The main objective of the Spring School of this year was to organize a set of seminars for teachers, which will introduce them to the amazing world of different cultures, traditions and unusual holidays around the world. As the teachers are the teachers of English the major part of the seminars was connected with the cultural issues of English-speaking countries.
The school started with a seminar which introduced teachers to “Cultural Recipes for International Online Collaborative Projects” (several international online projects where students around the world share their culture and values), such as "Folk Costumes around the Globe", "Folk Tales Project", "Global Partners”, etc. they also had a [practical part in computer lab, where they learned how to become a part of online community of teachers and find partners around the world.
The second day we discussed:
Amish people, who shaped American culture and are essential part of it nowadays. Besides this information is a part of Moldovan curriculum.
All about jobs. A set of activities and effective techniques which deal with jobs and professions and a revision of “make” and “do” verbs.
Florida Today. Presentations dealt with some interesting facts from history of the state, which made Florida the way it is now, and modern day attractions and fames. The presenter, Rafel Naseer, ELF have lived in Miami, Florida for most of his life(27 years) and all the information presented was from the prime source. The presenter witnessed the demographics change before my eyes and discussed the fastest growing minority population in Florida and the USA in general, and what this means for the future of the States.
Since February is also Black History Month, The Civil Rights Movement in the States and the most famous people who supported the movement was also mentioned.
The third day included such seminars as:
“National Grammar Day”, a holiday which is celebrated in States on March 4th. During this day everyone should be extra careful with ones grammar. Teachers should revise and improve their teaching methods. And everyone is welcome to report mistakes in public notices.
First African-American Experience: Slave Ship Voyages Reflected in Narrative, Poetry, Film and Art.
When speaking about culture diversity in the USA, it would not be improper to prioritize African American experience. In terms of the appearance in America, this ethnic group differs from all the rest. If others ventured to come and settle in the Western hemisphere drawn by certain differing reasons, Africans were brought to the New World by force and thus deprived of their background, collective and personal.
African presence in America started with slave ship voyages. Applying syncretism, the facilitator introduced participants to several artistic genres addressing the subject. The main effort yields literary and historical analysis of “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”, the first slave-ship record, which is followed by watching “Amistad”, Spielberg’s multiple award winning movie. Included are interpretation of Robert Hayden’s anti-epic “Middle Passage” and some depictions of the unprecedented black victory.
“English Speaking Countries”. This seminar was closely connected to the curriculum and it embraced a variety of materials and activities for all English speaking countries.
Fourth day dealt with:
“Three cultures of American South West” Presenter: Sharon Ketchum, US Embessy
"Teaching in East Asia, some experiences from China and Japan" Presenter: Gregory Chase, Fulbright (ULIM
September - Sharing Experience, first seminar is on September 11. Everyone is welcome at the opening session, where we will discuss everything new and inetesting that we've learnt or accomplished during the summer. October - Multi-media in extra-curricular Activities. November - Testing and Assessment.
December - Speaking
Semester II - 2009
January – Enlarging Vocabulary. February– Demonstrative Lessons. March – Culture Diversity. Customs and Traditions. April – Grammar May – Literature and Reading
#1.September - Technology(Seminars dedicated to the use of computers in English teaching.The use of Power Point to teach vocabulary, electronic textbooks, teaching English through films.) #2.October - Grammar
(Teaching grammar through authentic materials, teaching grammar in discource, practice activiti)es, class management, some amples of lesson plans)
#3.November - Ready-made Lessons(Ready-made scenarious for Halloween - using drama at the lessons; handouts for Thanksgiving Celebration) #4.December - Speaking
(English language history; learning through speaking; warm-up activities - make your students talk; pair work)
#5.January - Psychology and English(Learning styles - find out how your students learn better; how to develop super power memory - exercises to train your memory) #6.February - Literature&Reading
(A small part of materials is available online - Grammar Auction; activities to work with text)
#7.March - Writing(Register: formal and informal language; Letter Writing; Genre and Structure; Alternative assessment; A Genre Analysis Approach for Teaching ESL Composition; Writing Essays; Giving Written Feedback) #8.April - Evaluation&Testing
