Dana P. -CP #4

A few colloquialisms came up today with my CP. The phrase, "shot out of a canon" came up when talking about a very hyper person. This is one area that can only be learned by living and integrating yourself into the culture of the new country, even then , you will probably never really get it. She made a comment how some American students, "don't put care in their clothes." Basically, she was trying to say some of the students dress a bit more casually than what she is used to at home in Saudi Arabia. She felt appearance was important and was a good barometer of the person you are. I have noticed this also in Italy and Romania,the woman and men tend to take a bit more into their appearance when attending college. I explained how it really varies from student to student and university. It seems we are a bit more casual with many students,especially freshmen (generally speaking) going to class in pajamas, baseball caps and sweats. I explained it is more of a casual environment, maybe students are more concerned about school or there is no real pressure to dress up for class?? Wasn't really sure about the answer, although after spending four sessions with her now, I realize appearance is an important part of society, even though the females are covered 3/4 of time in public.

Dana P. -CP #3

My CP and I met with some other students in our TESOL class for the Japanese drummer, Matsuri, at the student center. Normally, she is quite talkative but she shut down around the other TESOL students. As I probably would when around a group of non-English speakers. She is actually quite fluent in English and is studying here mainly to pass the TOEFL, so she can go to a university. It's funny I actually find myself saying, " go to university" instead of going to college." I find myself leaving out some connectors, prepositions like ESL students! This is quite interesting, I think I am doing this because I feel they would understand me better. However, this is completely defeating the purpose of them learning English. Another thing I discovered is I am slowing my speech and thinking more about what I am going to say next. Do you know how non-native speakers tend to say a few English words, then will pause, as they look for the right English word? I am picking up these little habits from being around it so much. I have discovered, although for different reasons, that is better too slow down sometimes to find the right word to express yourself. I tend to talk fast with emotion sometimes not really using the correct vocabulary. Just something I discovered while working with non-native speakers.

Myrick, J. TP #12

Saturday, Marie and I had our writing lesson and this one was probably going to be quite difficult, but it allows me to see how great of an improvement Marie has been making over the past few weeks. I decided to have her do a critique of the most recent movie that she's seen. She told me the last movie that she saw was Tron 3D. I gave her 30 mins to write the critique. 5 for brainstorming, 5 for outline, 15 for writing, and 5 for review. I instructed her to write a summary of the movie, what she liked, didnt like, and her final thoughts the movie. I allowed her time to read one of my critiques I had to do for one of my classes to give her an idea of what a critique looks like. She finished within a reasonable amount of time and she didnt seem to have much of a problem with her outline and organization of her ideas. I read her paper, and it had way less mistakes than her other writings. I was happy that her thoughts were clear, connected, and well thought out. She made me want to see the movie as good as she wrote it up.

Myrick, J. TP#11

Friday, I got the chance to meet up with Ken'ichi again and I definitely had some material for him to look at it and read about. For this session, I decided to give Ken'ichi a test on his comprehension and if he can choose the main ideas. I gave him three one page passages that I had him write summaries about after each one to gauge his understanding of them. When he read them(summaries) aloud, he seemed to understand them, but his reading was slower than the previous session that we had. Though he comprehended the readings, it took him awhile to read the pages he wrote. So, we decided that the next session, we would do a timed reading exercise.

