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The Alchemy of Teaching

Access Students Edinets

4/7/2015

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Our St.Valentine's day

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Mentoring Assignment #5. Best Actor.Best Actress.Best Female. Oscar. Movies. Cinema

2/16/2015

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This month we will discuss a fantastic event, connected with movies and cinema. 
Everybody is aqcuainted with Oscar nominations and the annual event that takes place in February.
There is a great challenge for us to find out form various media sources What,Who,When and Where points of the issue.

Among all the things we are to discuss, the task is:
#1 -- Think of a movie or a book you recently watched /read
#2 -- get through the tools you have already known and tryed before: Power point, Prezi,Movenote,Voicthread; use the links below to find out more and refresh the known ones:

--Engaging Learning with Voicethread 
--Examples of Voicethread for Education.
--Examples of Voicethread projects to share with students
#3 -- create your Voicethread Project on the given topic, connected with the Oscar nominations, Movies or Scenario.
 Take into consideration,that a native-speaker pbserver will watch your project and will leave his/her voice comment on it.
Follow the needed vocabulary and structure you have in the study links.
be ready for the afterwards oral group/class discussion.
Enjoy your work and use your creativity !!!!




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Mentoring Assignment #4 Skype discussion: Analisys of Education System in Moldova and the USA. Differences and Similarities

2/16/2015

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Today we had a fantastic online session with our Mentor Tatiana Shevchenko--Ad Astra Career Development Center Founder and Project Coordinator  and  Career For Me online platform Founder and Coordinator.
We discussed an initeresting issue about education in Moldova and the USA.
The themes that Tatiana shared were extremely important and useful, very uptodate and deep. 
Among them, there were touched even the topics, that seemed completely new but due to the level of our studies, like development of higher-order thinking skills and applicability of knowledge after hight-school years and during life behind the academic walls.
you can see the brief outline Tatiana kindly offered us:

US Teaching Style
-    Collectivist (MD) vs. Individualist culture (US) -
-          MD - Helping each other, covering each other, sharing credit
-          US – responsible for self, no cheating, no helping, honor roll, personal brand, competition
-          US -  You are responsible for your actions and what you get out of school
-          US - You can learn as much or as little as you want
-          US - Intervention of the school in your personal choices – truancy, detention, expulsion
-          US - Focus on 21st century skills: analysis, group work, self-guided learning, problem solving, creative thinking, self-expression, communication, intercultural adaptation, acceptance

Graduation Requirements
-          Grades passing and failing
o       A, B, C, D, F (fail) (c- average, f – fail)
o       GPA (grade point average) used on college applications
-          Core classes and electives - Math, English, Science, History, Language = 5 core, + 2 electives
-          Extracurricular activities (in school and in your community)
-         Honor Roll, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement
-          Standardized tests – State tests (SOL), National Tests (SAT) 



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the dizability issue short survey

2/12/2015

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February 10th, 2015

2/10/2015

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Lesson  Plan. Bloom's Taxonomy application.

1/28/2015

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LESSON  PLAN


STEP  #1

Date:  February
Teacher’s name:
Level:  Upper –intermediate/ Advanced
Subject:  Listening  Course

STEP #2

Topic:    Power:  The Kinds People Use and Abuse
Content:  Classification / Definition    

Motto for the class:    “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him                                             power.” 
                                                                                                               ― Abraham Lincoln
                                “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” 
                                                                                                               ― Mahatma Gandhi
 
                                       Listening: the process of receiving,
                                       constructing   meaning from, and responding
                                        to  spoken and/or nonverbal messages.  
                                                           (International Listening Association)– International Listening Association

STEP #3 :  GOALS, OBJECTIVES, MATERIALS

Students will:
--  Use pre-listening vocabulary to better understanding of the audio material
-- Use prior knowledge to extend the pre-listening and post-listening discussion
-- Search and get acquainted with the needed information on the topic
-- Learn how important is the Power of people
-- Write an essay  on the studied material
--Apply the studied material and information to make a presentation/ project as a final assignment


Materials: (Aids/AV/Technology)

Textbook on Listening Course
Audio course (CD, Computer, iPad)
Worksheets for completing the assignments and tests
Transcripts of the audio lessons (in case of necessity)
Video materials on the given topic
Video online resources on the topic


STEP #4: PROCEDURE/ METHODS

Accomomdations  (Differentiated Instruction)

Be sure the students who have certain type of disability, impairment, are taking the proper sits – closer/ further from  the equipment or the teacher, the copies are provided properly, according to the special needs.

