play them back as needed (Jordan, B. (2020, June 8).

(Transition: Now, we are going to talk about the advantages of bulletin boards)

V. Advantages of using the Bulletin Board in Foreign Language Teaching

A. Stimulate students' thinking: Bulletin boards can present challenging questions, thought-provoking quotes or interesting facts in the target language, which engage students' curiosity and encourage deeper thinking.

B. Capture students' work and ideas: Displaying students' work on the bulletin board gives them a sense of pride and ownership. It can include essays, projects, drawings, or any creative work that they have produced. This not only motivates students to do their best work but also allows them to see the progress they and their peers are making. Helps reinforce the practices that students are learning: A bulletin board can serve as a constant visual reminder of the key practices and concepts being taught in the classroom. By regularly updating the board with relevant vocabulary, grammar rules, cultural facts, and language exercises, teachers can help reinforce what students are learning and ensure that important information
is always accessible.

C. It is simple to comprehend and ought to be executed stylishly: Bulletin boards are easy to set up and maintain. They do not require advanced technology or significant resources, making them accessible to all teachers. (Carreon N.D).

(Transition: Now, we are going to talk about the disadvantages of bulletin boards)

VI. Disadvantages of using bulletin boards in Foreign Language Teaching.

Bulletin boards have some disadvantages that are:

A. Distraction: Bulletin boards, especially if they are filled with bright colors, images, and a lot of information, can distract students. Instead of focusing on the lesson, students might be more interested in looking at and exploring the content on the board, which can interfere with their concentration and effective learning.

B. Student Fairness: Not all students may have the same opportunity to contribute to or interact with the bulletin board. Those who are more extroverted or quick may dominate the space, leaving fewer opportunities for quieter or slower students.

C. Clutter and Confusion: If not managed properly, a bulletin board can become cluttered and confusing. Too much information or a disorganized layout can overwhelm students and make it difficult for them to find relevant information.

D. Not Very Green: Traditional bulletin boards often require the use of paper, cardboard, and other materials that, over time, can contribute to deforestation and waste accumulation. Additionally, the production and disposal of these materials have a negative environmental impact. (Carreon, n.d.)

(Transition: Now, we are going to talk about the guidelines for making and using bulletin boards in EFL classrooms)

VII. Guidelines for making and using Bulletin Boards in EFL classroom

(Amanda, 2020) suggest some guidelines for making a good bulletin board.

A. Use fabric instead of paper: Fabric is more durable than paper, does not fade quickly, and hides staple holes.

B. Make your bulletin board letters straight using painter’s tape: Arrange letters on the floor, tape them together transfer them to the board, and staple them in place.

C. Use a black Sharpie to color the staples: Color staples with a black Sharpie to make them blend with black letters.

D. Stick with thick, bold fonts: Thicker fonts are easier to cut and more readable.

E. Make your bulletin board interactive: Use clothespins for easy updates and pockets for additional materials.

F. Use student work to create your display: Involve students by displaying their work, making the board more personal.

G. Limit seasonal bulletin boards: Use versatile themes or colors that work year-round to avoid frequent changes.

H. Laminate your bulletin board letters and graphics: Lamination makes materials reusable.

I. Store your bulletin board materials in clear project cases: Clear cases help organize and easily identify materials.

J. Use classroom bulletin board kits: Pre-made kits simplify setup and ensure cohesive designs.

(Transition: Now, we are going to talk about bulletin board assessment)

VIII. Bulletin boards Assessment.

According to Barraza M. (2024) mention different evaluations for the bulletin boards:

A. Teaching to Audience: The Bulletin board is appropriate for the level and easy to understand the attention grabber.

B. Content: An abundance of material related to the topic; points are clearly made and all required information is presented.

C. Informative: Every item on the bulletin board is informative and helpful.

D. Theme and Creativity: Every item on the bulletin board is related to the theme. Good use of color, space, and pictures.

E. Materials: Balanced use of materials; properly used to develop to picture all materials are neatly displayed with headings, sized and place appropriately

F. Neatness and Organization: Content is well organized and easy for students to understand.

G. Grammar and Spelling: No misspellings or grammatical errors.

(Transition: Now, we are going to talk about the types of Activities with the Bulletin Boards in the EFL classrooms)

IX. Types of interactive bulletin boards for language teaching.

A. Wordle it up: Wordle bulletin board can be a fun and engaging way to practice vocabulary and spelling. Each day or week, post a new Wordle puzzle for students to solve as a warm-up activity. This encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also reinforcing language patterns and word recognition.

B. Get to know each other: This bulletin board is designed to build a sense of community within the classroom. It features prompts and questions that encourage students to share information about themselves. This interactive board allows students to think about their fellow classmates and to see how much they actually know about one another.

C. Punch out your goals: Use rubber bands to cover the tops of cups with tissue paper and attach them to your board. When students achieve a goal, they get to punch through the paper to find a treat or reward inside!

D. Clock Bulletin board: Helps students learn to read the time on an analog clock. Teachers can use it to teach basic concepts such as the hour, minutes, and fractions of the hour.

E. Ask “Would You Rather…” questions: This board features regularly updated "Would You Rather..." questions to spark engaging and often humorous classroom discussions. This interactive board not only makes conversations fun but also helps students develop their ability to express preferences, reason, and articulate their thoughts in the target language. (Education, 2024).

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, bulletin boards are essential tools for communication and information sharing in both educational and corporate settings in education, bulletin boards promote diversity, inclusivity, and interactive learning, though they can sometimes lead to distractions. By following guidelines for effective use and evaluating their content and design, bulletin boards can significantly enhance learning and communication. Understanding their functions, benefits, and challenges is crucial for maximizing their potential.

REFERENCES

Baballe, M. A., & Dahiru, M. (2023). Traditional Bulletin Board: benefits and drawbacks. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375116392_Traditional_Bulletin_Board_Benefits_and_

Indeed Editorial Team. (2023). 20 Creative Bulletin Board Ideas for Teachers and Educators. Indeed. Retrieved from

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/bulletin-board-ideas

Languageadventurist. (2023). Why Your Classroom Needs a Welcome Multilingual Bulletin Board. Language Adventurist. Retrieved from

https://languageadventurist.com/welcome-in-different-languages-bulletin

Lucky Little Learners. (2023). Bulletin Board Ideas for the Primary Classroom [Vídeo].

YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn_bRnlgBzU

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2024). Bulletin board.

Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulletin%20board

New York Blackboard. (2022) What are bulletin boards? Types and uses explained. (2022).

Retrieved from https://nyblackboard.com/blogs/news/what-are-bulletin-boards

Jordan, B. (2020, June 8). Tips for creating interactive bulletin boards. #RGSTeachersLounge.

https://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/tips-for-creating-an-interactive-bulletin-board/

Amanda. (2020, July 22). 10 easy classroom bulletin board tips - a perfect blend. A Perfect Blend. https://aperfectblendteaching.com/10-easy-classroom-bulletin-board-tips

Barraza M. (2024) Different evaluations for the bulletin boards.

Bulletin Board Power Point Presentation