Myrick, J. TP#10

Marie had some free time this pas Thursday and we met up at the usual spot. Today was a speaking lesson so I decided to let her choose an activity to do and what she thought would be interesting. Of course, I asked if there was anything she was confused about this week, and she said she didnt understand the debate about the Healthcare Reform that is happening here in DC. She said she didnt understand why so many people were so against it. I actually gave her some of the information from my job so she can make her own informed decision about everything. I felt that my bias might have come into play and I didnt want that to happen. She said that since American Idol just started, she wants to do karaoke which I thought was an interesting take on "speaking" since you have to make sure that you have the proper tone, cadence, intonation, and etc. So I commended her for that. We talked about how we can do that, and we decided we would pull up some of her 2 favorite songs on youtube and she'd just go at it. The first song that she pulled up "Hit me Baby One More Time" which was quite funny since I havent heard it in ages. But, she actually did very good on it, aside from pronunication on a few words. We had to go over "baby" a few times, but she eventually got it. Another song she did was "California Girls". She had a harder time on this song because there were words that were stressed on and others she didnt know. We went over the song again until I made sure she was able to get each word properly. We worked on both of the songs multiple times to make sure everything was good. She actually sounded really good on both by the time we finished our session. It was fun and different for both of us.

Myrick, J. TP#9

On friday, Marie wasn't able to meet up, but I did get someone to tutor. Since I need the money, I had my friends put up postings around GWU for tutoring. I received a call from someone on Saturday who needed some help with reading. This is supposed to be our introduction meeting where we discuss his goals, and what he needs. I met with him at MLK library, and he seemed eager to learn. His name was Kenichi and he was from Japan who came to America to study engineering. He's over here for the semester and will return back home in June. We talked some more about a few things, the transition, people, culture etc. He said that he wanted to increase his reading level as he said he has a hard time grasping the main ideas. I told him I would come up with a plan for him to follow. But, I asked him to read a few magazine passages and I noticed that it was a bit choppy and I can tell he didnt understand what he was reading. He eventually asked what it was about, and I pointed out the main ideas for him and told him we would get something together for him to help.

Myrick, J. TP#8

Apologies for the long break, but things have gotten busy at work and Marie's schedule has been conflicting with mine. But, we got together last Thursday for our writing session. as usual, I asked if there was any questions that she had, and sh told me she heard a song by Lil Wayne where she said he kill people, and didn't understand why he wasnt in jail. She was truly outraged but after I explained it to her that it was entertainment, she understood. Afterwards, we got into the lesson which I chose to do a letter writing exercise, as she's told me before that she wanted to write her family back home, one of the reasons she wanted to increase her skills. I gave her examples of letters I've written and showed her examples from online. After a few tries, I gave her a prompt (write a letter to your favorite actor about your favorite movie they were in). 5 minutes to brainstorm, 5 for outline, and 20 for writing, and 5 for review. We went over it after the 30 minutes and it wasnt too bad for writing towards a prompt. She had a few issues with the structure of the letter, and we explained it again to make sure she understood. After a few more tries, we finally got it down.

Myrick, J. TP #7

A day off from work on Saturday, lead to a great day of tutoring. Though it was early, I was ready to help Marie out. It was our speaking session and I was excited for the lesson. As always, I asked if there was anything that she had questions about and nothing at the time (though the AZ shooting happened hours later, which she asked about). So today, I decided to conduct a mini-interview with Marie about her favorite memories throughout her life. I showed her a clip of an interview that Will Smith done awhile ago, to give her an idea of what takes place during an interview and how they're conducted. In addition, I explained that when I finished she would be able to interview me and should write down 5-10 questions that she wants to ask. I began asking questions about her favorite earliest memory, which she stated: " when I care to mine brother and sisters." We exchanged back/forth and I just listened. She did alot of talking which showed me she was more confident in her conversational skills. She was relaxed/reserved, but took many pauses in between her words as she spoke fast. I told her to slow down and think about what she says before saying it. But, it was a good exchange of thoughts and I understood about 85% of what she said. When we concluded her interview, I told her that we should work on getting her word choice, pronuniciation which she said that both of those were the problems she's had. After we went over hers, she interviewed me, and I demonstrated what I was looking for and got my point across. I can say what she interviewed me about, but it was interesting to say the least.

