Hello Readers,
Student profile:
International Student S retreated, but Tutee B accepted the challenge ( kasi he's highly motivated ). Born in Cebu and raised by a business woman mother ( who likes reading ) and a lawyer father, he's the manoy? (higher than kuya ) among his siblings, while the youngest member in the Mayor's council representing the youths of his province. Not only does he receives a stipend for this government job, but also he is establishing connections for future mayor-ship. He's already familiar with delegating tasks to people ( who have to live up to his perfectionist sensibilities [ or "die?" ] ). In addition to this position, he is part of the varsity chess team. When I expressed interest in learning about Cebu and her language, he told me about his unfriendly experience traveling around Manila,and the gang in Cebu ( Budol-budol? ), AND taught me how to say 3 bad words in Cebuano.
Goals/Objectives ( articulated/established by Tutee B ):
-improve writing ( outline, essay writing )
-improve reading ( pronunciation, literary terms, such as metaphors )
-review grammar
-develop vocabulary
Materials:
"Now You are Still and Other Poems" ( by Carlos Bulosan )
"Very Short Stories for Harried Readers" ( Edited by Vicente Garcia Groyon )
Approach/ Course Outline/ Syllabus:
6 weeks crash course on persuasive writing using Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle in conjunction with the writing process. Tutorial is conducted twice a week (at least 2 hours per session ).
Week 1: Ethos ( definition, Lenses activity, different truths, Elements of Fiction, Show versus Tell, Sample Reading [sudden fiction], story analysis, brainstorming from Diagnostic Essay, Recitation of a Poem, flash reflection, Personal Narrative )
Week 2: Pathos ( definition, different types of questions, debate versus argument, Issues, Sample Reading [interview in paragraph format], analysis of Personal Narrative, listing questions, Recitation of a Poem [empathy], flash reflection, Interview [compare and contrast )
Week 3: Logos ( definition, evidence, evaluation, structure [magazine versus journal], Sample Readings from Genres, reading strategies [summary, paraphrase, quoting], Recitation of a Poem [logic], flash reflection, Mini-Annotated Bibliography )
Week 4: Rhetorical Triangle ( synthesis, fallacies, extensive revision [Researched Personal Narrative], APA/MLA style, Recitation of a Poem [unity], flash reflection, Press Conference )
Week 5: Rhetorical Triangle continues/ Reflection on a larger scale ( Recitation of a Poem, Giant Reflection )
Week 6: Party ( Recitation of a Poem, Wrap up and summary of experience, feedback, Writing Portfolio )
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Cook, cook, cook: demo and teaching
Estas hambre Readers?
One day I attended a cooking demo. Who can resist FREE food while learning how to replicate the recipe and networking with other English Teachers? I learned that coconut soy sauce is better to use so one's Chicken Adobo turns golden delicious ( not dull ), and how to "di-stress" chicken wings ( so stress is not passed unto the eater? ). I was reminded that standardized measurements are a must have for beginner cooks ( c'est moi! ) and how versatile gravy can be ( for Tempting Tofu, and Rock and Roll Potatoes ).
The chef not only summarized the typical palate and gastronomic aesthetics of Filipinos ( todo bigay- the saltier, the spicier, the sweeter, the better ), she shared a story. Everything in her life was going well. She had a career, and she was a good daughter, but when it came to her love life, she didn't have any. She asked the Lord, "Bakit ganon? Parang lugi ako sa luv life ko..." ( Why is my love life like this? Why didn't God bless me with a special someone? )
Little did she know that God already had a plan for her. Her future husband-to-be was already working in the same company with her. She didn't notice him kasi she was in a higher/managerial position, while he was not. Then one day, her mother got cancer. She was sad, and ended up telling her mother's story to him over lunch. When her mother's situation got worse, he accompanied her to the hospital to visit her mother.
After her mother died, their relationship evolved, and eventually they married. She found out from her siblings that before her mother died, she gave her blessings and approval to the husband-to-be. She wanted someone like him to take care of her daughter. The story doesn't end there, this is just the beginning.
One day she was pregnant. Another day, she had a miscarriage. For many days, she was depressed until she started cooking ( which revived joy to her for days ). Not only is she a SM chef winner, she's also a member of the British Council's Teachers Club. She's currently homeschooling her 2 chubby boys, and one of them is the winner of McDonald's caption contest. His slogan "Love Ko To" is currently plastered in various billboards and advertisements nationwide.
