Ideas and solutions for teachers, English students, employers and employees to overcome the communication difficulties.
Since we started, the visitors have shown interest in topics like: personal development and job opportunities. You will be guided to articles on the following priorities:
• ESOL examinations
• Creative writing
• Public speaking
• improve your English
• set your goals
• stay motivated
• learn to achieve more
• stay positive
This is the letter I have just received from 1 GOAL. I'm speechless, confused, disappointed but I'll continue my campaign. You can join, too, for the poorest countries, for your country or for Romania.
Dear Mioara,
In the next two days, behind closed doors, leaders from the world's largest economies (the G20) will meet in South Korea to discuss the issues that affect our shared planet.They say their mission is to get the world on track for economic recovery and a better future for all. Yet the G20 are closing their eyes to the world’s poorest people and nations most at risk.
Thursday's meetingwill focus solely on global finance and economics and ignore development's role in tackling poverty and helping those most in need. Basic education has been squeezed off the agenda and despite the creation of a G20 Development Working Group, the UN Millennium Development Goals are being sidelined as the world's economic powers meet.
Your voice can help restore development and education to their rightful place at the heart of the G20’s programme of action. It’s not too late for the hosts, South Korea, to make a strong statement in support of the MDGs and set the stage for the G20 to embrace actions on education and development in future years. Just sign your support and show them that the world is watching:
Education for all won't happen overnight but it can be achieved if the world's leading group of economic powers ensure that education and development are at the heart of their discussions at the G20 this week so that the people and countries worst off can benefit from, and contribute to, a strong, sustainable and equitable global economy. You can help make that happen by letting them know we don't want them to turn their back on those most in need.
Thanks for continuing the campaign with us,
The 1GOAL team
In 2001, George Carlin was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. After being fired from MGM in 2005, he began a tour referring to topics such as: suicide, natural disasters, cannibalism, civil liberties in America.
On June 22, 2008, Carlin died and in November 2008 he became the first recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humour.
By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth.We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer,to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
While working for a radio station, Carlin began performing with Jack Burns as a comedy team. In the 1960s, he started his television shows. Little by little, he changes his style, routines and appearance. he lost TV bookings and eventually, he was charges with violating obscenity laws (indecent language and dressing strangely).
In the 80s and 90s, Carlin left and returned to the stage several times. He did HBO specials and FOX sitcoms and published his first book Brain Droppings.(To be continued)
We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudices. We write more, but learn less and plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men but small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the times of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet or kill.
Stay young! Keep cheerful friends. Keep learning. Enjoy the simple things in life. Tell the people you love that you love them.
Laugh! Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Until it takes your breath away. It’s a moment life is measured by.
Wouldn't you like to see an end of extreme poverty within a generation? Why don't you join 1 GOAL?
Dear Mioara,
The UN Millennium Development Goals Summit came to a close last week. There's still a lot to sort through from the negotiations and announcements, but a few key facts are already clear.
Firstly, thanks to your help we have made some important strides towards guaranteeing every child the education they deserve. New pledges from several governments including Australia alongside pledges from the World Bank mean a likely increase in aid to primary education by around $700 million a year for the next 5 years.
Because of what happened last week over 4 million more children could have the opportunity to go to school for the first time. That's more than the number of primary school children in London, New York and Paris combined - a great result for all of us that have called for action on Education for All this year.
Secondly, it's clear much more must be done. With too few countries keeping their promises millions of children will still be denied the chance in life that an education brings. Several countries have indicated they will release their plans in a few months time. Our work must go on and we need to use these new announcements to throw down a challenge to other donors to come forward in the coming months.
Lastly, we want to say thank you for your support so far. There's no doubt that the voices of the millions in the Global Campaign for Education's 1GOAL campaign were heard -- and you made a difference:
On Monday, you helped set the tone for the entire summit. In less than 24 hours, 1GOAL supporters sent in thousands of personal stories and messages calling for urgent action on education. These comments were projected directly onto the wall of our high-level panel, in full view of leading international dignitaries and the global press.
The panel featured inspiring speeches by the likes of former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and 1GOAL co-founder and co-chair Queen Rania of Jordan -- but above all it was the passion of 1GOAL's individual supporters that showed attending dignitaries that the people of the world stand united behind this call.
1GOAL's youngest ambassador, 12-year old Soweto student Nthabiseng Tshabalala, spoke at multiple events and drew standing ovations wherever she went. Backed by the words of vision and encouragement sent to her by 1GOAL supporters across the globe, Nthabiseng took the call for education straight to the hearts of the world's most important decision makers.
And on Wednesday Nthabiseng and Queen Rania presented the 18 million declarations of support from 1GOAL supporters directly to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. And he promised to do everything possible to encourage the nations of the world to keep the promise of a quality education to every single child.
As part of the Global Campaign for Education, 1GOAL is built on the strength of national campaigns working on the ground in over 100 countries to build support and fight for change. Each one of us should feel proud to be part of this amazing global network of millions of football fans, students, teachers, parents, and concerned citizens who have all come together for 1GOAL. Last week together we proved that when ordinary people combine our voices we can bring a brighter future a little closer for millions of children worldwide.
