GaleTP#2
Gale Workman
Sept. 2, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Hecht House
Initial tutoring session with two Foundation-level students
-- Daree Alshemeri from Qatar (Arabic) and Ciro Chang from Brazil (Portuguese)
-- began with introductions and lots of Q&A. My objective was to assess
Daree’s and Ciro’s needs and to learn what motivates them to learn English.
Daree is enrolled at CIES for his fifth session. He occasionally
struggles to find words in conversation. His pronunciation is understandable,
and I detected a bit of a British accent – very subtle and pleasant. Daree said
he learned some of his English with Brits. Daree’s government sent him to CIES
to improve his skills (TOEFL score) and to continue his education (as an
engineer, I recall). He told me he wants to work on his writing and listening.
We will incorporate vocabulary work, too. Daree practices taekwando and is the
oldest of five(?) sons.
Ciro’s government sent him to CIES. He’s been in the U.S.
two weeks and is struggling with English communication. He was not able to
answer confidently many of the questions I asked of him. He explained that in
the past he as not taken his education seriously, but he said he is a changed
man. He said he wants to work hard to learn English so he can continue his
education in Computer Science at a U.S. university. Ciro enjoys playing
English-language computer games; he swims and plays tennis. He is the youngest
of three sons.
Both men agreed they are exhausted at the end of each day
from intensive/immersive English study at CIES. I get that – it is tough trying
to communicate in a non-native language. I am fluent only in English. When I
travel – especially in Asian countries where even the alphabet is different – I
struggle all day to speak, listen and read. I return to my room each night
brain-tired from the effort. I look forward to Skyping home, watching BBC/CNN,
surfing English-language websites or chatting with English speaking companions.
Remembering that affective filters are strong in stressful
situations, I plan to create a fun, non-judgmental climate for our tutoring
sessions.
It is exhausting trying to learn and speak a foreign language all day. Can definitely see how they would feel that... Their program does seem quite intense and while most students seem to seek out others from their respective country or who speak their language, I'm sure it is still difficult. One idea I have had - that my Brazilian friends seem interested in - is looking at the differences between American English and British English. Just mention it because of previous learning. May be a good way to get some extra vocab in :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are taking this approach, Gale. Creating fun and relaxing ways to communicate in English is key.
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