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Ddeubel's Blog – June 2009 Archive (12)

EFL Classroom 2.0 Tag Clouds..

NEWSLETTER ARCADE TED TALKS… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 29, 2009 at 8:30am — 2 Comments

A new English Tutor "Chatterbot" (Dave is still alive too!)

I've been investigating many new "chatterbots", artificially intelligent characters that can help students practice and learn English online. Dave our wonderful chatterbot is under the knife but I think I've found a way to keep him on life support at least. You can still keep him company… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 29, 2009 at 1:30am — No Comments

Celebrating Michael Jackson - All his songs with lyrics for learning English!

Michael Jackson will never die! I truly believe that and when we commit to excellence, no matter what else our manner, a part of us will live forever. Michael Jackson touched eternity and we will enjoy his genius forever and anon.

I've traveled and taught English around the world. Wherever I was, I could count on one thing -- being able to talk about the music of Michael Jackson. He truly was an idol, an icon everywhere and everyone,… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 27, 2009 at 4:00am — No Comments

Guess the MAGIC word!

There is only ONE word that can be placed in each blank and complete the sentences. Can you guess what that MAGIC word is? Only look at the answer after you've thought a little about it!

_____ I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday.…

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Added by ddeubel on June 21, 2009 at 11:30pm — 3 Comments

A People's Dictionary - an Internet possibility!

I've long been one who "protests" the dictionary as a form of enslavement! It is a traffic cop, a false prophet saying and prescribing what words are "right" and which are "wrong". BAAAAAAHHHHH

This delightful TED Talk is really entertaining and in her quirky way, this "lexicographer" pleads for technology to liberate words and give us a beautiful dictionary where words , ALL words are equal and beautiful and loved. It's a great watch and you'll pick up a few… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 19, 2009 at 12:06am — No Comments

Liar! Liar! Pants on Fire! - Using Lies in the Classroom.

I've been thinking recently about how good teachers foster "noticing" in their students. Good teachers somehow get students to notice the "deeper" stuff about language - the nuance and information that just isn't on the surface and easily translatable or apparent.

This really can't be done directly. One might think so and I'll respect that opinion but explicitly teaching grammar rules and morphological analysis or even being… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 16, 2009 at 2:00am — 3 Comments

Funemployment.... The life of a TEFL Teacher?

"Funemployment" - I like the term! I came across it in the L.A. Times article below. A term denoting those hit by the recession and who are "stepping back" and taking life a little easier. Many, going abroad and getting valuable yet underpaid experience which will help them in their future careers.

Reminds me of myself back in 1992. Times were tough in Canada and I went to Vancouver to teach there. However, after hanging out for several… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 15, 2009 at 12:30am — 2 Comments

Teaching Struggles - Some medicine.

I have the honor and privilege of quite often giving end of year, end of course, graduation and other speeches to teachers. I take it seriously and usually end with a story. Stories work well and inspire. One of the ones I've used most often is this one - MAKE A DIFFERENCE. But I have a number of personal anecdotes and also folktales. You can read many others in the… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 9, 2009 at 9:30am — No Comments

Can you tell Who is Who?

To me - Peace is about seeing the similarities within us all. We humans are hardwired for "difference". Our egos dominate and our identity over powers. But really 99.9% of us are similar, the same, part of all life. We need this wisdom of seeing the similarities - if we are ever to achieve peace. Teach your students to see "same" and how in our yearnings, our desires, our emotions, our bodies, we all equally participate in the drama of being… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 7, 2009 at 1:30am — 1 Comment

Obituary - President Roh Moo Hyun

The past week or so has been one of heaviness in S. Korea. Even as a foreigner, I feel it. Last week, the ex. president, Roh Moo Hyun went for a quiet early morning hike with a lone bodyguard and then threw himself off his favorite mountain lookout. He left behind a suicide note stating how he was no longer an example for others to follow.

It's been weird here. Before this, S.Koreans didn't have much of an opinion regarding the man. He'd only been out of… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 3, 2009 at 5:00am — 2 Comments

Class Tools - a nice place to make games/presentations!

Click here for full screen version

I've been back again to the marvelous ClassTools site. On the site, you can very easily make all sorts of presentations and games. Just click and check out the games on the side of the site. The one above I made in 2 minutes! Just get an embed code. No… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 3, 2009 at 2:00am — 1 Comment

The 12th Blog Carnival is LIVE!

The 12th ELL / EFL / ESL Blog Carnival is up and it's a great one! Alice Mercer did a great job with lively comments.

When you have some time, read and comment here about some of the posts, share with others. Also consider contributing to the next… Continue

Added by ddeubel on June 2, 2009 at 1:30am — No Comments