Teaching Conversational Skills Tips and Strategies

Teaching Conversational Skills Tips and Strategies Teaching conversational skills can be challenging as not only English skills are required. English students who excel in conversation tend to be those with self-motivated, outgoing personalities. However, students who feel they lack this skill are often shy when it comes to conversation. In other words, personality traits that dominate in everyday life tend to appear in the classroom as well. As English teachers, its our job to help students improve their conversational skills, but often teaching is not really the answer. The Challenge Generally speaking, most English learners feel that they need more conversation practice. Grammar, writing and other skills are all very important, but, for most students, conversation is the most important. Unfortunately, teaching conversational skills is much more challenging than teaching grammar  as the focus is not on accuracy, but on production. When employing role-plays, debates, topic discussions, etc., some students are often timid in expressing their viewpoints. This seems due to a number of reasons: Students dont have an opinion on the subject.Students have an opinion but are worried about what the other students might say or think.Students have an opinion but dont feel they can say exactly what they mean.Students begin giving their opinion but want to state it in the same eloquent manner that they are capable of in their native language.Other, more actively participating students, feel confident in their opinions and express them eloquently making the less confident students more timid. Pragmatically, conversation lessons and exercises should first focus on building skills by eliminating some of the barriers that might be in the way of production. Here are some suggestions to help free up students in conversation. Point out that its not necessary to always speak the truth in class. In fact, not worrying about exactly what happened can help free up students.Create lesson plans that focus on functional skills such as asking for permission, disagreeing, etc. rather than open-ended lessons that students might find vague.Set micro-tasks such as the use of specific verbs, idioms, etc. within overall speaking tasks.  Use tasks such as information gathering or problem-solving activities that encourage students to communicate in English in order to complete the tasks. Here is a closer look at some of these ideas: Focus on Function   Its important to help students become familiar with language functions rather than focusing on a grammar-based approach when developing lessons to help with conversational skills. Start off simple with functions such as: Asking permission, stating an opinion, ordering food in a restaurant, etc.   Explore grammar issues by asking what linguistic formulas should be used to achieve the desired results. For example, if you are comparing two sides of an argument which forms might be helpful (comparative, superlative, would rather, etc). Use formulas to encourage correct usage such as: How / What about Verb Ing for making suggestions - How about taking a trip to San Diego?Would you mind Verb Ing for making requests -  Would you mind giving me a hand?Would you rather Verb or Verb  for asking for preferences -  Would you rather take the train or drive? Expand this approach slowly by asking students to create short role plays using cue cards. Once students become comfortable with target structures and representing differing points of view, classes can move onto more elaborated exercises such as debates and group decision-making activities.   Assign Points of View Ask students to take on a specific viewpoint. Sometimes, its a good idea to ask students to try to state opinions that they dont necessarily share. Having been assigned roles, opinions, and points of view that they do not necessarily share, students are freed from having to express their own opinions. Therefore, they can focus on expressing themselves well in English. In this way, students tend to concentrate more on production skills, and less on factual content. They also are less likely to insist on literal translations from their mother tongue. This approach bears fruit especially when debating opposing points of view. By representing opposing points of view, students imaginations are activated by trying to focus on all the various points that an  opposing  stand on any given issue may take. As students inherently do not agree with the view they represent, they are freed from having to invest emotionally in the statements  they make. More importantly, from a pragmatic point of view, students tend to focus more on correct function and structure when they do not become too emotionally involved in what they are saying. Of course, this is not to say that students should not express their own opinions. After all, when students go out into the real world they will want to say what they mean. However, taking out the personal investment factor can help students first become more confident in using English. Once this confidence is gained, students - especially timid students - will be more self-assured when expressing their own points of view. Focus on Tasks Focusing on tasks is quite similar to focusing on function. In this case, students are given specific tasks they must complete in order to do well. Here are some suggestions on tasks that can help students practice their conversational skills: Create student surveys to gather information.Teamwork activities such as treasure hunts.Board games.Build something - group activities such as a science project or presentations allow everyone to join in the fun. Quick Review Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Its a good idea to have students report their experiences truthfully and in great detail.General conversational activities are best for more advanced students while beginner should focus on functions.Assigning a point of view helps students focus on linguistic accuracy rather than stating exactly what they believe.Problem-solving teamwork  tasks should be avoided as they are not realistic.Outgoing students tend to be better at conversational skills. Answers False - Students shouldnt have to worry about telling the exact truth because they might not have the vocabulary.True - Advanced students have the linguistic skills to deal with broader issues.True - Assigning a point of view can help free up students to focus on form rather than on content.  False - Problem solving requires teamwork and conversational ability.True - Motivated outgoing students tend to allow themselves to make mistakes and thus speak more freely.

