Other Education Commons^™

Well Begun Is Half Done: Preparing For The Start Of A New Class, Stephanie C. Downey

MA TESOL Collection

This paper explores the critical learning moment that occurs on the first day in a new language class as the individual students, group and teacher interact for the first time. It states that the first day can influence the entire direction a course takes and asserts that the learner, the group, the teacher and the cultural context are key variables that determine how the first day turns out. It argues that by being aware of the impact each of these variables has on learning, the teacher can direct the emotional, mental and social energy of the group positively and create …

Meetings Without Measure: A Process Of Understanding, Lassie (M.F.) Dudley

MA TESOL Collection

The ability to understand others is not a fortunate talent or an inherited trait. There is a recognizable process of understanding which can be taught, learned, or practiced at any moment of the day. A person's ability to understand others is directly related to his ability to see others truthfully. In turn, his ability to see others truthfully is in direct relation to his freedom from his own desires and perceived needs. Self-acceptance, which is self-love, is crucial in attaining freedom from our own perceived needs, and therefore central to the process of understanding.

During the summer of 1984, I …

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 …

Teachers And Their Communities: A Group Self-Assessment, Using A Cross-Cultural Approach, Timothy Butterworth

MA TESOL Collection

These are troubling times for public education in the United States. Declining College Board scores, public dissatisfaction and a shortage of qualified applicants have brought the crisis to national attention. However, becoming a political football in the 1984 political campaigns is not likely to improve the situation. Teachers and prospective teachers would do well to examine carefully their motives for teaching and the roles they choose to play in their careers. Without a clear self-image, and one they can share with each other, teachers are doomed to alienation and frustration in coming to terms with the debate that is swirling …

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 …