Intorduction: (Focusing Event): 


Let us comment first on the epigraphs for the class. Let us give opinions, analyse how we understand these quotations, who are the authors of these words, what is the reason of them expressing it. Would you be able to create now your own one?

1.    Classification /Definition – the name of the Chapter we start to work on.
       Our new topic is:  Power:  The Kinds People Use and Abuse. We will consider its classification and will give              definition to the notions we study.

2.    Pre-listening discussion:

        What is power?  What does is mean for you? When you think if power,what do you think of? Money? Strength?         Politics? Love? What kinds of power do people use to influence the actions or behavior of others? What feeling       does it provoke when you hear this word? Give your definition of this word.

      (we record the answers on the board in order to see how close we are to the opinions of the scientists);

3.    Preview of vocabulary and sentences: (distribute the photocopies with the words and expressions from the            audio course with the relevant vocabulary.)

     Let us together provide synonyms/antonyms /explanations/translation if needed for the given vocabulary;

Development: (Modeling/Explanation):

   Before the initial listening, investigate the resources and encourage students to make notes, that will be a helpful       wisp in ongoing listening and completing the final assignments:

     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_%28social_and_political%29
    http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2011/08/26/the-5-types-of-power-in-leadership/
    http://www.academia.edu/2972988/Use_and_abuse_of_power


Practice: (Guided/Monitored Activity):

    1.    Rhetorical Listening Cues:

         In this talk, the speaker classifies various kinds of power. She begins by defining power, and she than goes on          to discuss the different types of power . She uses words and phrases which indicate that she is classifying the         various kinds of power, and is giving the order or sequence in which they are being discussed, she uses words          such as “classify”, “is classified”, and expressions such as “the first type of power”, “the third kind” and so                forth.

2.    Initial Listening :

      Now listen to a talk about the basic forms of power. It may help you to concentrate on the talk if you close your         eyes while you listen. Just relax and listen carefully.

        We listen to the entire speech. (use CD 5, Track 1 or the link below)
      http://ololo.fm/search/Listening+Comprehension+%28Intermediate%29/Power+The+Kinds+People+Use+And+Abuse

3.    Discussion with students: what is the speech generally about? What familiar words/expressions did you hear?          What was easy to understand? What was difficult? Did you get those kinds of power mentioned in the speech?          How many of them and what did you catch?

4.    Mental rehearsal  and review  of the talk:

     Let us listen to the talk once more. This time the classification of the various kinds of power will be given in             message units. Please repeat each of the sentences or phrases to yourself silently as you hear it spoken. You           can try to make some notes –key words and/or expressions.

       We listen to the talk once again (second listening) (CD 5, Track 2)

5.    Discussion: what is the new information that you heard this time and that remained unclear during the first               listening? Why do you think we did not catch it from the beginning? Is it because of the speed, voice of the                speaker, unclear pronunciation, new words? Do you think the background music this time was helpful? Why            yes/no? Did you manage to make notes, to put down some key-words?

6.    Consolidation/ final listening:

      You will hear the talk once again. This time as you listen, take more notes on what you hear. (CD 5, Track 3)

7.    Students check themselves, completing the online test accessing the links below  (individual work, than peer-          check).

      Provide photocopies to those who can not do it online.

http://quizlet.com/58176396/flashcards
http://quizlet.com/58176396/test


Independent Practice: (Assignments to Measure/ Progress ):

 Postlistening :

1.    The Comprehension Check :  Complete the Listening Test (CD 5, Track 4)
          Photocopies/handouts are available
         Make an overall plenary discussion

2.    Listening  Factoid #1, Factoid  #2 ( CD 5,Track 7,8)
       General discussion, giving opinions


Checking For Understanding: (Assessments/Feedback):

         Watch the video of some famous speeches and identify the kind of power. Demonstrate through your                         observations on the videos the examples the power people use. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X09A4aDA1Hc
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vDWWy4CMhE   http://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechkingdomofheaven.html
  http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/stateoftheunion2012.htm


1.    Closure: Wrapping it up:

1.    Write on a piece of paper at least 10-15 words/ word combination/expressions from the topic we covered;
-- A worm-up activity – let students’ papers circulate around the class and everybody adds 2-3 more words on the        paper. When the paper gets back to its owner, we see how each student can enrich the vocabulary with the help of    his/ her mates.
2.  Group Work (3-4 people in a group):  Select one kind of power we studied and make a spontaneous (impromptu-        speech) 3-5 minutes speech presentation for the audience.
     We make a plenary discussion and determine what kind of power is performed;
3.  Provide the examples from your experience (personal, from TV/books/movies/magazines/subjects/internet)  of       the power you felt upon yourself or upon the others.