Ariel Sharon- Crimes against Humanity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ariel Sharon- Crimes against Humanity - Essay Example The peacemaker image of Ariel Sharon is just one side of the story. Actually speaking, there is much about Ariel Sharon that makes him a controversial figure. Most of the world does know only the good things about Ariel Sharon. Yet, it is a fact that Ariel Sharon was involved in multiple crimes against humanity. Ariel Sharon was involved in many acts of gross human rights violations which lead to the killing of a number of innocent Palestinian civilians. Hence, it is a historical fact that Ariel Sharon happened to be an Israeli leader that committed multiple crimes against humanity and was directly responsible for the death of a number of Palestinian civilians. Everybody knows that in the 1948 war, Israel won almost seventy-eight percent of the territory that happened to be the home to thousands of Palestinians. Even after conquering these large tracts of the Palestinian territory, there was a section of the Israeli army that was not satisfied with this victory. There were many officers in the army of the newly found state of Israel who believed that Palestinians needed to be repressed and scared with the use of force. The purpose was to keep the Palestinians so scared that they do not dare to raise a voice against the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. The other objective of the Israeli army was to take over such Palestinian territories that were yet not under their control, like Gaza, and the West Bank. Thereby the army of Israel planned an aggressive military strategy against the Palestinians that involved large-scale attacks and massacre of the innocent Palestinians.  

Bottled Water challenge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Bottled Water challenge - Essay Example Compared to the traditional tap water, the cost of bottled water has remained relatively high and this has affected its acceptance in different parts of the society. The high cost of bottled water has been significantly felt by members of the low social class in the society whose income cannot enable them to use this category of water. Producers of bottled water have been accused of being at the forefront of environmental pollution and the entire supply chain of this commodity has been involved. First, bottled waters are packed in plastic bottles that are produced from polyethylene terephthalate polymer (Yaqub, Hamid, Haseeb, Akhtar & Akram, 2014). This toxic chemical is derived from the end phase of petroleum refining and has massive implications to the environment. In order to sustain the demand for bottled water, the plastic packaging bottles must be produced in enough quantities. This involves the involvement of big petrochemical companies such as ExxonMobil and BP whose activities have affected the environment is significant ways (Huerta-Saenz, Irigoyen, Benavides & Mendoza, 2012). Apart from the raw materials, the process of producing the bottles also require large amount of energy according to reports from the pacific institute. To package over 31 billion litres of bottled water demanded in the United States per year, a total of 17 million barrels of oil will be used and this will increase the level of greenhouse gas emission to the atmosphere. As compared to tap water that is transported through pipes sank underground, the transportation of bottled water require heavy vehicles, container ships and trucks. These not only consume significant volume of oil but also release gallons of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. Bottled water that is transported to other continents therefore affects the aquatic ecosystem and leads to an increase in marine deaths due to increase in pollution. Plastic bottles are non-biodegradable and thus affect the

