The news comes from NPR, June 28, 2009 and deals with the difficulties faced by numerous schools in the US, and more specifically in the State of Nebraska, when teaching English to English Language Learners (E.L.L.). Some Nebraskan specialists are in favor of dual language programs, or bilingual instruction, which would be the most efficient way to help E.L.L.s make transition to English. However, schools find it hard to implement this kind of instruction and often use a "sink or swim" method which is not helping students overcome the language barriers. Eight years ago, the Federal Government offered guidance with a law called "No Child Left Behind" which emphasizes on tests given in English and students' achievements. Schools are therefore putting the students into "English-only" classes too quickly in order to meet the objectives but with ineffective results. Though bilingual education is much more beneficial, little effort is made by the Government to get it fostered and this jeopardizes E.L.L.s' integration. In the US, there is a growing number of non-English-speaking population and about 5 million students are classified as E.L.L.s. Spanish and English are the two languages mostly spoken in the US and they would be part of bilingual instruction. Are you "up" with dual language programs?
Monday, July 6 2009
What is the best way to teach English to non-English-speaking students?
By Raphaël on Monday, July 6 2009, 12:48 - Miscellaneous
Friday, July 3 2009
TV Series to the Rescue
By Raphaël on Friday, July 3 2009, 09:07 - Miscellaneous
SKYNEWS has it that when first employed in hospitals or health centres in the UK, foreign nurses face a dual problem: regional dialects and the British sense of humour. In order to cope, these nurses have been asked to watch ... tv series, such as EastEnders, Coronation Street or Emmerdale. There is hope that by learning English from these series, they will understand their patients, jokes and stop them from resigning. Humour is said to be important especially in a stressful environment like hospitals. Do you think it helps to get through?
Thursday, July 2 2009
Do you speak Taeglish?
By Raphaël on Thursday, July 2 2009, 08:34
We know about Spanglish or even Frenglish to some extent. Now, South Koreans have invented Taeglish. This is what you get when combining martial arts and language learning. This video gives a better insight into this new way of learning English especially for youngsters as an answer to boring English classes. Is Taeglish a relevant way to expose young learners to a new language? Will it really boost their interest? We can think of other ways of incorporating physical education and fun, active learning - what about Yoglish or Karatlish?
Wednesday, July 1 2009
Learn English or go to jail
By Raphaël on Wednesday, July 1 2009, 09:51
The news comes from CNN and dates March 28,2008. The topic is about a quite unusual outcome as part of the sentence passed for three convicts (of Latin-American origin we may guess) during a trial in Pennsylvania, USA. In this video, you will hear about the condition set to the men: to learn English.
The issue at stake is that knowing the language of the country you live in is unconditional. As stated in the report, this offers "more opportunities in this life" and it is a reminder of the words by President Barack Obama who said, during his presidential campaign, that the knowing of foreign languages, either it be English (this was linked to immigrants in the USA) or another one, is a powerful tool to get a job, and it renders us so much more employable.
What is your opinion on this issue? Can we be imposed to learn a language (as is the case in the report)?
Friday, June 26 2009
Michael Jackson is dead
By Benedicte on Friday, June 26 2009, 09:41 - Miscellaneous
The news came from CNN this morning as a bad “thriller” scenario. Michael Jackson died after a heart attack on Thursday 25th June 2009. The king of the pop who was beloved by millions of fans leaves us with a huge lot of music treasures. Thriller, one of his highest-selling title made him a giant across the world. Many people testimony their loss and sadness today. A woman who was interviewed about her idol said she had learned English thanks to Michael’s songs lyrics as a teenager. The legend is now gone – rest in peace.
Monday, June 22 2009
The English Wall is now launched!
By Benedicte on Monday, June 22 2009, 15:07 - Miscellaneous
Edulang is delighted to announce the launch of its English Wall! You can now find and share the most relevant daily information related to the world of English learning.
Thursday, May 28 2009
How to integrate English Addicts into an English course?
By Philip on Thursday, May 28 2009, 09:50 - English Addicts
" I have been running a language centre in Côtes d’Armor for the past six years."
I have been using English Addicts for a while now in a variety of circumstances – groups, individuals, in class, out of class, higher levels, and lower levels. A current recent case is an individual student to whom I am giving 20 telephone lessons of 30 minutes duration. I integrate English Addicts into every lesson.