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The Six Stages of Second-Language Acquisition

http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/language-acquisition-overviewimg_9807

Pre-production This is also called “the silent period,” when the student takes in the new language but does not speak it. This period often lasts six weeks or longer, depending on the individual.
Early production The individual begins to speak using short words and sentences, but the emphasis is still on listening and absorbing the new language. There will be many errors in the early production stage.
Speech Emergent Speech becomes more frequent, words and sentences are longer, but the individual still relies heavily on context clues and familiar topics. Vocabulary continues to increase and errors begin to decrease, especially in common or repeated interactions.
Beginning Fluency Speech is fairly fluent in social situations with minimal errors. New contexts and academic language are challenging and the individual will struggle to express themselves due to gaps in vocabulary and appropriate phrases.
Intermediate Fluency Communicating in the second language is fluent, especially in social language situations. The individual is able to speak almost fluently in new situations or in academic areas, but there will be gaps in vocabulary knowledge and some unknown expressions. There are very few errors, and the individual is able to demonstrate higher order thinking skills in the second language such as offering an opinion or analyzing a problem.
Advanced Fluency The individual communicates fluently in all contexts and can maneuver successfully in new contexts and when exposed to new academic information. At this stage, the individual may still have an accent and use idiomatic expressions incorrectly at times, but the individual is essentially fluent and comfortable communicating in the second language.

How long does it take for a language learner to go through these stages? Just as in any other learning situation, it depends on the individual. One of the major contributors to accelerated second language learning is the strength of first language skills. Language researchers such as Jim Cummins, Catherine Snow, Lily Wong Filmore and Stephen Krashen have studied this topic in a variety of ways for many years. The general consensus is that it takes between five to seven years for an individual to achieve advanced fluency. This generally applies to individuals who have strong first language and literacy skills. If an individual has not fully developed first language and literacy skills, it may take between seven to ten years to reach advanced fluency. It is very important to note that every ELL student comes with his or her own unique language and education background, and this will have an impact on their English learning process.

It is also important to keep in mind that the understood goal for American ELL students is Advanced Fluency, which includes fluency in academic contexts as well as social contexts. Teachers often get frustrated when ELL students appear to be fluent because they have strong social English skills, but then they do not participate well in academic projects and discussions. Teachers who are aware of ELL students’ need to develop academic language fluency in English will be much better prepared to assist those students in becoming academically successful. (Learn more about academic language in Colorín Colorado’s academic language resource section.)

 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

By Jenny Han

MAJOR MOTION PICTURE COMING TO NETFLIX AUGUST 17, 2018!

Lara Jean’s love life gets complicated in this New York Times bestselling “lovely, lighthearted romance” (SLJ) from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once?

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

artistic blossom bright clouds

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

How to introduce yourself so you’ll be unforgettable (in a good way!) — ideas.ted.com

If you can move beyond the boring basics when you’re asked “What do you do?”, you’ll set yourself up for new relationships, opportunities and revelations, says introduction expert Joanna Bloor. Mingling at a work event inevitably means being asked the question “What do you do?” over and over again. After years of repetition and conditioning,…

via How to introduce yourself so you’ll be unforgettable (in a good way!) — ideas.ted.com

The Essentials Of Halina’s Teaching

_Professional_VC
Halina in VC
I am a passionate non- native English teacher from Poland. Teaching is a crucial part of my life. With that understanding, I am a lifelong learner.

I am applying a blended learning/ training and flipped classroom approaches.
The traditional physical classroom settings are not efficient enough, for my lessons.

In my opinion, technology gives us countless new possibilities.
As I have already specified, I prefer blended learning, which means, taking advantage of both, traditional f2f techniques and opportunities confronted with new technologies.

An occasion to meet and connect with people from the entire Globe is one of the reasons I appreciate online communication, very much.

I retired in October 2013 and signed for a freelance Senior Lecturer occupation at the Wroclaw University of Technology.

At present, I am going to continue taking and giving online English courses.

