Monday, September 26, 2005
Chinese lagging in English
So what do you think this forecasts for the changing TOEFL test. It seems that the IELTS has a similar setup as the new TOEFL, though admittedly, I'm not too familiar with the IELTS (maybe someone can comment on this).
Inquiry Learning Forum
The Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF) is a collaborative learning environment for pre-service and in-service teachers.
The focus of of the project is on inquiry-based learning. This focus is supported by a large number of teacher videos that showcase good inquiry-based methods in the classroom. These videos include notes from the teachers and discussion forums to discuss the lessons.
The ILF is a great resource for teachers at all levels and I recommend that you check it out.
* Registration is mediated. ILF moderators will confirm that you are a teacher or student prior to activating your registration. This is so closely guarded because some of the videos have children participants visible.
The focus of of the project is on inquiry-based learning. This focus is supported by a large number of teacher videos that showcase good inquiry-based methods in the classroom. These videos include notes from the teachers and discussion forums to discuss the lessons.
The ILF is a great resource for teachers at all levels and I recommend that you check it out.
* Registration is mediated. ILF moderators will confirm that you are a teacher or student prior to activating your registration. This is so closely guarded because some of the videos have children participants visible.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Blogger Mobile
The previous posting was made using this technology. Blogger set up a system where I can post images from my phone by sending a text message to go@blogger.com (or email message I guess).
It's not bad. As you can below, it takes the subject field in the SMS and makes it the subject of the posting, it takes the image and puts it at the top of the posting, and it takes the text and adds it below the picture in the post.
Unfortunately, they don't do video yet. I can't wait until I can do that.
I posted a couple months ago (April - http://blog.danielcraig.com/2005/04/audioblogger.html) about an audio blogging service that I can call to add an audio posting to this blog. That is a need feature too. I'm just waiting for them to put it all together with built in vlogging, podcasting, and blogging in one nice package. Blogger will be even a greater powerhouse if they did this.
It's not bad. As you can below, it takes the subject field in the SMS and makes it the subject of the posting, it takes the image and puts it at the top of the posting, and it takes the text and adds it below the picture in the post.
Unfortunately, they don't do video yet. I can't wait until I can do that.
I posted a couple months ago (April - http://blog.danielcraig.com/2005/04/audioblogger.html) about an audio blogging service that I can call to add an audio posting to this blog. That is a need feature too. I'm just waiting for them to put it all together with built in vlogging, podcasting, and blogging in one nice package. Blogger will be even a greater powerhouse if they did this.
My office
My office. i guess you can say that technology isn't always pretty. This is a test of blogger's GO service.
-------------------------------
That is where the actually message being sent through my phone appeared. It also added this junk text to the message, which I have to blame Verizon for. They drive me crazy sometimes. The original "extra" text is below.
-------------------------------
This message was sent using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures with your wireless phone visit
www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getpix.
To learn how you can record videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getflix.
To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime Player. Note: During the download
process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.
Friday, September 23, 2005
CNN.com - U.S. world position in education slipping - Sep 13, 2005
I'm not going to dwell in this too much, but is the US really slipping?
Take a look at the CNN article and determine for yourself if we (assuming your a US citizen:) should be worried about this.
Take a look at the CNN article and determine for yourself if we (assuming your a US citizen:) should be worried about this.
CNN.com - Testing hurdle for international students - Sep 23, 2005
There is a story in the CNN Education Section dealing with the new testing requirements for the TOEFL. They make an interesting assertion that "Asian" students feel that they will be at a disadvantage do to the way that English is taught in those countries.
Wow, amazingly insightful for CNN. I usually find them a little behind the curve on issues in ESL/EFL.
This will be interesting to see how/if teaching does change to reflect the test. Could this be a good instance of teaching to the test?? I doubt it.
However, it may make it easier for teachers to more inventive and, dare I use the C-word, communicative in the classroom. I have a feeling that drilling will still be a large part of the curriculum. The only difference being that the drills will be listening comprehension, prompt writing (highly structured), and, of course, grammar.
I would love to see some of the prompts that are offered. I'll have to go to the ETS website and see if they have some samples. I want to know what kind of audio/text prompts will be used. Are they authentic or contrived? We'll see.
Wow, amazingly insightful for CNN. I usually find them a little behind the curve on issues in ESL/EFL.
This will be interesting to see how/if teaching does change to reflect the test. Could this be a good instance of teaching to the test?? I doubt it.
However, it may make it easier for teachers to more inventive and, dare I use the C-word, communicative in the classroom. I have a feeling that drilling will still be a large part of the curriculum. The only difference being that the drills will be listening comprehension, prompt writing (highly structured), and, of course, grammar.
I would love to see some of the prompts that are offered. I'll have to go to the ETS website and see if they have some samples. I want to know what kind of audio/text prompts will be used. Are they authentic or contrived? We'll see.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
CNN.com - Report: High school exit exams pressuring limited-English students - Aug 16, 2005
CNN.com - Report: High school exit exams pressuring limited-English students - Aug 16, 2005
It's about time this hit the mainstream media. It's been the talk of graduate seminars for years (at least since I began my studies).
Is it any surprise that English Language Learners (ELL), many of whom receive little support in content area classrooms, cannot pass tests based on content area standards? Of course not. Yet, the status quo at most schools remains the submersion model of ESL instruction. Krashen would approve of the amount of input that these students receive, yet it is far from comprehensible.
Content-based instruction in ESL must become the norm if we have any hope of our ELLs succeeding in school or beyond. This can take many forms from Bilingual instruction to Sheltered Instruction. Any way you look at it, we need to provide adequate support to these students.
It is not about passing state tests. It is about giving students a chance to reach their potential.
It's about time this hit the mainstream media. It's been the talk of graduate seminars for years (at least since I began my studies).
Is it any surprise that English Language Learners (ELL), many of whom receive little support in content area classrooms, cannot pass tests based on content area standards? Of course not. Yet, the status quo at most schools remains the submersion model of ESL instruction. Krashen would approve of the amount of input that these students receive, yet it is far from comprehensible.
Content-based instruction in ESL must become the norm if we have any hope of our ELLs succeeding in school or beyond. This can take many forms from Bilingual instruction to Sheltered Instruction. Any way you look at it, we need to provide adequate support to these students.
It is not about passing state tests. It is about giving students a chance to reach their potential.
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