Memrise: online learning tool fuses memory, fun and community
Through “mems,” students retain English vocabulary Photo source: Memrise website “We’ve built Memrise to embody the very best knowledge about how your brain works, and so help you learn as quickly and effortlessly as possible. We’ve turned learning facts and language into a game where you grow a colourful garden of memory.” -Memrise About Us Learning online and through mobile apps...
Read MoreDuolingo: learning through translation
Effective language-learning program with a unique approach “We come together from across the world at varying language levels with the same goal in mind – to learn. Curiosity, questioning, and cultural understanding are something we celebrate.” -Duolingo Guidelines Why do so many people yearn to learn English and other languages? The reasons–whether for work, friendships, travel or...
Read MoreNewsmart: ESL Wall Street Journal
Language learners absorb English, journalism and current events Photo Source: Newsmart ““To look at the paper is to raise a seashell to one’s ear and to be overwhelmed by the roar of humanity.” -Alain de Botton (1969- ) Swiss-British writer The Wall Street Journal remains a popular source of news in the United States, teeming with a variety of breaking and analytical pieces. I first heard...
Read MoreNegative headlines and trendlines for ESL in California
Adverse effects of public education budget cuts “Only the educated are free.” -Epictetus (55-135), Stoic Philosopher The dollar continues to decline in value. The national budget, seldom balanced, has zoomed deep into mega-debt during the Bush II era with two expensive wars, a deepening recession, and record tax cuts for the wealthy. The California state budget runs at least a $14...
Read MoreCenter for Applied Linguistics Suggests Workshops at TESOL convention
CAL offers workshop suggestions “The Center for Applied Linguistics is a private, nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.” -Center for Applied Linguistics homepage How does one choose between the many tempting workshops at the TESOL convention? Naturally, I chat with a friends and...
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