Thinking in a foreign language is precisely what I want my students to accomplish. I teach without a bridge language, or lingua franca was also known as a common language, trade language or even vehicular language. Students do not share any language. I focus on practical communication skills which cover the ability to: speak appropriately with a wide variety of students while maintaining good eye contact, demonstrate a varied vocabulary and tailor the language to your audience. We need to listen effectively, present ideas appropriately, write clearly and in brief and work well in a group. All of these abilities and competencies required excellent communication skills.

When I teach Polish, my foreigners and I have to speak only Polish, and my English classes are run entirely in English.
This means they are required to forget about their native language and start speaking as well as thinking in a foreign language.
My students learn English in different contexts, mostly singing phrases, expressions, collocation, idioms, and phrasal verbs, and also telling stories. Moreover, I encourage them to talk to everybody, even to themselves in a foreign language. As a result of this, they can establish a set of compelling stories. I correct only substantial mistakes. I do not want them to stop talking. I also encourage my students to listen to songs, watch movies with subtitles in a language they learn, read a lot and so forth.
Additionally, to improve a student’s pronunciation, I often use YouTube videos as well as movies with English subtitles and obviously songs.

I believe in using music in English teaching. My approach is that we do not speak the language, but instead we sing it. English bears a unique melody, rhythm as well as intonation.
My students enjoy English lessons with me because they are never bored.

Halina_June_2018_Moment

 

True Learning

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Authentic Learning

 

I give English one to one tutoring classes as well as ONLINE English Courses.

I realize what YOU need to succeed in English. I know the essential skills you need to grow to suit an active communicator in English.

My classes are for students who want to use a most proficient approach to get fluent in English fast by practicing English Skills. Training is a subconscious process and is faster than conscious learning.

Being capable of putting across effectively is the most important of all life skills.

Communication is merely the act of transferring information from one place to another, whether this is vocal,  written, visually or non-verbally (using body language, gestures and the tone and pitch of the voice).

How well this information can be transmitted and received is a measure of how good our communication skills are.

Training your English communication skills can facilitate all aspects of your life, from your professional spirit to social gatherings and everything in between.

 

Conventional methods of learning English exemplify passive learning with a limited success rate. I firmly trust in Active Learning of English Skills which is much more efficient than passive learning.

These are the primary disadvantages of passive English learning

  1. The major weakness of passive education is that it splits the language into different components – reading, writing, listening, grammar, and pronunciation – which you try to learn separately.
  2. When learners are not actively involved in the class, they continue to think in their native language. Whatever the instructor explains to them, they try to interpret it in their mother tongue. It becomes nearly impossible to process the information intuitively or spontaneously.
  3. Because learners aren’t taught to think in English, they are unable to communicate in English.

Active learning helps students start speaking English confidently in less than a year.
Active learning is more than just listening: it involves the active participation of students. They must use the language all the time and be emotionally involved in the process.

We call for the conversion from Passive Learning to Active Training English Skills

As a language teacher, I use all kinds of tricks just because making students speak and building their self-confidence in keeping the conversation going is the most essential for me.
When I teach Polish, my foreigners and I have to speak only Polish, and also my English classes are run entirely in English. I train without a bridge language.
This signifies they are required to forget about native language and start speaking as well as intending in a foreign linguistic communication. Thinking in a foreign language, this is just what I want my learners to achieve.
My students learn the words in different contexts, mostly singing phrases, expressions, collocations, idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs also telling tales. Moreover, I inspire them to talk to everybody, even to themselves in a foreign language. Consequently, they can communicate as well as discuss a variety of beautiful narrations.
Many teachers spend most of their time altering each other’s errors.

Nevertheless, I correct only fundamental errors, as I don’t want students to stop talking. I also encourage my learners to listen to songs, watch movies with subtitles in a language they learn, read a lot and so forth.

Moodle_Experience_2_Jun_2013_de7d827bHalina's Course

 

  1. The most important is to deliver comprehensible input. We improve the language when we understand it.

I am very much against the support in the native language.

  1. Learners spend more time dynamically speaking English when we convince them, for working students.
    I also develop an environment for gaining all language skills – reading, listening, speaking, writing, and pronunciation at the same time. Learners experience everyday situations again entirely in English.
  2. The mobile is an obvious choice for delivering information. It affords pupils access to reading material both in the course of educational activity and after the class of a written report. It covers support for sharing sessions with friends or teachers, which is essential for digital learners.using-digital-tools-

The lessons added by a teacher allow building an active connection between everyone.