Myrick, J. TP #6

This past Friday, I met Marie at the library for a more in-depth writing session. I asked was there anything that she had questions about issues she's heard about throughout the weekend, and she said nothing. After our short talk, we had to get into the work. As I said, today was our writing session and I had a pretty good exercise for her to do. The assignment was to write about one place in America that she wants to visit, and detail everything that she read, heard, or seen about it. I showed her the grading rubic that I will be using and she seemed hesitant about it. I reassured her that it would be fine and I wouldn't be harsh on her. After about 30 minutes, she finished the paper and I read it. She wrote about NYC and about the landmarks. I noticed that her ideas flowed better than previous writings, and I think she noticed it. It flowed well besides minor grammatical mistakes. Also, she made use of the vocabulary list which made me proud. We both reviewed the paper together and I asked her how did she feel about her writing and she said that it could be better. Had a few grammar mistakes, and spelling as well. I encouraged her to continue using the dictionary and vocabulary lists that I give her.

TP #1 - Eri, Tugba

I met, for the first time, with Eri and Tugba. Tugba is from Turkey and Eri from Japan. This was actually an interesting mix of cultures. We started out getting to know each other. I discovered Eri was doing religious studies, specializing in Buddism. This started a conversation about religions which usually is not the best topic for a first meeting. However, this conversation was handles with such respect between all of us. I was amazed because this is really how it should be always. Tugba is Muslim. We talked about the similarities and differences between Buddism, Christianity and Islam. We even joked about some of the silly rituals that these religions require of it's participants. I realized as much as Eri said she wasn't good with English speaking , she did quite well once she became comfortable and talked about something she was interested. Actually she talks quite a lot whereas Tugba tended to shy away unless asked questions. I find it a bit difficult to tutor two people at once , especially when just getting to know eachother,b/c one always tends to take over. Although, I am sure this will happen in a class setting where one or two students will take lead of the class. I think the best way to handle this, without hurting the other student,is give positive feedback but explain how we want to have time to hear from other students. Maybe nudging the quiet students by asking things they particularly are interested.

Myrick, J. #5 Food/Good Times

After work on Thursday, Marie and I met up at my grandfather's home and she seemed eager to show me some her writings. But, before we got into it, I asked her if there was something she did not understand between now and our last session and she didnt undestand the problem that was surrounding the GOP and the controversy. I tried my hardest to explain the idea of healthcare and the republicans without offering my own personal opinion. She still seemed confused and I explained it to her about two more times, which helped her understand. Her journal entry for the day was about her experience riding the bus and to say the least was quite funny. She found it awkward that everyone sits so close to each other and said she feels uncomfortable when men are standing right next to her. The writing still had spelling and grammar mistakes but it was readable. I gave her a vocabulary list and a dictionary that I felt would help her with the spelling. Today was our speaking session and I had a great idea to for the lesson. Since we were at my grandfaher's home, I decided to do a "cooking show". I told her we would both cook our favorite dishes, but just like Rachel Ray (or any other cooking gurus) do. I showed her clips of Paula Deen and Rachel Ray to give her an idea of how to do it. She said she was excited to try it out. So up first was me, and I was enthusiastic about making my spaghetti, adding ingredients, etc to make sure it came across good. Finally after an 20 minutes, I was done. I asked if she had questions( which she didnt) and she went up. She explained that she would be cooking platains, and she was very animated just like Rachel Ray. she mispronounced some words, and spoke alot of slang. I waited until she was finished before giving her any criticism, but overall, it was decent. She ahd trouble saying a few words such as skillet and spatula, but we went over it while we ate. She said that she feels alot more confident speaking, but not enough to go up and speak with strangers. But, she did said she liked this session!

Dallas CP 10

Sunny and I held a descent conversation on the phone for our meeting. I noticed that she was not as comfortable speaking over the phone which is exactly why we did it! Its good practice. She likes to text usually, but I told her that orally communication is quicker.

She was waiting outside of her son's school for him to finish his after school session. June attends Gilchrist, I think I told you the in correct school before. Often times I found myself repeating over and over again certain statements. We would have to kind of piece meal the conversation together.