There's still much work to do. We can't sit back and wait until 2015 - we need to target the national, regional and global moments where we can secure the changes needed to achieve education for all. Over the coming months we will be in touch about these opportunities and will face the challenges ahead together knowing we are part of an incredible team.
With deepest appreciation for all you've done so far, The 1GOAL team
PS - The end of poverty thanks to you? Watch this video to find out more.
You want to become fluent in English, but learning it is not exactly a piece of cake. It was easier to make your business profitable. Why does it take so long to become proficient in English? According to statistics, you need at least 600 class hours. But success depends on different factors: your ability to learn languages, your motivation, and most importantly the level of proficiency you want to attain.
Much practice is required to develop your writing skills. Most learners have definitely felt the pressures created by the inconsistencies of English spelling. For adult learners this causes a lot of stress. To avoid this unpleasant aspect, students should first learn about their brain and personality. Are you a logical person, do you need details and concrete situations? These are left brain dominance characteristics and you’ll probably show good speaking skills. Right brain characteristics make you more intuitive and visual. This helps the student memorize spelling patterns easier. However, irrespective of what type you are, there are techniques that help both categories improve their English spelling faster.
Why would one want to become a better speller? Because poor spelling creates a bad impression.
Briefly, to improve your spelling you need to:
Develop an interest in words. Read, memorize words and learn about the meaning(s) of words.
Learn how words are built up
Learn basic spelling patterns
Take notes, highlight words and phrases or underline them, use coloured pencils, repeat to help your brain recall the information or the image by creating long term memory. This helps you process the information by observing, understanding and memorizing.
Create your own tests
LIST No. 3
The key lime is a smaller, more fragrant variety of the common lime, ranging in size from just 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter.
The key lime distinguishes itself in ways other than size. Its rind is thinner and more delicate and its colour is light yellowish. Key limes are more acidic, have a greater number of seeds, and also have a more distinctive aroma than the larger limes.
All visual information that the human mind receives is processed by a part of the brain known as The visual cortex is that part of the brain that processes all visual information the mind receives. It is located in the occipital lobe (the lower back of the brain).
Spelling and word games – Why? Because you can spend time together with your family, help kids enjoy learning without thinking of being tested. Several spelling and word games have been popular for some time: Scrabble®, Boggle®, Junior Scrabble, How Smart are We? or Everybody Wins. Do you want to improve your spelling? Write down as many words as you can and count them up for the family score, instead of using points.
A dental ceramist prepares dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, and veneers. These dental professionals work in laboratory environments with materials like ceramics and metal, receiving three to four years of training in order to practice on their own as ceramists.
Academic redshirting is a relatively new term that applies to delaying entrance into kindergarten for young children.
In the US the typical age at which a child is eligible for kindergarten is five, providing the child turns five by a date somewhere close to the start of the school year. Academic redshirting refers to the postponement of kindergarten entrance until the year after the child is eligible to attend, when the child would be six years of age or turning six close to the start of the school year. (Source for wordlist: wiseGeek.com)
Next article: Word formation and basic spelling patterns
This is a message I received yesterday from a new friend I got during the campaign I've been participating in for a couple a months.Why don't you join 1 GOAL, too? It's your future, as well.It's every child's future.SPEAK UP!
Dear Mioara,
Hello from South Africa! My name is Nthabiseng Tshabalala and I'm 12 years old, and go to Winnie Ngwekazi Primary School in Soweto, South Africa. It has been a huge honor to work on this issue with all of you. Education has changed my life, and I want every child around the world to have the same chance.
During the World Cup, I had the incredible chance to work with Shakira and 1GOAL. Together, we delivered Education Yellow cards from 1GOAL supporters to world leaders who were meeting here in South Africa.
I thought that meeting was big. But next week, all the leaders in the world are meeting at the United Nations to discuss how to deal with issues like education. So this week I’m travelling with the 1GOAL Campaign to New York City! At the summit, I will talk to world leaders, tell them my story, and ask them to make sure every child has a chance to get an education.
I also know they will listen much more closely if they are hearing from many people at once. So now I am asking you to join me. Imagine you could tell all the world leaders what you wanted them to do about education by 2015. What would you say? What kind of future do you want in 2015?
I know I'm very young to be speaking to Presidents and Prime Ministers but they are deciding the future. And it is children, like me, who will live in that future. So I think it is important for us to tell them what kind of future we want to live in.
New York City is farther away from home than I've ever been. I’ve always wanted to go to America, so I am very excited and but I’m also very nervous. But I know I should go. I know that these leaders are choosing which future I will grow up with. It could be a future where every child gets to go to school. That way, if you're good at maths, you can become an engineer. Or if you are good at science, you can become a scientist. We wouldn't need to worry about going hungry, because everyone would have good jobs that they are good at doing. (I would like to be a writer. Can you tell?) Or it could be a future where most kids still can't go to school. So even really smart people can't find a job, because they never learned anything. In many places like where I grew up, there would be no engineers to build new buildings and no scientists to help cure diseases. And people will go hungry because they cannot find work. I am hoping that I can encourage the leaders in New York to choose the better future for me and children around the world.