As a result, I as an English teacher achieve a perpetual change from passive learning to the active, improving English skills.

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Thank you for reading and watching.

Wishing you all the best,

Halina Ostankowicz- Bazan

References

http://edglossary.org/authentic-learning/

https://uteach.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/files/SixKeyStrategiesELL.pdf

https://www.ernweb.com/educational-research-articles/the-four-characteristics-of-authentic-learning/

https://youtu.be/XOupbmSx27A

https://clt.curtin.edu.au/teaching_learning_practice/student_centred/authentic.cfm

 

 

  1. Brookfield, S. (2000). Adult cognition as a dimension of lifelong learning. In J. Field &
  2. Cisero, C. A. (2006). Does reflective journal writing improve course performance? College Teaching, 54, 231-236.
  3. Developing Language Objectives for English Language Learners in Physical Education Lessons. Clancy, M. & Hruska, B. (2005).
  4. Dewey, J. (1933). How we think (Revised). Boston: D.C. Heath.
  5. Duckett, H. (2002). Smoke and mirrors? Evaluating the use of reflective practice as a management learning technique.” Education-line database, December 23.
  6. Effective Instruction for English-Language Learners. Protheroe, N. (2011).
  7. English Language Learners: A Policy Research Brief produced by the National Council of Teachers of English. NCTE. (2008).
  8. Instructional Models and Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners. Center on Instruction. Moughamian et al. (2009).
  9. Shulruf, B. (2011). Do extra-curricular activities in school improve educational outcomes? A critical review and meta-analysis of the literature. International Review of Education, (56),591-612.

 

Enhanced Learning Experiences

To provide enhanced learning experiences, it is important to remember these points:

Communication must be regular and responsive to partners.BannerforNing6
Technology tools need to be tested and trialed first before students become frustrated – in this summit it was made clear teachers had set up the technology and supported student use throughout
Collaboration means being able to ‘get on’ with others – so although there may be disagreements between cross-school teams, the goal is to problem solve and come to a mutual understanding – we all need these skills in today’s world!
Student-centred, inquiry-based learning is key to successful sharing and the better understanding of global partners here.

A page full of video tutorials and resources

via Teachers

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EnglishCentral makes teaching English fun and effective by turning popular web videos into
powerful language learning experiences. EnglishCentral allows teachers to sign up students,
select video curriculum, assign goals and track student progress. Perfect for any blended learning
approach and the 21st-century digital classroom.

 

Non -Native and Native English Teachers

Native English Teacher or non- Native English Teachers

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Is English a Global Language?

 

The contentious issue of (non)nativeness remains unanswered.
Nowadays, being an NNEST or NNEST should not count but rather teachers’ professional capabilities.
The presentation provides a forum for reflection and discussion about NNESTs.
We should value professional and personal qualities over ‘nativeness.’
The skills and qualities that make an effective language teacher are the most significant.
Both ‘NESTs’ and ‘NNESTs’ are expected to be competent teachers, each with excellent professional skills.
What can non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) perform better?
What can native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) manage better?

 

Muhammet Kahraman – Today I Will Not Die

Picpicture-12Turgay Evren’s ESL

Today I will not die is a song of hope written for Syrian refugee kids and all children of war in the world.

Lyrics: Turgay Evren
Melody: Muhammet Kahraman
Arrangement: Emre Moğulkoç

Songs are being used in the USA schools

Today I will not die is a song of hope written for Syrian refugee kids and all children of war in the world.

