Why not create a culturally sensitive Compelling Conversations?
Why I chose not to censor Compelling Conversations to increase accessibility “Only the educated are free.” Epictetus (55-135), Greek philosopher Many English teachers have asked if I plan a “culturally sensitive” version so Compelling Conversations can be used in more countries. For instance, China censors not only their classrooms, but has created a great electronic fallwall so its...
Read MoreWhat should every (college) ESL student know?
What should every ESL student know? Beats me. One size fits all philosophies often seem a bit strange to me. Can anybody really answer this question for every international student and ESL (English as a Second Language) college student? Really? Don’t circumstances, needs, and desires differ? On the other hand, college and university administrators, ESL teachers, future college students, and...
Read MoreTeaching Immigrants English makes daily life better, safer for citizens!
A good society helps its citizens flourish and visitors feel welcome. A good society also invests in education, including teaching immigrants enough English that they can use their considerable intelligence, creativity, and skills in the workplace. Unfortunately, low standards in public education have eroded support for government sponsored education programs. Worse, the few underfunded...
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 MoreUnexpected events at TESOL Convention
Pleasant surprises at TESOL Convention “Expect the unexpected.” -ProverbI kept an open schedule, previewed some workshop titles, and conducted more research than usual before going to the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages convention in New York. I expected crowds, chaos, and constant choice. Still, the stark reality of 7,000 teachers descending on a few floors of three...
Read More
