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April '09 Newsletter-4
publication date: Apr 30, 2009
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author/source: Jason West
April '09 Newsletter (4)
Hello to everyone Out There Sorry there was no newsletter last week. I was busy doing unexpected child care duties. I hope your April is on an upwards curve. This is what I have for you this week: The problems of online language exchange TEFL 'crimes' of the century? Did they really say that? More and more language learners are going online to get what they feel they really need, speaking and listening practice. This trend has resulted in huge websites being developed and used by learners everywhere...Italki.com, Livemocha.com, Myngle.com and many many others. Of course, it all began with the invention of free internet telephony which most of us know and use in the form of Skype. Skype's website forums have huge groups for language learners where they informally meet native and fluent speakers of the languages they wish to practice and then do a language 'exchange' - e.g. 30 minutes of English for 30 minutes of French. It is a great thing, social and positive on many levels but also usually free or very inexpensive to do. However, my research over the years (since I started using Skype and talking to Skypers about this) shows that it can be difficult to get what you want from an online language exchange. But don't worry, it can be fixed...read my blog this week which has a transcript of an IM chat with an English learner from China and some useful tips. http://www.languagesoutthere.com/articles/problems-of-online-language-exchange More UK Border Agency immigration/accreditation frivolity next week, most probably, they have replied to my email and have promised to reply to its follow-up. I've been told that I have not been 'forgotten'. Nice. Ever wondered why TEFL writers and teachers are paid so little compared to their non-TEFL equivalents? Ever wondered how many of the 'big four' have won British Council innovation awards (ELTons)? Ever wondered if the majority are getting a fair crack (equal opportunities) or if there is, indeed, a level playing field out there (no pun intended)? Check out... http://www.languagesoutthere.com/articles/TEFL-crimes-of-the-century The events and information that I write about are always true and I hope that you will forgive me being so 'political' and for letting the cat out of the bag (exposing secrets). I take honesty, integrity and education extremely seriously and I have waited a long time to be able to get things off my chest (tell people). I am independent and have been involved in this business for almost twenty years. Increasingly I have become disillusioned with the way it is run, the people who run it and the attitude they have to people outside of their clique (small group of self-interested people). I make no excuses for the way I feel and simply hope that what I write might help create a better deal for everyone involved in the teaching and learning of English. I will feel much better soon :-) and stop boring you all...meanwhile... Did they really say that? "Everyone at school is a fucking idiot and if one more person talks to me about that Susan Boyle performance of Les Miserables I was going to puke my balls out through my mouth." - Ike, South Park Until next time... Cheers Jason |
What they say..."Remarkable..a major contribution to what we know works." Professor Stephen Krashen. "EOT not only enriched my
vocabulary, but also made English speaking become a habit for me. I think that is my improvement." Jane, 27, student, China. "It's not just good for your English...it's good for your entire life." Arda, 19, student, Turkey. "Congrats on the great review! You have a great product." Eric Pang, President and COO, Italki.com "I love that you are using Skype as a tool here—it's so obvious that I can't believe that no one's thought of this already. Kudos to you guys for making it happen." Michael Boezi, Editorial Director, Flatworldknowledge.com "I like your program; the issues and concerns about teaching language(s), teaching materials, and teaching strategies that I obtain from your website help me in my delivery to my ESLstudents here in Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Thank you." Anita Oblina Associate Chair Department of English Language and Literature "It is an original method to learn English, it is more interesting." Marie-Carmen, 16, student, France. "It's the right way to learn English." Marion, 35, student, Liechtenstein. "I am really enjoying teaching the lessons and the programme is great - the students seem to really get something out of being out and talking to people. We have had some really interesting classes so far!" Sheree, new EOT teacher, summer 2009 "My teacher in Russia recommended it" Dmitry, 40, student, Russia. "It was very good, especially because the lesson aren't boring like the others." Mari, 16, student, Italy. "It is very funny to learn English at this school, when you are scared to speak with people you must visit this school." Claudia, 35, student, Germany. Search our resourcesLogin |
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