Today I will not die
Today my land is Turkey

Dreams were my home
The jets hijacked
Green was my land
Before the sunset, I will not give up
I will leave behind
Blood and death
My orphan heart is my best friend
My smile sets my path

We are the children of heaven
Our love will beat all the weapons
We are the roses of all seasons
Compassion will conquer all the vengeance
We are all brothers and sisters
We deserve the world much better

Today I will not complain
Today I will be content
Today I got no space for pain
Hope will spread to every tent

My toys are bombs
Raining from the skies
Human rights are a song
Composed of white lies
My soul will not starve
Hope will not drown
In the sea of blame
My heart will not go lame
My innocence will rise again

Dreams were my home
The jets hijacked

Green was my land
Before the sunset
I will not give up
I will leave behind
Blood and death
My orphan heart is my best friend
My smile sets my path

We are the children of the heaven
Our love will beat all the weapons
We are the roses of all seasons
Compassion will conquer all the vengeance
We are all brothers and sisters
We deserve the world much better

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING ONLINE

There are numerous definitions of online learning in the literature, definitions that reflect the diversity of practice and associated technologies. Carliner (1999) defines online learning as educational material that is presented on a computer. Khan (1997) defines online instruction as an innovative approach to delivering instruction to a remote audience, using the Web as the medium.
However, online learning involves more than just the presentation and distribution of the materials using the Web: the learner and the learning process should be the focus of online learning.
Teaching face-to-face and teaching online are both teaching, but they are qualitatively different.Online education starts when faculty move from the traditional classroom to the online classroom. There are some things that the two have in common, but there are also plenty of differences.
1. The online teacher plays the role of guiding students through one or more online learning experiences. These experiences are every so often designed and planned long before the course starts so that the teacher can devote more time to guiding the students and less time preparing lessons. Within this role, the teacher directs and redirects the attention of learners toward fundamental concepts and ideas.
2. Learning is hard work and studying online can sometimes feel isolating, confusing, or discouraging without the guide.
As a result, the effective online teacher makes intentional efforts to communicate precise encouraging messages to individual learners and the group as a whole. Moreover, even when providing constructive feedback, the teacher as supporter finds a way to promote positive messages alongside the critiques. Encouragement and welcoming support are an important approach to maintaining an overall positive morale in the class. At times, learners may fall into negative comments about themselves, the class, or their classmates (even the instructor, on occasion). The coach makes every effort to find ways to listen, respect the learner’s frustrations, but also to help them reframe the situation in a manner that students are more active and creative.
3. Many people focus on the role of the teacher as role model, and that is valuable. However, the role of the coach is just as important, even more, important if we want learners to develop high levels of competence and confidence. The online teacher must move beyond just modeling a depth motivation for the subject and personal skill with the content. The mentor needs to find ways to hand the matter over to the students to do something with it. Applied projects and papers work well for this, and it gives the teacher an opportunity to be a coach and advisor.
4. Learners need some feedback about their work. How are they doing? Are they getting closer to meeting the learning objectives or not? The effective online teacher finds ways to give thoughtful feedback to individual learners and, when appropriate, groups of students.
5. Without intentional efforts to build a positive social environment, online learning can feel lonely and impersonal. As a result, the online teacher must serve as an encouraging host, facilitating introductions, using discussion starters to enable conversations among students, and taking the time to get to know students and referencing that knowledge in interactions with them.
6. The whole thing is documented in an online course. The teacher can tell when and how many times a student logs into the course, what pages were viewed or not, how many discussions posts the student contributed, and much more. This data can be abused, but it can also be used to make adjustments and informed decisions by an online teacher. If a student is not logging in or failing to visit pages in the course with the direct instructions, the coach points that out to the learners or reorganizes the content so that it is easier to find.
7. Online courses are rich with content and sometimes students can get lost in all that content. The teacher as regulator intentionally releases content in chunks that are appropriate for students. Sometimes this comes in the form of only publishing content one week at a time. Other times, the teacher releases it all at once but directs students only to focus on individual parts at a time. Another key is to break content into smaller segments. Rather than a twenty-page document of instructions, it is better to consider breaking it into ten two-page documents.
8. Good teachers are lifelong learners, and they can model that learning for their students in a variety of ways in the online classroom. The teacher can be active (but not too active or it will silence students) participant in online discussions, sharing what they are learning about the subject, and even complete all or fragments of some assignments, sharing their work with the students. The procedure goes a long way in building an exciting and dynamic online learning community where one and all in the community commits to exemplifying the qualities of a lifelong learner.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/eight-roles-of-an-effective-online-teacher/