And I am hoping you will write to me about the world you want in 2015. I want to add all of your voices to mine at the United Nations next week. Please write your answer to me right away:
believe that this way, we don't have to just wait to see what the future brings. We can choose our own future. Thank you for being part of 1GOAL. And thank you for fighting for me and all the other children and adults in the world who are denied an education.
Sincerely,
Nthabiseng Tshabalala
You can learn new words from newspapers, TV programmes, games, wordlists etc. Most adults find wordlists too systematic .Consequently, learning from them is considered boring. Wrong. Learning systematically is good because you don’t become overloaded. We’ve come to a compromise; our lists of words are not systematic! Instead, they will give you a chance to develop your vocabulary by surfing the English lexis randomly: rare words and phrases, unusual and unexpected structures, newly coined words and many other word formation types: derivations, clippings etc. For many of you, this might become an efficient strategy to improve your English because:
• the definitions will help you think in English
• the new concepts increase your curiosity and knowledge in a meaningful manner
There are different learning strategies one can use successfully, but the most important thing is to find out the method that works best for YOU. Strategies range from memorization to fun and interesting games. They are more or less efficient according to the type of learner who uses them.
If you are a visual learner, you should read and write more than listen to a tape. (Read online for more practice. You don't need to leave the blog. Go to the bottom of the page and watch NEWS VIDEOS from Washington Post, or download one of the excellent FREE e-books.)
On the other hand, the auditory type learns from songs and commercials, films etc. (Tip! Record yourself pronouncing new words, reading dialogues, short sentences etc. Listen to the tape while driving or when you do simple chores at home.)
If you are a tactile learner, you’ll probably need a coursebook, a dictionary and notebooks, projects to design etc. Irrespective of what type you are, the main strategies work through the same processes; you need clarification on the new concepts, sometimes you guess or deduce, you need to practice and memorize.
This is not all you have to do to achieve your final goal as a language learner - the communicative skill. In order to become an efficient communicator, you shouldn’t ignore the social strategies; engage in conversations, ask questions, post articles and comments. It's the perfect way to practise your knowledge and indirectly improve it. Social media provides an excellent opportunity for such activities. Don’t miss it!
And don’t forget! Social Media is the best place to share. If you use an effective learning technique, let us know about it. SHARE!
When you are the only one at the airport who can’t find your luggage, you feel very angry and frustrated. This feeling is called baggravation.
Have you ever tried funkinetics? You should if you need exercise; it’s a new form of aerobics, an energetic form that mixes exercise and soul music.
You’ve just come back from the dream holiday: fabulous hotel and food, fabulous landscape. In fact, it was beyond fabulous; it was fantabulous.
A spelunker is a person who explores caves as a hobby. Two other terms applied to those who partake in cave exploration are caver and speleologist. However, the latter two terms are generally reserved for those with training and education in the science of caving. Spelunkers are usually amateurs who don't follow any specific guidelines for traversing the passages of caves to retrieve data for scientific study Retrocession is used in two very different ways. In the financial world, it refers to a situation in which one firm which specializes in reinsurance agrees to take on some of the risk for another reinsurance company. The term can also be used to refer to the ceding of land, usually involving the return of land to the original owner. A sticker price is the listed price for an item. Usually, it is the manufacturer's retail price, and it may be negotiable. The term "sticker price" comes from the idea that the price of an item is often marked with the use of a removable sticker, allowing people to conceal the true cost of the item if it is used for a gift.
A log flume generally refers to one of two things: either the literal device used to move logs from one location to another, or the amusement park ride based on the concept of actual device. Flumes are generally any sort of artificial construct intended to move water from one place to another, and are often used in dams. Top hat plans are a form of retirement plans that are not offered to the general employee force of a firm. Generally, a plan of this type is reserved for key executives of the firm and occasionally a select few other employees, depending on the structure of the plan. (Source for last five terms: wiseGEEK.com)
If you are in love with words, you are welcome to this new chapter. It's dedicated to wordaholics, logoleps and verbivores. These terms were created by Dr. Richard Lederer, the linguist who wrote about the English language as a man in love with it, not a man of science. English is amazing and complex. However, it can be confusing sometimes. "It's a crazy language, the most lunatic and loopy and wifty and wiggy of all languages", said Richard Lederer.
English has acquired the largest vocabulary, perhaps as many as two million words. Still, there is always a new word created or borrowed. This is one of the joys of learning it, and one of the difficulties an English learner encounters.
Randomly, rare words will be explained and questions answered. Not only will you improve your vocabulary, but you will also learn about the world.
Here are the first three items: DiGeorge Syndrome is a genetic disorder that can result from a deletion or abnormality of chromosome 22 during the earliest stages of development. Depending on the size of the deletion and which genes are compromised, patients with DiGeorge syndrome can have result in defects of the heart muscle, kidneys, and face. Many infants have small heads, square ears, and cleft lips and palates. Due to these defects, a baby may feed with difficulty and may also have hearing and seeing problems and a number of them suffer from mental retardation.
Treatment may involve surgery to correct defects and lifelong medical management of immune system problems.
