Teaching Matters: Correcting Error in the Classroom
“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” -Socrates (c. 470-399 BCE), Ancient Greek philosopher What are “good mistakes?” How can we – as teachers of English – encourage students to make more of them? When can we use error as an opportunity to increase students’ confidence in their speech? Recently, we’ve stumbled onto an...
Read MoreAndrea Schmidt
Andrea Schmidt is the design director and deputy editor for Chimayo Press. In addition to writing for and editing the Compelling Conversations blog, she also designed both the cover and layout for the Teacher Edition of Compelling American Conversations. An alum of Otis College of Art and Design, Andrea completed a BFA in Communication Arts with a focus in Illustration. Her lifelong...
Read MoreCompelling Conversations – Vietnam (2nd Edition) is here!
November 13, 2016 Become who you want to be – in English! Vietnamese teachers of English: are you developing a more fluency-focused curriculum for your ESL/EFL class this fall? Are you seeking new, engaging communicative activities that encourage class discussions? How about flexible lesson plans with a built-in homework assignment per unit? Perhaps we can help! I’m pleased to announce...
Read MoreReview: Balancing Fluency and Accuracy Activities in the Classroom
“Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud.” —Hermann Hesse (1877-1962), German novelist and 1946 Nobel Prize winner What’s the difference between speaking English fluently and speaking accurately? Which one takes priority in the classroom? How can we, as educators, create a balanced curriculum with more targeted in-class fluency...
Read MoreExpress Yourself: Discussing Quotations to Form Opinions
Embed from Getty Images “There is always hope when people are forced to listen to both sides.” John Steward Mill (1806-1873), British philosopher Many people experience difficulties finding their voice, let alone finding it in another language. How do we create compelling conversations? We ask more so we know more. Then we can share more. Sometimes we also hear or read other words by famous...
Read MoreCompelling Conversations for Fundraisers is out!
June 20, 2016 Chimayo Press releases Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers to help nonprofits increase their fundraising success through the art of conversation How does a one-person development office raise sufficient funds for a vital non-profit? Which conversations should fundraising professionals focus on to deepen relationships and strengthen institutions? What ingredients and values...
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