Communication in Early Years Settings

Communication in Early Years Settings Introduction Communication is vital tool in all early years settings, it creates and developed positive relationships between all involved in looking after young children. Positive Relationships Respectful Relationships In order for a relationship to work there needs to be respect, this be fixated if everyone is treated equal and as an individual. Establishing a warm and welcoming environment is essential in developing respectful relationship. Albert Bandura believed that children watch the different ways in which individuals behave in their surroundings. Model is the name use to describe the people who are being watched. There are many powerful people that encircle children in society. These can be family members, friends, television characters or people in their school environment. Whether they are male or female, good or bad, the behaviour that these people demonstrate can be copied by children and display at a later date, whether appropriate or not. It may be more likely that a child will copy individuals that they think reflects them similarly, for example, behaviour display by people of the same gender. If a child is rewarded for positive behaviour it is possible that the child will maintain that pattern. It is important to reward a child for positive behaviour as it helps the child to build self-confidence, and to become aware of the difference between negative and positive behaviour. A child may seek endorsement fo r its behaviour from friends or family member. This endorsement is outside support, however, the emotion of excitement felt about the endorsement is of an inner support. A child desire to be approved of will always display behaviour which it thinks brings approval. Whether the support is negative or positive it’s not of great significance, if the support given outwardly is not equal the needs of the individual. There are lot of people that children may choose to identify with such as, family members, friends, or those on television. These distinct people have standard that a person could desire to have, which give them the incentive to want to identify with them. The result of this is the transformation of the behaviours, convictions, views and principles of the person trying to copy those people. Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Meeting Individual Communication Needs There are other ways to communicate as to verbal communication; using alternative methods will be useful in an early years settings to meet the individual needs of communication of the child(ren), parent and colleagues. Using alternative communication methods also promote diversity and inclusion. Verbal communication can be used to inform parent about their childs day at the end of the session, in a meeting with colleagues to plan activities Share information and to communicate with children throughout the day and during activities. Written communication Letters can be send out the parents to inform them about any changes to their child’s setting and provide information keeping them up to date, letters can also be sent out to parents to gain permission to take their children on outings and events. Reports will often be in a written format. In early years setting reports will be written about a child’s safeguarding concerns, development and any incidents. Electronic With an advance in technology electronic newsletters will be set out to parents. Email can be sent between colleagues to organise meetings or share information. Phone Telephone communication is used to inform a parent if a child is sick or has had an accident. Staff in an early years setting might use the telephone as form of communication with other professionals or arrange a meeting. Sign Language sign language is used if the individual has problems with speech, language difficulties or hearing impairments, this is a face to face form of communication Makaton (a version of British Sign Language) is often used in order to communicate with young children. This might include using pictures symbols as well as signing Interpretation Interpretation is used to communicate with people who do not speak English; this can take be both verbal and written methods to make sure that any messages are passed on correctly. Relationship within Early Years Setting There is a range of relationships that are in an early years setting and they all play an important role in the successful learning and development of children Childrens friendship early year’s settings provides children with a place for social interaction children will develop friendships in their environment. The development of a childs social skills will be a factor of forming a child who as a respected member of adulthood. Child starts to enjoy the company from an early age and become aware of others. Developing friendships helps a childs personal, social, emotional development and confidence; therefore practitioners should encourage and support children while they play to promote sharing and cooperation. The Key Worker The Key Worker Relationship A key worker is a practitioner who is set to the meet the individual needs of a child. Making sure that every childs care is tailored to meet their individual needs; they ensure that the child is settled in the setting and that they have built a relationship with the child and their parents. For a key worker it is essential that they develop a close and strong relationship with the child. When in early years setting every child is assigned a key worker, this person will have the main connection with parent and child. The key worker system is very important for young babies as they are completely dependent on their careers as they will experience anxiety when separated from their parents, key workers should spend time with their key child to develop trust and the child feeling safe and secure. Stage Psychosocial Crisis Basic Virtue Age 1 Trust vs. mistrust Hope Infancy (0 to 1 1/2 2 Autonomy vs. shame Will Early Childhood (1 Â ½ to 3) 3 Initiative vs. guilt Purpose Play Age (3 to 5) 4 Industry vs. inferiority Competency School Age (5 to 12) 5 Ego identity vs. Role Confusion Fidelity Adolescence (12 to 18) 6 Intimacy vs. isolation Love Young Adult (18 to 40) 7 Generativity vs. stagnation Care Adult hood (40 to 65) 8 Ego integrity vs. despair Wisdom Maturity (65) The importance of children developing trust within the first stage of life. Trust vs. Mistrust It is often asked whether the world is a secure environment or filled with unforeseen disaster about to take place. It is said that predicament seems to take place in life first year. Predicament is one of trust or mistrust. During this period the child is unsure regarding the environment they are living in .The child will look for comfort and security from its caregiver cover the feeling of doubt. For a child to develop the feeling of trust, the care given must be of consistency, security and certainty to help them to transfer to