One day I attended a cooking demo. Who can resist FREE food while learning how to replicate the recipe and networking with other English Teachers? I learned that coconut soy sauce is better to use so one's Chicken Adobo turns golden delicious ( not dull ), and how to "di-stress" chicken wings ( so stress is not passed unto the eater? ). I was reminded that standardized measurements are a must have for beginner cooks ( c'est moi! ) and how versatile gravy can be ( for Tempting Tofu, and Rock and Roll Potatoes ).
The chef not only summarized the typical palate and gastronomic aesthetics of Filipinos ( todo bigay- the saltier, the spicier, the sweeter, the better ), she shared a story. Everything in her life was going well. She had a career, and she was a good daughter, but when it came to her love life, she didn't have any. She asked the Lord, "Bakit ganon? Parang lugi ako sa luv life ko..." ( Why is my love life like this? Why didn't God bless me with a special someone? )
Little did she know that God already had a plan for her. Her future husband-to-be was already working in the same company with her. She didn't notice him kasi she was in a higher/managerial position, while he was not. Then one day, her mother got cancer. She was sad, and ended up telling her mother's story to him over lunch. When her mother's situation got worse, he accompanied her to the hospital to visit her mother.
After her mother died, their relationship evolved, and eventually they married. She found out from her siblings that before her mother died, she gave her blessings and approval to the husband-to-be. She wanted someone like him to take care of her daughter. The story doesn't end there, this is just the beginning.
One day she was pregnant. Another day, she had a miscarriage. For many days, she was depressed until she started cooking ( which revived joy to her for days ). Not only is she a SM chef winner, she's also a member of the British Council's Teachers Club. She's currently homeschooling her 2 chubby boys, and one of them is the winner of McDonald's caption contest. His slogan "Love Ko To" is currently plastered in various billboards and advertisements nationwide.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Freelance Tutoring: Wilson Reading System
Hi Readers,
International Student S from Sri Lanka took up my offer ( extra English class at night ) and scheduled for a consultation meeting. He articulated his goals, and told me about his motivation for partaking in the Asia Leaders Programme, and I told him my approach in helping him reach his goals.
He told me that he needed help with spelling and pronunciation ( typical international students concern? ). My comfort zone is in assisting with composition, so I told him that I'm not a speech therapist, but I can still give tips based on personal experience and my tutoring elementary students using the Wilson Reading System. I hoped that the word "elementary" wasn't a turn off, so to my best of my ability, I highlighted the strong points that could be applied in his situation ( hopefully the ideas were translated and expressed ).
The Wilson Reading System employs the 80/20 rule, which states that the current English spelling and sounds follow a pattern consistent 80% of the time. The other 20% are the exceptions to the rule. Learning the 80% first give students consistency and confidence ( that'll prepare them to handle the exceptions ). Words are broken down into sound units with standardized letter combination. I explained to International Student S that if he could remember the letter combination with the sound then his spelling and pronunciation would improve.
Then I shared my experience in articulation using voice exercises, exaggeration, and singing ( yes I hear glass shattering and somewhere in the world, it's raining ). I tried to express the importance of vocalization ( audibly hearing the self instead of just keeping and analyzing it only in one's mind ). Who knows if these reasons are enough to convince him. I guess we'll see, diba?
International Student S from Sri Lanka took up my offer ( extra English class at night ) and scheduled for a consultation meeting. He articulated his goals, and told me about his motivation for partaking in the Asia Leaders Programme, and I told him my approach in helping him reach his goals.
He told me that he needed help with spelling and pronunciation ( typical international students concern? ). My comfort zone is in assisting with composition, so I told him that I'm not a speech therapist, but I can still give tips based on personal experience and my tutoring elementary students using the Wilson Reading System. I hoped that the word "elementary" wasn't a turn off, so to my best of my ability, I highlighted the strong points that could be applied in his situation ( hopefully the ideas were translated and expressed ).