An ascot, also called an ascot tie is a kind of necktie that became popular in Great Britain during the late 19th century and early 20th century. It is also called a cravat and it still is in use today, principally in England, for formal and semi-formal dress occasions. It also is worn in movies and television by characters known for foppish or outrageous fashion choices, such as Mike Myers' spy spoof Austin Powers. The ascot, usually made of silk, is shorter than a standard necktie, secured at the throat with a knot or pin, with wide ends that sometimes are secured under a jacket or shirt for formal occasions or left loose for casual wear. A screamer is a distinctive headline which has been written with the goal of drawing attention to the article beneath it. Screamers demand attention, insisting that readers turn to the article in question immediately and without delay. Screamers are typically sensational, and sometimes specifically designed to be provocative. They appear on the front page, above the fold because the idea is to entice consumers into buying the newspaper or magazine to read what's inside. Screamers may also use punctuation, be italicized or underlined for extra effect.
This term is most commonly used in print journalism, in reference to newspaper and magazines. Screamers also appear in online journalism and on television; here they literally scream at the viewer with the use of embedded sound files or scrolls at the bottom of some network feeds. (Sourse: wiseGEEK,com)
Next post on September 12 (Topic: Learning strategies & and new wordlist)
The student must learn in order to live and learn how to live. Life must enter school through all its doors and windows, inspiring students and teachers to exceed themselves, not in order to receive merits, but to reach their dreams, whatever they may be. (Marcelo Rodrigues - LIFELIKE PEDAGOGY)
We often complain that in Romania the students are not motivated enough. In his educational project LIFELIKE PEDAGOGY, M. Rodrigues suggests connecting the school to the world so that students and teachers can create and discover by themselves. To read about the author go to: The Author
Here's an excerpt from his book. Which of the types of teachers described below will best help our children reach their goals in life?
"Schools nowadays are boring! They discourage everyone, be they students, teachers or principals. They manage to discourage even the parents, who do not feel encouraged to take part in their children’s activities, contributing with the very important affective aspect, which would help students grow as students and people. The current learning model used in schools is inefficient and fake. Most students do not remember what the test they had the day before was about, even after receiving a satisfactory grade. The subject is not interesting to them and they only feel pressure from society as a whole to get the expected grades and evaluations. What could be expected from a professional that studied out of obligation? What evolution may be expected from a person who believes that learning is boring and difficult?
That is the reason why we see so many adults, in unfortunately increasing numbers, interested only in celebrity magazines and futile subjects. Or, on the other hand, they are fully, and blindly, focused on the unstoppable search for more and more money, as an attempt to attribute meaning to their empty lives, forgetting themselves, their families, their friends, always complaining about their lack of time and quality of life, without making any effort to change their life style.Let’s be better than that! Let’s teach our students that there is a whole world out there, and we can do that by bringing this world to the classroom and, at the same time, taking the classroom to the world out there. Let’s bring the world to our lives.
The expectant-teacher
The role of the teacher must change radically. Instead of dispensing knowledge, hoping that students absorb something, In my experience, what motivates anyone to become a teacher is the affectionate involvement that emerges from the relationship with other human beings and the pride taken in their personal evolution and achievements. But how is it possible to reach these two sources of satisfaction if the students are passive in the whole process? How is it possible to develop an affectionate connection in a relationship based only on authority? How can one be proud of achievements when the student doesn’t even show the desire to struggle? Or could we consider a high grade on a test as a personal achievement?
The stimulating teacher
Like a coach, who yells at the team the whole time, stimulating them to give their best and to believe in victory, teachers should show their students that they believe in them, that they support them, that they will assume the risks with them in order to reach their goals and dreams.
The guiding teacher
As a wise person, the teacher must offer advice, showing the possible threats and opportunities that may be found along the way, but the teacher must never make a decision on the students’ behalf. No one can learn in life following scripts. Taking risks is something necessary and teachers must guide their students during their journey, helping them face obstacles, so that they can get to know themselves and face the situations with courage and strength.
The provocative teacher
Many feelings may come from a teacher’s provocation. The teacher must prod their students so that they move, think, ask, question, and argue: all valid actions in the discovery of life and the world.
The challenging teacher
This doesn’t mean challenging in the sense of stirring up opposition towards their students. Teachers should suggest chal lenges to be met together with the students. The teacher should show that they can do more, can go beyond what they think they can and that their teacher believes in them to the point of suggesting that they advance.
The collaborative teacher
A partner. This term can describe the teacher who collaborates,who does their share, who works together with their students, hands on. Not in the sense of replacing the students, but
doing with the students, being part of the group.
The facilitating teacher
Students are not always ready for a challenge that arises. The teacher must be the regulator of the challenge, so that it doesn’t become a factor to discourage the students, being too easy or too difficult. In certain situations, as it would defeat the purpose if the students didn’t manage to advance, the teacher may facilitate some passages."
Do you want to participate in a creative writing contest? Start practising. If you need a coach, we are available for free consultations, so don’t hesitate to submit your questions or stories. Until then, here are a few tips for winning writing contests.
