Friday, April 29, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Adult English Conversation Practice!
Practice speaking English with a native speaker and others!
These conversation sessions will help you build confidence in speaking English as well as provide lots of opportunity to practice pronunciation - AND, they're fun!
I use my Cambridge University degree in English in Language Teaching to Adults to help others develop their speaking skills, including fluency, pronunciation and confidence.
As we converse, I take notes so I may offer you praise as well as areas and suggestions for improvement. I assess speaking skills, fluency and grammar, but don't worry, this isn't a boring grammar class!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Questions and Answers
Do you have a question about English grammar? Would you like a hint (tip) on how to improve your pronunciation? Have you ever wondered what some phrases mean when you hear native speakers talking? Do you need help with English homework?
This is your time.
Post your questions on this blog post, by clicking on Comments. You don't have to register, and it's very easy. You can use your name or post as anonymous (no one will know who you are). I look forward to reading and answering all of your questions! Write one now!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Conversation Practice
NOW OFFERING: Conversation practice with native English speaking American via Skype. Practice pronunciation and build confidence from the privacy of your own home!
How does it work?
Do you have access to a computer and internet access? You can practice English conversation!
Download Skype (free of charge) and check that your microphone and speakers (or headphones) are working. Then call the teacher, who will give you her Skype nickname, at the specified time.
Relax, and talk. Your teacher will give you topics to discuss, or you may suggest one of your own. Topics change every 10-15 minutes, so everyone has a chance to talk about something that interests them.
While you're speaking, the teacher will make notes so that at the end of each class, she will be able to offer praise and suggestions for improvement for the next class.
What if I don't have a computer?
No problem. Can you borrow a friend's computer for a few hours per week? Is there an internet cafe you can go to? Then you can do it too!
How do I pay?
Go to your nearest NSGB branch and deposit the fee into the account. The teacher will provide all the necessary details.
Please leave a comment to pre-register. Time slots are filling fast!
How does it work?
Do you have access to a computer and internet access? You can practice English conversation!
Download Skype (free of charge) and check that your microphone and speakers (or headphones) are working. Then call the teacher, who will give you her Skype nickname, at the specified time.
Relax, and talk. Your teacher will give you topics to discuss, or you may suggest one of your own. Topics change every 10-15 minutes, so everyone has a chance to talk about something that interests them.
While you're speaking, the teacher will make notes so that at the end of each class, she will be able to offer praise and suggestions for improvement for the next class.
What if I don't have a computer?
No problem. Can you borrow a friend's computer for a few hours per week? Is there an internet cafe you can go to? Then you can do it too!
How do I pay?
Go to your nearest NSGB branch and deposit the fee into the account. The teacher will provide all the necessary details.
Please leave a comment to pre-register. Time slots are filling fast!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
While, Unlike and In contrast to
Level 10 Students:
I've been searching for a grammar rule to help determine when each of these phrases is used. An older English teacher told me, "Sometimes English just is. Sometimes there is no 'rule'. Listening to English speakers will help them have an ear for what sounds right."
The best advice I can give is to review the work we've done, along with the Grammar Plus in the back of the book. Practice saying the phrases out loud, and develop an "ear" for what sounds right. It will come in time.
I've been searching for a grammar rule to help determine when each of these phrases is used. An older English teacher told me, "Sometimes English just is. Sometimes there is no 'rule'. Listening to English speakers will help them have an ear for what sounds right."
The best advice I can give is to review the work we've done, along with the Grammar Plus in the back of the book. Practice saying the phrases out loud, and develop an "ear" for what sounds right. It will come in time.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
What makes a good language lesson?
In my opinion, a good language lesson requires a teacher who is proficient in communicating using many different methods. The teacher should be able to convey one message in several ways while engaging the entire class. She should also be patient with her students and understanding of the challenges that normally arise while learning something new.
A good language lesson should include phrases that can be used immediately in daily life, colloquialisms, sentence structure, pronunciation, grammar and spelling. These may be taught by repetition, asking the class to repeat after the teacher, role-play, writing, word games and showing subtitled television programs or movies when the class is in need of a break from intense learning.
I think building confidence in students is very important to their progression in learning a new language. Announced tests and surprise quizzes help students and teacher discover how well the class is learning.
When a student excels, it should be celebrated. If a student is not progressing as fast as the rest of the class, extra tutoring should be offered. A good teacher will be aware of where her students are in the learning process while continuing to move the class forward as a whole.
In all, a good language lesson is challenging, engaging, productive and constantly builds on what has already been learned. A positive and patient approach by both student and teacher ensures a good learning experience.
A good language lesson should include phrases that can be used immediately in daily life, colloquialisms, sentence structure, pronunciation, grammar and spelling. These may be taught by repetition, asking the class to repeat after the teacher, role-play, writing, word games and showing subtitled television programs or movies when the class is in need of a break from intense learning.
I think building confidence in students is very important to their progression in learning a new language. Announced tests and surprise quizzes help students and teacher discover how well the class is learning.
When a student excels, it should be celebrated. If a student is not progressing as fast as the rest of the class, extra tutoring should be offered. A good teacher will be aware of where her students are in the learning process while continuing to move the class forward as a whole.
In all, a good language lesson is challenging, engaging, productive and constantly builds on what has already been learned. A positive and patient approach by both student and teacher ensures a good learning experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)