Can I turn that paper in next week?
Accommodating English teachers, students and the need for more time Sometimes time just seems to escape, and we fall behind. Despite the alarm clocks, cell phones, and wrist watches, and many labor-saving appliances, the hours just seem to rush by, the work piles remain, and time vanishes. Modern life can feel more hectic than relaxing – even in summer. This uncomfortable experience that life is...
Read MoreMake time for conversations – in and outside of English classrooms
The art of conversation, once considered the sign of a civilized individual, seems less common today. Yet I treasure the moments of sharing experiences, collecting news, and exchanging ideas. I make a point of knowing my neighbors, allowing casual greetings to become long conversations, and making time to explore the feelings and perceptions of friends and relatives in depth. These natural...
Read MoreESL classes should include more conversation activities!
Conversation activities need greater presence in classrooms “Speech is civilization itself. It is silence which isolates.” -Thomas Mann (1875-1955) German novelist Conversation remains a vital social skill for our English students. Naturally, immigrants and international students want to fully participate in their schools, their jobs, and their communities. Speaking clearly in...
Read MoreConversation Starter #10 – Can you recommend a good book?
Converse with a teacher, student or stranger about books “No two persons ever read the same book.” -Edmund Wilson (1895-1972) American writerBooks and literature still matter in our 21st century global culture of blogs, especially for starting conversations. In the past few days, I have had three engaging, satisfying conversations with strangers about books. How? Is that a good book?...
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...
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