another relationship, which will empower them if threats occur. Succeeding at this point can be accomplished by strength and belief. When the feeling of trust is developed, the child can hold on to the belief that if a new predicament arises, there is reassurance that other people will be there to provide help. Fear will be developed if strength and belief have failed, e.g. If the care that is given is inhospitable unstable and unsecure. The child will deve lop the feeling of mistrust and lack of assurance in their environment, and not having the potential to make an impact in proceedings. The child will take with them, the fundamental feeling of mistrust to another relationship, this will cause them to be anxious and add to uncertainty, and a further sense of mistrust in their environment. Erikson, E. (1959), Theory of Psychology Development. Roles and Responsibilities of the key worker The key worker should be planning activities for their key child, they implement these activities during session time, while they are taking part in these activities they observe the childs participation, this promotes the childs learning a development through play, they also carry assessments of individual childrens development. As part of a key workers job, they carry out the personal needs of the child and communicate with parents on a regular basis. The Ecological system theory says human advancement is caused by various kinds of arrangement in their surroundings. This micro system’s setting is the direction that surrounds our lives. The people in our lives that have direct connection are educators, peers, family and neighbours. All are included in the micro system of which we socialise in. According to the theory, it is unlikely that we are simply recipient of the contact we have when interacting socially with those in the micro system surroundings, but we contribute to the creating of such surroundings. Brofenbrenner, U. (1917-2005). Effective Communication with Children It is important for the practitioners to communicate with children in a way that is appropriate such as; getting down to a childs level so they dont feel intimidated, demonstrate body language that is positive and welcoming and using language that is appropriate to a childs age and stage of development. Partnership with Parents Parents as Partners Parents are the people that know their child best, they provide knowledge to a childs particular interest and needs and this can be used to enhance the childs care. The key worker this the first person a parent will get to know, first impressions will be important in order to assure that they have made the right decision, it important to that the key worker is welcoming and friendly to parents, so that you are approachable. Admission to the Setting When parents entrust their child to an early years settings, the practitioner should work in partnership with parents to ensure that the information is specific to the child and is shared with all staff members so they are aware of the childs individual needs. Sharing of information about a childs illness, disabilities and allergies will make settling in easier for both the parent and child. Ways to involve parents within the setting Allows parents to explore the settings appropriately Child can show their parents things they like to play with Parents can see displays and examples of childrens work Sharing observation and planning with parents Invite parents to volunteer on outings Encourage parents to support learning and development by attending workshops and making contribution, e.g. from their own background. This is a social activity that provides parents with the opportunity to interact with practitioners and parents to build self-confidence. Effective Communication with Parent can be achieved through positive relationships. Ensuring time is allocated to communicate with parent when appropriate. Positive body language is demonstrated, show individual attention to parent and child, give detail and accurate information about a child interest and achievements and ensuring private and confidential matters are dealt with professionally. Multi-agency Working A number of professionals, working together with different knowledge and expertise sharing information, and provide a plan to support and benefit the child individual needs. Time, Communication and Professional background are barriers that can impact multi-agency working. It is best to plan meeting in advance that all involved are aware of the dates and can stick to them. Organizing a convenient time for all Professionals to meet can be very challenging. It is important to take time to listen to others when communicating. There are diverse languages and jargons that link to different Professional background which other professional who take care of children may not be familiar with. There are particular role and training for all professionals involved in the care of children and everyone may have different views and opinions of what is best for the child. It is vital for practitioners to take into account the professional perspective of other, and not always relying on what is familiar. The care and support for the child should take precedence by multi-agency. Confidentiality It is a legal requirement under The Data Protection Act 1998 to ensure all confidential documents and data must be stored in a secured place. These documents can also be kept in a secured location outside the setting. It is the Providers responsibility to ensure only professional and those who have the right to access secured confidential documents and information about children and staff should view them. It is important that Providers kept documents and get and share report (with parents and carers, and all relevant authority working with children such as, Ofsted, the police and social services as appropriate) for example, to identify if a child has additional need, if there are cause for concern regards to safeguarding or if emergency treatment has to be given to a child. This also ensures that the managing of the setting operates safely and efficiently, and making sure they are meeting the needs of all the children. Providers to ensure they have frequent dialogue flowing both way s with parents/carers and make available their child’s development records and file only. On request, providers should incorporate parents’ and or carers’ comments into children’s record. It is vital for Providers to make sure all staff comprehend the importance of protecting the privacy of the children they are caring for, and to upheld the legal requirements that states how to handle information that apply a child in ways that guarantee confidentiality. Ofsted must have Records readily available to them to access when requested. Data Protection Act (1998). Reference List Bandura, A. (1977) Social Learning Theory, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1917-2005). Data Protection Act (1998). Erikson, E. (1959).Theory of Psychology Development.