The Wilson Reading System employs the 80/20 rule, which states that the current English spelling and sounds follow a pattern consistent 80% of the time. The other 20% are the exceptions to the rule. Learning the 80% first give students consistency and confidence ( that'll prepare them to handle the exceptions ). Words are broken down into sound units with standardized letter combination. I explained to International Student S that if he could remember the letter combination with the sound then his spelling and pronunciation would improve.
Then I shared my experience in articulation using voice exercises, exaggeration, and singing ( yes I hear glass shattering and somewhere in the world, it's raining ). I tried to express the importance of vocalization ( audibly hearing the self instead of just keeping and analyzing it only in one's mind ). Who knows if these reasons are enough to convince him. I guess we'll see, diba?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Manila Internship: Administrative Issues
Como estas Readers,
Through my interactions with Secretary V and Runner J, I'm gaining administrative insights both inside and outside the University. Secretary V and I discussed the interplay between protocol and flexibility ( while speculating the challenges in organizing the Asia TEFL conference ). Runner J is the head of the maintenance department of the entire campus. Coming from an Electrical Engineering background, he's cognizant of electrical and plumbing issues, but his main responsibility is managing people and delegating work to them.
One day Secretary V and I started talking about protocols. They established standards ( or else what's the point of creating them in the first place, diba? ). Being the devil's advocate, I took the side of protocols as being rigid ( bureaucratic red-tape ). I sided with "flexibility" and stressed how "bending" the rules wasn't as bad as breaking them. Then we concluded that we should follow protocols as much as possible before bending them. Some of the challenges in organizing an international conference included: budgeting- finding a venue ( logistics such as quote, catering, lecture rooms, accommodations [travel fare, hotel, give-aways, et. al.] etc. ).
Runner J's background is helpful in the technical aspect. If there were a problem, he knows which people to contact. He also has ideas/estimation about typical cost for such expenses. All of these are secondary; his primary concern is managing at least 25 people and their schedules/tasks. His "counseling" background ( albeit minor ) gave him tips on communicating with different people ( in order to motivate and/or discipline ). Both Secretary V and Runner J use plenty of interpersonal skills as they deal with all types of people in order to facilitate smooth operation for University functions.
Through my interactions with Secretary V and Runner J, I'm gaining administrative insights both inside and outside the University. Secretary V and I discussed the interplay between protocol and flexibility ( while speculating the challenges in organizing the Asia TEFL conference ). Runner J is the head of the maintenance department of the entire campus. Coming from an Electrical Engineering background, he's cognizant of electrical and plumbing issues, but his main responsibility is managing people and delegating work to them.
One day Secretary V and I started talking about protocols. They established standards ( or else what's the point of creating them in the first place, diba? ). Being the devil's advocate, I took the side of protocols as being rigid ( bureaucratic red-tape ). I sided with "flexibility" and stressed how "bending" the rules wasn't as bad as breaking them. Then we concluded that we should follow protocols as much as possible before bending them. Some of the challenges in organizing an international conference included: budgeting- finding a venue ( logistics such as quote, catering, lecture rooms, accommodations [travel fare, hotel, give-aways, et. al.] etc. ).
Runner J's background is helpful in the technical aspect. If there were a problem, he knows which people to contact. He also has ideas/estimation about typical cost for such expenses. All of these are secondary; his primary concern is managing at least 25 people and their schedules/tasks. His "counseling" background ( albeit minor ) gave him tips on communicating with different people ( in order to motivate and/or discipline ). Both Secretary V and Runner J use plenty of interpersonal skills as they deal with all types of people in order to facilitate smooth operation for University functions.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Random? Sri Lanka 101
Namaste Readers,
One of the international students I met is from Sri Lanka, and he attended the #1 university in his country ( near the Capital ), and studied Philosophy. He was the valedictorian of his high school, and he ranked in the top 30s nationwide. He's motivated to complete a MAs program in Asia Leaders Programme at University of Peace so he can help his country during its transition from civil war to peace/unity.
Over iced tea, he summarized the Sri Lanka situation to me. Most of the issue boiled down to colonialism and its aftermath. Prior to the British Invasion ( not to be confused with the Beatles or the Spice Girls mania ). A caste system in practice divided the "country" into the haves ( minority Elites ) and have-nots ( majority non-Elites ). The have-nots perceived the British as the good guys for providing them with opportunities such as education and job prospects.