George Carlin - son of Mary and Patrick - was of Irish descend. He was raised in Manhattan by his mother with whom hi had a difficult relationship. At the age of 15 he left high school and after a while he joined the United States Air Force where was trained as a radar technician. Meanwhile, he began working as a disc jockey. In 1957, Carlin was discharged, being labeled by his superiors as an "unproductive airman". (To be continued)
The paradox of our time is that we have taller buildings, but shorter times, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We have bigger houses, but smaller families, more knowledge but less judgement.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, drive too fast, get too angry,
stay up too late, get too tired, watch TV too much, but. . . forget to:
give time to love
give time to speak
give time to share your precious thoughts
cherish the moment
say a kind word to one who looks up to you
spend time with the loved ones. They aren’t going to be around forever.
George Carlin (1937 - 2008) was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor and author. He won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums comprising his black humour, thoughts on politics, the English language and some taboo subjects.
We laugh too little, read too little, and pray too seldom.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away.
The paradox on time is that we've learned how to make a living but not a life. We've added years to life but not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to welcome a neighbour.
1. Do parents care about how children are doing in school or about the rest of their lives?
2. Do Moms and Dads get relationally connected to their child in different ways?
3. How can Moms and Dads help their child to be a better and happier person?
As an employee who’s been working with a language school for 17 years I’ve been in touch with lots of parents and have often been asked many questions. Parents need a little advice every now and then and some even ask for help and support. There are solutions different sciences and experienced educators can offer to all the problems parents are faced with. Briefly, here are a couple of tips on handling everyday situations.
1. Parents focus on their child’s well-doing from day one: his crawling, his saying the first words (how many and how well pronounced), his singing, drawing and the ability to recite poems. Later, school success matters most and the parents’ life becomes a struggle for the best kindergarten, best school, expensive language courses, dance and sports training. Everyday is a busy day. Does this mean that parents help their child become a better person? Not at all. Some children can’t sing or draw well. Few win competitions. Fewer have a chance to become Members of Mensa. Still, many of these children have a high chance to be successful in life. They are the children whose parents realize their job is to stay involved and use their capacities for companionship and communication; a year-round job, a job for a lifetime, not a day off work from infancy to adolescence.
2. Usually, mothers have no problem to stay connected to their children. The child is born connected to his mother, while a father must learn how to build this connection. Men are interested in how their children perform, and hate to admit emotions, to acknowledge and express them. Until recently, men have been blamed for that. Scientists consider that most Moms have a high level of empathy to care for and protect their baby. Their capacity to express love is innate, but most learn the art of communicating love, and are willing to develop it. This is what makes a child feel like a human being. Unlike women, men don’t do much effort to practice empathy.
Scientists seem to have found an answer to these two differences: mirror neurons. They are considered as the physiological basis for empathy. Although still a controversial aspect, recent research has proved a gender difference in the human mirror neuron system. Women seem to have a stronger activation of the mirror system for hand actions and emotions.
Another theory argues for personality and education not the sex of the parent. There is proof that both men and women can be overly performance-focused and the focus on fathering has increases over the years.
3. Ideally, both parents should be physically and psychologically there for their children to mentor and encourage. Otherwise, children of absent parents usually look for models and connections outside their family. This can be very harmful; strangers can become dominating and start influence children’s behaviour, morality and their plans for the future. To say nothing of other dangers some girls and boys will be faced with: to be sexually exploited or … However we are not discussing worst-case scenarios and their tragic consequences. We are interested in everyday normal situations that parents should focus upon if they want their children’s well-being, not only their well-doing. It’s possible and not hard to apply.
There is one single rule – BE POSITIVE! Here are a couple of tips for parents to be relationally focused:
• start by controlling your anger
• don’t be critical. Let the child try and fail.
• don’t be violent. Teach your child right from wrong, teach him appropriate behaviour and in case the child fails, find discipline alternatives to spanking. Don’t punish.
• avoid conflicts. Treat such situations as a chance for your child to ask you questions, to discuss and understand what they’ve done wrong.
• spend time with your child and expose them to different activities: read to them, play different kinds of music to them.
• build something together, learn together, give them time alone, but watch them.
• build character traits such as: responsibility, dedication, determination, diligence, enthusiasm. • ask “How are you doing?”, “How are you feeling?” as many times as you can. Say “I love you.” everyday.
Your child’s well-being depends on your ability to:
Stay hungry, stay foolish - STEVE JOBS Watch this video on opportunities, motivation, perseverance, positive-thinking and success. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA
You continue avoiding your assigned summer reading books. Right? You find multiple reasons. Right? Come on. Admit it. You've never been an avid reader. You are addicted to computers. So, am I. Nevertheless, I read a lot. I love British literature. I have no right to persuade you into buying and reading books.
I have a proposition instead. Go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/bleakhouse/animation.shtml and make the acquaintance of some of the greatest British writers. You'll use your computer competences and knowledge of English (Intermediate level+)in an entertaining way: by practicing listening, reading and computer games abilities.
Are you a 21st Century Sherlock Holmes? Become an investigator or time traveller.(?) Go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/
I recommend Sherlock Holmes: The Science of Seduction and Doctor Who: The Adventure Games.