Hardys Tess of the dUrbervilles - Talbothay and Tesss Struggle Essa

Tess of the d'Ubervilles - Talbothay and Tess's Struggle   Ã‚  Ã‚   In Tess of the d'Ubervilles, Tess is spiritually homeless. She wanders from place to place, doomed by her guilt to suffer personal ruin. Most of her temporary domiciles are backdrops for unhappiness and uncertainty, but her time at Talbothay's Dairy is ostensibly a period of bliss. What purpose does this segment of the text - which on the surface seems so hopeful - serve? When she begins to work for the dairy and is wooed by Angel Clare, Tess is pulled asunder by two competing forces: nature and society. The happiness and innocent sexual blush she discovers at the Edenic Talbothay solidifies Tess's shift toward natural impulses. These impulses are strong enough to temporarily subdue Tess's crippling shame, and thus establish the text's central moral conflict.    The Talbothay interlude allows Tess to put off making the final plunge into marriage for as long as possible. In a literary limbo, Tess can enjoy her physical awakening without the stain of sin that her previous consummation with Alec had imposed. Were it up to Tess, she would remain in this state of neo-virginity forever, for in it she is anonymous. She is not given the opportunity to live in this state for very long, of course. Angel's ambitions - and these are grand in a conventional sense, despite his misleading antipathy toward social climbing - compel him to make Tess promise to marry him, preparing in her a channel for natural will that allows her to set aside fear of Angel's rejection should he find out about her past. While she at first resists his advances and resigns herself to living without him, she is ultimately vulnerable to desire. We watch nature subsume Tess's i... ... Tess's natural side wins over, but she is then set up for a bitter end because she abdicates herself to Angel's moral indignation, blind to her own natural goodness. This is the tragedy of the text. Because the two sides of the "social chasm that [divide] our heroine's personality" cannot be brought into accord, Tess must lose everything. The Talbothay period shows what a happy community might look like - what her life might have been were it not for the albatross of shame. Talbothay is a shiny foil for the social brutality present in every other phase of Tess's short life. Works Cited and Consulted Beer, Gillian. "Finding a Scale for the Human." Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Ed. Scott Elledge. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1991. Hardy, Thomas. Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Ed. Scott Elledge. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1991.