After warfare and exploitation, the British finally granted Sri Lanka its independence. However, trouble didn't end with British withdrawal. The ones, who came into power after the British, decided to make English and their language ( familiar only to them ), the country's official language ( without consenting with a majority of the population ). Thus seeds of hatred started to blossom leading into a civil war.
Other politics came into play as well: resentment towards the others for siding with the British during colonial period; affection for its connection to Ancient Indian kingdoms; influence from terrorist networks from around the world, etc. All of these are lurking in today's post civil war Sri Lanka, where Peace is not defined by mutual understanding and harmony, but rather as a hiatus from warfare ( government and the "country" didn't come up with a Peace treaty/compromise, instead government suppressed/killed a majority of the insurgents ).
One of the international students I met is from Sri Lanka, and he attended the #1 university in his country ( near the Capital ), and studied Philosophy. He was the valedictorian of his high school, and he ranked in the top 30s nationwide. He's motivated to complete a MAs program in Asia Leaders Programme at University of Peace so he can help his country during its transition from civil war to peace/unity.
Over iced tea, he summarized the Sri Lanka situation to me. Most of the issue boiled down to colonialism and its aftermath. Prior to the British Invasion ( not to be confused with the Beatles or the Spice Girls mania ). A caste system in practice divided the "country" into the haves ( minority Elites ) and have-nots ( majority non-Elites ). The have-nots perceived the British as the good guys for providing them with opportunities such as education and job prospects.
After warfare and exploitation, the British finally granted Sri Lanka its independence. However, trouble didn't end with British withdrawal. The ones, who came into power after the British, decided to make English and their language ( familiar only to them ), the country's official language ( without consenting with a majority of the population ). Thus seeds of hatred started to blossom leading into a civil war.
Other politics came into play as well: resentment towards the others for siding with the British during colonial period; affection for its connection to Ancient Indian kingdoms; influence from terrorist networks from around the world, etc. All of these are lurking in today's post civil war Sri Lanka, where Peace is not defined by mutual understanding and harmony, but rather as a hiatus from warfare ( government and the "country" didn't come up with a Peace treaty/compromise, instead government suppressed/killed a majority of the insurgents ).
Monday, July 18, 2011
Auditing: Carlos Bulosan
Hi Readers,
I found another author ( and his literary works ) to explore, and according to Prof. C., Carlos Bulosan and his works are good departing points ( segue way into post-colonial theories ). Bulosan's works exemplified major themes commonly found in postcolonial literary works by Filipino writers (Fil-Am et. al): tutelage, education/formation, language, and literacy.
Tutelage under the Americans began as benevolent "assimilation." Americans were seen as the harbinger of Enlightenment. They liberated Filipinos from the dark ages of Spanish colonialism. Initial intentions of bringing democracy etc. were good, but "absolute power corrupts absolutely," before one knows about it, American colonialism blossomed.
Americans as teachers, Americans as role models would impart the democratic ideal ( the art of self government ) and bring "modernity" to the Philippines as part of her education/formation. And a way to achieve this was through the English language, its development and usage/function. English in comparison to Spanish was more democratic. Learning English was open to the mass ( contrary to learning Spanish, which was reserved for the Elite ).
As a matter of fact, Philippines became ( or is still ) the 3rd largest English speaking country ( population wise versus land mass ) in the world. At one point ( or maybe still current ), Filipinos were more familiar with the English grammar and the American culture than the citizens of the United States of America.
In addition to learning to read (literally), some Filipinos began to articulate a cultural literacy: awareness of inequality, segregation, designation as "little brown brothers," capitalist critique ( publish or perish, not necessarily so, just find an audience ), demystification, decolonization ( from Americans, whose heyday began with the conquest of the Philippines ), an "apprenticeship in disenchantment," linguistic displacement, etc. Grabe! Ang lalim naman, diba?
I found another author ( and his literary works ) to explore, and according to Prof. C., Carlos Bulosan and his works are good departing points ( segue way into post-colonial theories ). Bulosan's works exemplified major themes commonly found in postcolonial literary works by Filipino writers (Fil-Am et. al): tutelage, education/formation, language, and literacy.
Tutelage under the Americans began as benevolent "assimilation." Americans were seen as the harbinger of Enlightenment. They liberated Filipinos from the dark ages of Spanish colonialism. Initial intentions of bringing democracy etc. were good, but "absolute power corrupts absolutely," before one knows about it, American colonialism blossomed.