There is a lot more. See for yourself. You might want to read or buy a book after that. Have a good time!
Cu cateva ore in urma am postat un nou mesaj lansat in cadrul actiunii 1 GOAL for Education. Este uimitoare eficienta organizatorilor, tenacitatea cu care se implica in fiecare eveniment pentru a aminti lumii ca nimic nu este mai important in acest moment decat educatia. Social Media si-a dovedit puterea; un marketing discret, dar energic si cu target precis a facut ca mesajele sa faca inconjurul lumii si sa stranga peste 14 mil. de semnaturi. Voluntarii nu au avut altceva de facut decat sa sustina idea si s-o transmita mai departe. Nu s-au cerut bani, nu s-au transmis invitatii la seminarii; s-a
repetat de milioane de ori ca liderii planetei au obligatia si puterea sa dea copiilor sansa la o viata mai buna. Regina Rania, Shakira, Bono si cateva vedete din fotbal au fost magnetii care au atras atentia si au dat credibilitate actiunii. In rest, bunavointa, entuziasmul si convingerea fiecarui voluntar Twitter si Facebook ca implicarea sa este importanta si “vazuta”. Si intalnirea la nivel inalt a avut loc, singura tema de discutie fiind educatia.
Si invatamantul romanesc are nevoie de ajutor. “Bolnavul” se afla la Reaminare si incercarile de resuscitare pe care cateva grupuri de entuziasti le fac sunt doar ca niste mangaieri pe fruntea unui pacient aflat in coma. In multe zone din tara si in anumite comunitati situatia copiilor nu difera mult de a celor din India sau tari africane.
In comunitatea mea Facebook citesc cu placere toate anunturile postate de grupuri profesionale, de opinie sau de initiativa: ‘Dreptul de a citi’, ‘Fiecare copil in scoala’, ‘Fundatia Principesa Margareta’, ‘Gala Premiilor in Educatie’, ‘Lecturi urbane’, ‘Tineret in actiune’ etc.
Ceea ce n-am simtit pana acum este vigoarea actiunii. Am descoperit oameni inteligenti, ganduri sincere, am aplaudat generozitatea unor oameni de afaceri, dar rezultatele nu sunt nici pe departe spectaculoase. In educatie avem nevoie de interventie energica, de coerenta si asta nu poate fi realizat de cateva ONG-uri, fundatii sau grupuri de tineri entuziasti. Dar nu am vazut pe nimeni sa se revolte si sa comenteze rezultatele de la Bacalaureat 2010 sau de la Examenul pentru definitivat 2010. Prea multi profesori si elevi de nota 5. Ce sansa avem ca acestia sa creeze o Romanie de nota 5?
Ce parere ai? Se va gasi un intelectual, un grup de oameni de cultura in stare sa urneasca un proiect national pentru reabilitarea sistemului educational? Se va trezi vreun parlamentar din motaiala sa-si aminteasca ca fiecarui copil din Romania ii este asigurat dreptul la invatatura, iar dreptul la cultura ii este garantat conf. Art. 32 si 33 din Constitutia Romaniei? Asigurat. Garantat. Aproape ca-ti vine sa crezi.
Care este pedeapsa pentru incalcarea drepturilor constitutionale?
Mai sunt doua luni pana la incheierea concursului "Lexis ... and the whole world is yours!" organizat de Lexis Scoli de Limbi Straine. Mai aveti doua luni de calatorii, lectura, experiente si prietenii noi - toate, surse excelente de inspiratie.
Daca nu va este teama de concurenta, de provocari, va asteptam! Suntem convinsi ca ne veti surprinde cu lucrari originale pe care suntem nerabdatori sa le rasplatim si sa le popularizam.
I am writing to you as a fellow 1GOAL supporter, to share my story. My name is Stephen Odai and I am 18 years old from Accra in Ghana. I just finished my basic school and now I play football. Two weeks ago I was signed by one of the big clubs in Ghana, Liberty Professionals. I have six brothers and sisters and I am the first born, so they are all depending on me. I was not in school because of lack of finance, but one day my headmaster called me and said ‘Stephen if you want to play football you have to further your education.’ It was hard because I didn't have money for the fees. All the money went to buy food for my family. The only way out for me was to go to the road side and sell items so that I can raise money for my admission fees. I did that for some months and I was able to raise the money for my admission fee, and to support my family. Without education attached to my football I cannot make it in life. I raise the money, but many of my friends cannot pay the admission fee and do not go to school. I realise it is not enough to make sure I can go to school. I want to help everyone have the same chance to go to school. Leaders from all over the world are coming to South Africa the day of the final match to talk about education. I have sent them my message, so if you join me and send your message, I hope they will listen to all of us. I would like to show you a video that tells my story. And then I ask you to send your own message to world leaders about the importance of education: http://www.join1goal.org/steven_landing.php One day I met 1GOAL people in Ghana and I explained everything that I am going through about how I manage to pay my own school fees and my family as well. 1GOAL connect football and education like me, and they asked me to come to South Africa to share my story. I met the Ghana team and my hero Richard Kingson presented me with a ticket to watch the match against Uruguay in Soccer City. It was amazing and I am not going to forget the experience in my life. I hope that one day I play at Chelsea and play for my national team the Black Stars as well. I’m training hard and practising hard to get there because there is a saying that the sky is the limit, and I will never give up even though things are difficult. I hope this dream comes true for all children. So I would like to use this opportunity to urge parents, our leaders and all people to support 1GOAL for the 72 million children who don’t have the chance to go to school.