Othello Explication

Explication Othello: 3. 3. 258-271. â€Å"Why did I marry? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ I do beseech your Honour. † 1. Determine the context of the passage. Othello is doubting Desdemona, and Iago is trying to plant the idea that Desdemona has a hidden agenda with trying to persuade Othello to reinstate Cassio. 2. Describe the passage in its most overt form. (Does it rhyme, does it repeat phrases, words, etc. This passage does not have a rhyme scheme. The only repeat phrases that seem to really show up in the passage are when Iago does call Othello â€Å"Your Honor†.Iago does pause four times when he is speaking in which brings more seemingly innocence to Iago’s character. 3. Do these issues (especially the diction) reflex upon the rest of the text and how so? Yes, This text reflect in the passage and the rest of the text due to Iago urging and pointing out that Desdemona and Cassio are something more then just friends. 4. Describe in detail how the passage works. Does it use questions and why? Does it repeat and why? Does it contain antitheses of any kind and why? ’ Does it contain an oxymoron (or more than one) and why? Does it rely on Petrarchan devices and why?What are the main metaphors (or similes) and why? Are there puns or double entendres and why? You will not find all the devices, but you must show a strong understand of how the language serves the text. Declare your evidence and offer a logical critical reason for the evidence being probative (or proving something worthwhile) in the text. In the passage both Othello and Iago are talking to each other. Othello is questioning why he married Desdemona and questions if she is in fact if she is virginal and virtuous. Iago being very manipulative tells Othello light-heartedly to wait and see what Cassio and Desdemona do.If Desdemona pushes earnestly to have Cassio reinstated back that there could be a back story and they are having an affair. This Passage does not have any Petrarchan devices, but I feel that the Pauses in lines 262,263,269,270 are quite significant to the passage. Iago, calls him self â€Å"busy† in which according to the text he is calling himself too officious, which I feel is a double entendres. 5. Summary your findings in the form of a concluding remark that makes your reader understand that the passage has a relevance to the rest of the text.This section may prove the most difficult, but it is the kind of â€Å"summary† that can lead to a thesis statement for an essay. You need to convince your reader that the passage under scrutiny holds a significant clue to the text as a whole. This clue may mean anything from teaching us how to read the play to what we should be seeking throughout the language and / or devices of the play. I actually found myself playing the both Othello and Iago as a monologue. In which I began to think this is what they were thinking and how the passage should be portrayed, I began to feel that Iago’s ple a was a very good actor.

Common Household Chemicals That Are Dangerous Mixtures

Some of the common chemicals found in your home shouldnt be mixed together. Its one thing to say dont mix bleach with ammonia, but its not always easy to know what products contain these two chemicals. Here are some household  products you may have around the home that shouldnt be combined.   Bleach With Acid Toilet Bowl Cleaners This mixture can result in toxic, potentially deadly fumes. Bleach With Vinegar Vinegar is a type of acid. Toxic chlorine vapor is produced. Dont mix chlorine bleach with any acid. Bleach With Ammonia This is toxic. Potentially lethal vapors are produced. The main danger comes from chloramine vapors. Different Brands of One Type of Product Dont mix different cleaners together. They may react violently, produce toxins, or become ineffective. Highly Alkaline Products With Highly Acidic Products Acids and bases (alkalis) can react violently, presenting a splash hazard. Acids and bases are caustic and may cause chemical burns. Certain Disinfectants With Detergents Dont mix disinfectants with quaternary ammonia listed as an ingredient with a detergent. The effectiveness of the disinfectant may be neutralized. Bottom Line Chlorine bleach is sometimes called â€Å"sodium hypochlorite† or â€Å"hypochlorite.† You will encounter it in chlorine bleach, automatic dishwashing detergents, chlorinated disinfectants and cleaners, chlorinated scouring powder, mildew removers, and toilet bowl cleaners. Do not mix products together. Do not mix them with ammonia or vinegar. Read the labels of products in your home and following instructions for proper use. Many containers will state the most common dangers from interaction with other products.