Americans as teachers, Americans as role models would impart the democratic ideal ( the art of self government ) and bring "modernity" to the Philippines as part of her education/formation. And a way to achieve this was through the English language, its development and usage/function. English in comparison to Spanish was more democratic. Learning English was open to the mass ( contrary to learning Spanish, which was reserved for the Elite ).
As a matter of fact, Philippines became ( or is still ) the 3rd largest English speaking country ( population wise versus land mass ) in the world. At one point ( or maybe still current ), Filipinos were more familiar with the English grammar and the American culture than the citizens of the United States of America.
In addition to learning to read (literally), some Filipinos began to articulate a cultural literacy: awareness of inequality, segregation, designation as "little brown brothers," capitalist critique ( publish or perish, not necessarily so, just find an audience ), demystification, decolonization ( from Americans, whose heyday began with the conquest of the Philippines ), an "apprenticeship in disenchantment," linguistic displacement, etc. Grabe! Ang lalim naman, diba?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
ESL Practicum: listening
Howdy Readers,
I'm realizing why people talk more than listen. Listening takes more energy. Nonetheless if one truly listened ( as opposed to simply hearing ), one could learn a lot. Watching and listening to an 80s video entitled "Speaking to One or One Thousand" gave me tips on giving speeches and presentations, while providing me a criteria to evaluate students' speeches ( both first semester and international students ).
According to the video, public speaking ranked high in the scariest experience list. This is ironic considering that speaking and communicating are natural to mankind ( and other creatures ). The video host suggested changing perception in order to tackle the fear of public speaking by creating an atmosphere within oneself that would lessen self-consciousness.
Four factors to consider while practicing public speaking: mental, physical, vocal, and verbal. 1.) Imagining the situation can help speakers anticipate possible outcomes. Also thinking of rewards can further motivate and encourage them. 2.) Statistics revealed that 53% of those surveyed rely on physical appearance ( visual presentation of self ) to judge others' level of trust and believability ( even if looks were deceiving, the proper illusion was enough to establish credibility ).
3.) Vocal involved the projection and intonation of voice, while 4.) verbal dealt with appropriate word choice supporting the overall message. Both especially considered the context ( audience, purpose [intent], goal [actions to fulfill intent], et. al. )
.
It was interesting to observe freshmen and graduate students. Some freshies wore business casual attires during Quick Speak Mondays. If they were to memorize their speech, some were monotonous or passionate (speedy). The topic was music so some sang and some played samples from their ipods. Some of the International students' body language were apt, while some were distracting. Some of their accents were thick, while some were easier to understand.
I'm realizing why people talk more than listen. Listening takes more energy. Nonetheless if one truly listened ( as opposed to simply hearing ), one could learn a lot. Watching and listening to an 80s video entitled "Speaking to One or One Thousand" gave me tips on giving speeches and presentations, while providing me a criteria to evaluate students' speeches ( both first semester and international students ).
According to the video, public speaking ranked high in the scariest experience list. This is ironic considering that speaking and communicating are natural to mankind ( and other creatures ). The video host suggested changing perception in order to tackle the fear of public speaking by creating an atmosphere within oneself that would lessen self-consciousness.
Four factors to consider while practicing public speaking: mental, physical, vocal, and verbal. 1.) Imagining the situation can help speakers anticipate possible outcomes. Also thinking of rewards can further motivate and encourage them. 2.) Statistics revealed that 53% of those surveyed rely on physical appearance ( visual presentation of self ) to judge others' level of trust and believability ( even if looks were deceiving, the proper illusion was enough to establish credibility ).
3.) Vocal involved the projection and intonation of voice, while 4.) verbal dealt with appropriate word choice supporting the overall message. Both especially considered the context ( audience, purpose [intent], goal [actions to fulfill intent], et. al. )
.
It was interesting to observe freshmen and graduate students. Some freshies wore business casual attires during Quick Speak Mondays. If they were to memorize their speech, some were monotonous or passionate (speedy). The topic was music so some sang and some played samples from their ipods. Some of the International students' body language were apt, while some were distracting. Some of their accents were thick, while some were easier to understand.
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