Dear friend,When Shakira was seven years old, her Christmas gift was a typewriter. On it, she wrote the poetry that was to become her songs. Education is the key to unlocking the best in all of us. Yesterday Shakira met with her friend Nthabiseng, an amazing young student who lives in the Soweto township. Only 12 years old, she's a beautiful writer and already a natural leader. Despite facing many challenges, her future looks bright. Education has changed both of their lives. Like you, they're committed to ensuring every child has that same chance. That’s why Shakira and Nthabiseng have joined forces to launch an urgent new plan -- and they need your help. This Sunday, world leaders are gathering nearby to discuss the education crisis, and the decisions they make will have a huge impact. We have just a few days to take our global call to the next level and ensure our voices are heard. Watch this video of Shakira and Nthabiseng announcing their urgent campaign, and then join them by sending your own message today: http://www.join1goal.org/shakira-and-nthabiseng.php Every day, 72 million children around the world are denied the chance to set foot inside a classroom. These children are future artists and singers, scientists and doctors, inventors and leaders who can't even begin to offer their gifts to the world. And we all pay the price for this injustice. Every day this goes on is another song you'll never hear, another invention you'll never use, and a new cure you'll never receive. So let's not wait another moment. The summit is this Sunday, just before the World Cup Final. But we still have time to make our voices heard, even above the vuvuzela horns, and push world leaders to provide education for every child. Join with Nthabiseng and Shakira by adding your message to world leaders, and then ask your friends to do the same. http://www.join1goal.org/shakira-and-nthabiseng.php Thanks for making a difference,
The 1GOAL team PS – Working together, Nthabiseng, you and Shakira can help get every single child around the world an education. Check out the video of Nthabiseng and Shakira signing their messages here, and then add your own message to theirs before Sunday.
I've come back home from the 17th Annual Directors' Meeting and still can't make up my mind what to write about: the lecturers, Lilika Couri and Suzanne Antonaros, the joy to have met our colleagues from Linguata (Republic of Moldova), Big Ben (Bulgaria), Paratiritis (Serbia), Lexis (Romania) and Pharos (Greece), the wonderful sights of the city etc.
It was a never-to-forget experience, swinging from visits to archeological sites dating back to Galerius' s time, to Mrs. Couri's seminars on NLP, or the workshops on the new tools for teaching/learning languages provided by communications technology delivered by Mrs. Antonaros.
The workshop activities on language learning and the presentations on Social Media Marketing delivered by Machi Mpikou, Theodoros Folias and Mioara Iacob gave the participants an image of today and a glimpse of the future.
When Mr. Petros Papasarantopoulos closed the session I understood what the recipe all these people have used to stay together for 17 years:
Everybody gets along, everybody plays for their branch, their company, their country and each other.
A mai ramas putin timp pentru a creste sansa la educatie a celor aproape 72 mil. de copii analfabeti. Doar un click, niciun RON!
Hi,
Did you know I’m a member of the biggest squad at this World Cup – one that boasts 201 world-class football stars, 63 clubs and associations, 31 celebrities and world leaders?
It’s the 1GOAL Squad, and it’s been formed to kick the most important goal at this World Cup: education for every single child in the world. That means convincing world leaders to provide education for the 72 million children currently not in school, missing out on the opportunities an education provides.
The good news is the 1GOAL Squad is recruiting – and our 1GOAL scouts have told me they would love to have YOU on the team! Just click here to sign with the 1GOAL Squad:
As teams line up for the World Cup Final, our squad is sending a message to world leaders meeting there that we want education for the 72 million children that don’t have it. Sign up to the Squad today to join us and kick that goal!
This is the perfect opportunity, as the campaign for the World Cup ends, to focus on the campaign for universal education.You can still vote for education:
There’s one goal at this World Cup that has millions of fans around the world talking: using this unique opportunity to guarantee education for every single child. And what do we need to achieve that goal? That’s where you come in.
Your support couldn’t come at a better time: now the South African President has invited world leaders to a summit at end of the World Cup to discuss the plan to deliver education for all. This is the perfect opportunity, as the campaign for the World Cup ends, to focus on the campaign for universal education.
If countries’ governments don’t believe there is a global demand for action on education, they won’t agree to fix the problem. Issue your own Yellow Card calling on world leaders to guarantee education for every child, and we’ll deliver it directly to them before the Final.
World leaders need to agree on a plan to provide education, and to do that they’ll need to hear from all of us united in our demand to make education the lasting legacy of this World Cup. That’s where your Yellow Card could make the difference:
Our nine million supporters are drawn from cities, towns, and villages in over 120 countries, and have shown their support in an incredible range of ways. Teachers, students, local education activists, football fans and celebrities have all rallied, and whether they’re doing it using email, mobile phone, social networks or attending the World’s Biggest Lesson, we are becoming a global voice too large for world leaders to ignore.
