Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons^™

Breathe To Understand, Maxine Swisa

MA TESOL Collection

BREATHE is an acronym for Breathe, Reflect, Empathize, Accept, Thank, Hearten, Engage. The addition of Understand allows for a holistic approach to living a healthy and balanced life both inside and outside the classroom. This paper took form as a result of my personal, spiritual journey, as well as my teaching practice. I noticed that the majority of my students enjoyed experiential activities that included time and space for self-reflection, relaxation and meditation. I began looking for books, seminars, and workshops that explored these areas. Deepak Chopra, Jonathan Kabat-Zinn, Dan Siegel, Eckhart Tolle, et al. offer insights into the benefits …

Movement In Learning: Revitalizing The Classroom, Marcus Van

MA TESOL Collection

Movement is a vital part of our every day lives, and it is also important for a healthy brain. The following paper examines the shift from movement based learning to a more restrictive rote format, which often has adverse effects on learning. This work discusses the ways in which teachers are under pressure to “teach to the test” instead of creating student-centered classrooms. Some of the side effects of a test-centered approach are low self-esteem (from not meeting strict academic requirements) and behavioral problems in students.

Adding more movement to lessons can provide variation and relief from the rote-only system. …

Building A Learning Community Within The Constraints Of Open Enrollment, Megan Pugh

MA TESOL Collection

This paper introduces the ways in which the challenges of open enrollment ESL programs affect both students and teachers and the importance of group cohesion in adult learning. The effects caused by open enrollment can be abated by building a strong community of learners through involving new students to build a sense of belonging to the class, meeting the needs of individuals within the group, having a supportive learning environment, and using selected best teaching practices to build community. With the solutions proposed in this paper, teachers can meet student needs and the negative effects of open enrollment will be …

A Cultural Program: Cultural Awareness Activities For American High School Students, Susan Leslie Tomasello

MA TESOL Collection

This paper focuses on the planning, organization, and results of the Cultural Program that I presented to American, ninth grade, world Culture students. I specifically address pre-program activities, the Program itself, and post-program activities. The activities focus the students' attention, create interest, and arouse their curiosity about other cultures. Cultural information on Southeast Asia is given to provide students with background knowledge prior to the Cultural Program. The program itself has three components: A slide show, dancers, and a panel discussion. Follow up exercises include a post-program questionnaire and an awareness writing activity. The format of this paper allows for …

Adjusting To Life In Mexico – One Couple’S Adaptation Process And Suggestions For Coping, Michael D. Krauss

MA TESOL Collection

In this paper I present challenges which confronted Sharon Beckett, my partner, and me as we underwent the process of adapting to life in Mexico during a three month stay. Some of the issues are unique to a couple with our respective back­ grounds, but, many are applicable to any couple or individual traveling to Mexico or other foreign countries. I discuss some guidelines and principles of interacting which proved helpful to us in Mexico and also offer some suggestions for coping to couples or individuals going abroad. The primary source of data for the paper is a daily journal …