STEP #5:  EVALUATION AND TEACHER REFLECTIONS:

1. Students will review the material, look through their notes and completed tasks;
2. Students will write a 200-word essay on “How I understand the “Power people use and abuse” , using the vocabulary / information/ opinions from the covered topic. They will formulate their own conclusion;
3. Students will prepare a presentation/ project on a free-designed  topic, that will cover the following ideas:
-- Power People exercise over People;
--How can we avoid the negative influence of power;
-- What are the consequences of the power over people;
-- Where can people feel the positive effect of power
--Is this issue about power influence so vital for the people of the 21st century and why?

  Feel free to use various available tools: Power Point, Movenote, Prezi, Glogster, Paper Posters

Evaluation:  

Will be done according to the 10-5 grade system, based on proper criteria

Teacher Reflections ( the notes are done during the presentation of the students with the follow-up discussion and analysis) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional instructive materials for the teachers:
http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/listening-types.html

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Project Work on Global Issues

1/21/2015

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Task  on  Global  Issues

Project-Based Learning (PBL) -- a new approach to learn and investigate things

The new era we live in is a speedy time with speedy changes. It demands on us be constantly on the wave, in time, accordingly and simultaneously with what the world offers us.
Our studies are not the exception. That is why now we introduce into our habitual way of learning, some new methods of presenting the information and material.

Enjoy the work !

Our time limit is 3 weeks.

#1 – PBL is how we integrate the information we need, collect and acquire, into the process of study.
Let’s start working on that together. For that, have a look at needed material and feel free to communicate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8

#2 – to get a better and clearer idea to fulfill a project-based assignment, let us watch some  successful projects in the following links:


https://youdochangetheworld.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/save-the-planet-with-a-planted-flower/

https://youdochangetheworld.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/informing-the-mihai-eminescu-community/

#3 – below  you will find the stages that are going to facilitate  creating our own Project:

Project Title:  "Diversity – is a peaceful environment we should live in"
Students level: upper-intermediate and advanced level
Project idea:  Students investigate what “Diversity” means in terms of global understanding and within their community, city, environment. They analyze the situation and the role each citizen plays in entire society.
Driving Question:  How should we behave in diverse society and be noble global citizens to evoke tolerance and  promote peace for all?
Content Skill and standards:  Globalization, Global issues, UN Convention on Human Rights, Local and National Attitude of the society, Promoting Peace and Acknowledging the notion of Diversity
Collaboration/ final product:  Video / PowerPoint presentation, statistics,  examples, drama presentation, a positive vision statement
Local and global audiences:  teachers’ stuff, students , parents,administrators , community members, officials, pay pals, foreign organizations, media
Goals:   information, promote peace, tolerance, civil awareness  

#4 -- The  project template – is a model to follow, that will facilitate the work 

projecttemplate-131110074307-phpapp02

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Creating My E-Portfolio

1/14/2015

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CREATING  AN E-PORTFOLIO

Dear students! Welcome back after those magnificent days of winter holidays!

Eager to continue to know and investigate the challenging world of online tools? E-PORTFOLIO is waiting for us.
Let’s get into it !

Resume letter, CV and Cover letter – are already familiar things to all of us and we all keep it as a treasure of our studies,work,achievements and interests. Now, the fact that we are the creatures of the 21st  century, makes us acquire and acknowledge new lands and possibilities.

This month we start with a type of work entitled “Creating an E-Portfolio”. We will have approximately 2 months to complete the given assignment. Let’s make it step by step.

Task 1

1. Read the materials and watch the videos on the relevant issue. Make notes if needed.

Feel free to ask questions and get ready to discuss such notions as:  types of e-portfolio: working, assessment, showcase, mixed= hybrid; artifacts, reflections, peer-evaluation:

   http://www.eduscapes.com/tap/topic82.htm

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_portfolio

2. Get acquainted with the modality and ways/tutorials to create an e-portfolio, investigating various sources:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3X3LQgUDQE

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7V59KwVzdc

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQbW_0i29Vk

   http://www.scranton.edu/academics/ctle/tutorials/technology/eportfolio-powerpoint.shtml

 
Task 2

To make the task workable and more comprehensive, surround yourself with all your paper-based documents, CV-s and relevant printed and electronic materials that you have up to now. Consider it a helpful note. Watch the examples and start to make/draft your own e-portfolio. Transfer all you have onto a different platform. Now it will be  electronic !!!!