In villages throughout Bangladesh, thousands of children have taken part in football matches in support of 1GOAL, joining 194,047 fellow Bangladeshis who have sent SMS messages to join the call for education for all.
In Senegal, the Senegalese President invited hundreds of 1GOAL supporters to the Presidential Palace where he made a public commitment to the 1GOAL campaign and its aim of making sure every child receives an education.
While in the United States, 1GOAL received national attention when the Good Morning America TV program visited a South African school in Soweto with the 1GOAL team.
You can be part of this global movement building momentum towards a world where every child is guaranteed an education, by sending your own Yellow Card to world leaders before the World Cup Final:
www.join1goal.org/r/yellowcard
This opportunity is too good to miss – global attention will be on Africa, and world leaders will be pressed on the issue of education. Help us reach 10 million supporters by filling out your Yellow Card today.
In 2007, futurologul american Thomas Frey a lansat noua sa viziune asupra educaţiei: după părerea sa în 2-5 ani, tehnologia urma să declanşeze o nouă direcţie în evoluţia educaţiei.
Trecutul a devenit prezent şi nu mai există nici un dubiu că tehnologia digitală a câştigat un rol dominant. Această tendinţă este privită cu suspiciune de către unii pedagogi şi părinţi. Va pune tehnologia IT stăpânire pe educaţie? De ce fel de educaţie avem nevoie în acest secol?
Puterea de inovaţie a Europei este recunoscută în toate domeniile. Este unanim acceptat astăzi că performanţa lingvistică devine esenţială în toate domeniile profesionale şi sociale iar moştenirea europeană în domeniul limbilor străine se cere remodelată pentru viitor.
Intre 16 – 21 mai 2010 a avut loc la Sofia, Bulgaria, o vizită de studii cu tema “ Metode inovative în predarea limbilor străine pentru scopuri specifice şi IT”. Participanţi din zece ţări au prezentat proiecte pe această temă: Austria, Bulgaria, Republica Cehă, Germania, Polonia, Portugalia, Marea Britanie, Spania, Turcia şi România. Proiectele au fost realizate în instituţii şcolare, centre de perfecţionare, organizatii şi instituţii de stat sau particulare.
Discuţiile vor continua şi cu ocazia altor întâlniri pentru a se ajunge la o concluzie finală. In discuţiile preliminare acestui schimb de experienţă, participanţii au fost de acord asupra următoarelor aspecte:
1. Nu se poate demonstra că un profesor este mai eficient decât un program tehnologic. Profesorii vor
fi întotdeauna pionii-cheie. Doar ei pot să îndrume paşii unui elev spre succes prin interacţiune şi schimb de experienţă,.
2. La evaluarea calităţii procesului de învăţare, atenţia se va transfera de la aprecierea performanţei profesorului, la cantitea şi calitatea abilităţilor transferate către şi asimilate de elev. Un scenariu ideal sugerează că metodele de predare care se adresează grupului să fie, pe cât posibil, individualizate.
3. Cu toate acestea, nu putem nega beneficiile aduse şcolii de către dezvoltarea tehnologiilor digitale. Toţi cei implicaţi în sistemul educaţional, adepţi ai introducerii acestor tehnologii în procesul de predare-învăţare, se confruntă cu o importantă provocare: calea de a-i ajuta pe elevi să distingă părţile bune de cele nocive pe care lumea virtuală le oferă. Tehnologia ajută doar dacă este folosită cu masură; altfel va deveni un obstacol.
4. Elevii nu vor mai fi recompensaţi pentru cantitatea de informaţie asimilată, ci pentru inventivitate, capacitatea de a comunica şi a lua decizii eficiente şi operative. In mod cert, profesorii vor deveni “antrenori” ai propriilor elevi pe un nou teren al învăţării pe căi electronice.
5. Mediile online generează discuţii şi îi stimulează pe elevi să accepte cooperarea şi schimbul de idei. Invăţarea prin metode electronice nu ne ajută să învăţăm mult, dar sentimentul pe care ţi-l dă parteneriatul stimulează. Chiar şi suporterii înflăcăraţi ai sălii de clasă tradiţionale vor recunoaşte că acest mediu de studiu, dacă este “neinteresant”, nu va încuraja sau motiva învăţarea.
Telul celor implicaţi în educaţie, indiferent dacă lucrează cu adulţi sau copii, pentru un scop imediat sau conturand viitorul, este unul singur: să educe, să instruiască şi să sprijine dezvoltarea profesională a elevilor.
Si mai presus de orice schimbări viitoare, conexiunea profesor-elev este vitală şi ea nu poate să dispară.
Informaţia privind vizita de lucru care a stat la baza acestui articol ne-a fost furnizată de dna Angelica Popa, Branch Director la Lexis Scoli de Limbi Straine, reprezentanta Romaniei la acest proiect sub egida ANPCDEFP Romania.
Evenimentul a fost găzduit de Big Ben Şcoli de Limbi Străine din Sofia, Bulgaria.