This time you can use your creativity, imagination, tools, hand-out materials that you accumulated, liked and stored in your computer for a better day. It is time to give it Life (pictures, videos, merits).

Watch the videos and decide upon the themes you want to disclose in your e-portfolio: to display your best works, to demonstrate your progress in English, to create your CV for future applications, to perform your merits. Please share your ideas with the Teacher and your mates: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6udEqB52N_Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5DGLktOd-s

http://corneliusportfolio.weebly.com/about-me.html

https://anganolga.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/97/

Task 3

Now, since you have all the arsenal of  knowledge, examples, ideas and tools, it is time to create your own personal e-portfolio.

You have to decide upon the type of your e-portfolio and  to define several sections,such as:

· about me (short bio, interests, hobbies, unusualities);

·  my growth (studies, developed skills and abilities,visits, exchange programs);

·  my achievements (competitions,merits, diplomas, studies,trainings);

·  my goals

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Developing Public  Speaking  Skills  for Presentations

1/7/2015

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Created with Padlet
Dear students, 
this month we will work over an important domain of developing Public Speaking Skills, that we need for both English class activities and for the other subjects assessments.


For the following classes there are several tools and a number of materials provided here on our blog, to get acquainted with, to watch, read, make notes and prepare for discussion.

Our final goal is: after the material is studied and discussed, you are invited to choose one topic from the provided list and prepare a presentation with the help of references below.

So, let’s the journey begin.

Task 1:

a)  Watch the video first, try to get the most important message from it. After that, type down the key-phrases (in the Padlet)  that are fundamental for a good and electrifying presentation:


       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHX-xnP_G5s

b)  Get acquainted with the offered sources, discover the definitions and  the instructions of the presentation structure:

1.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skill#cite_note-0 
2.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_speaking#History  
3.  http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Public-Speaking-Skills 
4.   http://www.wikihow.com/Special:GoogSearch?cx=008953293426798287586%3Amr-gwotjmbs&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=to+make+a+presentation&siteurl=www.wikihow.com%2FMain-Page 

Task 2:

Watch the videos and make notes of the main tenants of a good and effective presentation for the audience to be inspired. How do you understand the phrase “Stay hungry…Stay foolish”.  Be ready to talk in groups and in plenary discussion:

a)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whTwjG4ZIJg

b)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO6cFMRqXqU

c)  The next video is aimed to see What and How the speaker is delivering the speech. Think what techniques and methods we might use for our presentations if needed:
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ivSseLmD3w

d) Use the following structure for a Mock-presentation:

Topic: My best friend’s wedding
General purpose: to entertain
Specific purpose: to congratulate the groom and the bride
Central idea: I want to wish happiness and love to the groom and bride

OPENING
Introducing myself       
My name    
Mention who’s friend I am

BODY
Compliment the bride    Pay tribute to key participants      
Compliment and thank the audience for coming
Pay tribute to parents of bride and groom
When we first met

Recount how I became friends with groom         
Some funny moments form passed     
Describe the best groom’s traits                                                                               
Never argue with your wife!
Words of advice to the groom from a married man     
Do everything Jane says!  
Never forget to say “You are right dear!”

CLOSING                                                                                     
 Ask audience to be upstanding
Summarize your idea
 Raise a toast to the groom and bride
 Compliment my friend and his wife
 Thanks and compliment the audience
 Thank the audience for listening to me


Task 3:

The following are the topics for your presentations. Choose one, communicate with your mates to be sure you do not repeat each other, follow the instructions from the following links: http://padlet.com/   or  http://www.pinterest.com/  or  https://animoto.com/ or  http://edu.glogster.com/. Feel free to use your creativity as much as your potential and inspiration goes (power point, voicethread, movenote, thinglink, narrable).

Topics for the presentation:

1.     Violence against Women. It’s time to act
2.    Children With Disabilities Should Study in Every School
3.    Have you ever thought why people smoke?
4.    Development of personal belief
5.    Global Warming
6.    Globalization. New term, new era, new approach
7.    Woman’s role in society. Emancipation, Freedom, Family and Career
8.    Loneliness, Solitude, Seclusion and Isolation
9.    Body Language in Interpersonal Communication
10.  The Role of Intercultural Communication in terms of  Studying a Foreign Language

   

 

 

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Developing Public  Speaking  Skills  for Presentations

1/7/2015

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