For example, when I asked her what school does June go to. She replied that he only goes during the weekday. When I said what school does her attend. She said that he was not in school. She was confusing the terms when and where.

The conversation continued like this for some time. After a few moments she would request that we text instead of talk. I'd decline and we continue our conversation. It was not a total lost. I think she was tired of speaking English. I can imagine. Lol. Eventually she said that her brain was depleted of English speaking skills for the day and we retired. Its is something that I think she will become accustomed to over time.

Dalas CP-9 Funnytime!

Sunny and I went riding again. She is really eager to study. I've really been trying to manage my time a bit better, so certain forms of multitasking must be used. Upon our drive we picked up and old couple that I'd driven before. Now these folks are really old. I think they are in the 90's. The older gentleman always comments on how he usually drives, but he figures that driving after his doctor appointment probably wasn't the best idea.

As he gave his directions Sunny would mimic the street signs that he'd point out. We both kind ourselves snickering after I found myself yelling so that the old man could hear me. I had a few snacks in the car that I share with Sunny throughout the journey to our final destination.

Once we got there Sunny attempt to get out an assist but I told her not to. After the couple went into their homes she told me about how in her culture it was just customary for her to get out and help. She also told me that in Korea I would have been considered a rude person because I did not share nor offer my nuts to the older couple.

I told her that myself personally in America, in a cab none the less, its not my custom to share food with every patron I encounter. 1. I can't afford it. 2. I don't know where their hands have been and 3. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THEIR HANDS HAVE BEEN! LOL! I told her some people are nasty. Granted these where old people but old people dig in all sorts of private places they need to scratch. Plus they just left the urologist. Who knows what went down there.

I told her that he might have had a catheter, with a urine bag, who wants to share food with someone whose hands are around easily accessible urine. LOL! Gross! After that statement of course I had to explain what a catheter was.

She understands that the culture is different. What some Americans may feel to be consider normal. As I recount this experience, this was one funny blog! I hope you guys read it! Cheers!

Dallas CP 8

Wednesday I took Sunny for a ride in the cab. With having to balance the time between meetings and work, I felt it would a fun experience. We discussed the different things that I do. How the machine works when I receive phone calls, how much time I spend working, etc.

When we arrived at the gas station she told me that in Korea they differentiated between gas, gasoline, and diesel. I explain to her that we kind of just consider gas and gasoline to be the same thing. That's what I think at least. I guess they refer to gasoline being the actually oil or petroleum.

I wonder how much do they spend on gas their? I think that something I'll ask next time. I know that there is a metro-rail system there so maybe people don't depend on gas as much as we do here in the states. During our ride I would re-direct her on her speaking skills. I thought this idea was great. Most of the time when there was a patron in the car she'd sit a mimic their pronunciation of words softly to herself. I think she enjoyed the experience.

Myrick, J. TP#5

Hello people! I hope everyone New Year's was well. Marie and I met up before the New Years to go over her writing and to develop a constant writing plan for her to do everyday. I bought my This I Believe book that has over 100 TIB essays to be used. We decided to have her keep a journal and document everything that happens while she is in America as she just got here a few months ago and this is a completely different world for her as she was telling me. Aside from the journal, I read one of the essays in the book and I had her write her thoughts about what was just read. I noticed that she can comprehend speaking well, but as far as her writing, she had problems putting sentences together. They were short and choppy, and she had problems with transitions. We reviewed her writing and discussed what mistakes she had. She seemed to understand what I was telling her, and said she can work on it. So until next time.

Dallas CP 7

Sunny and I talked more about our meeting in Tampa. She asked me what I thought was the best beach in the Tampa area. I personally thought that Clearwater beach was the best. She said that she went to Atlanta for the New Year. We talked about Korea traditions an how is was not custom to poor your own beer. It is said that if you poor your own beer you will not be able to find a sweetheart for seven months, or it could have been years. She was wondering about the downtown life in Tampa. I told her about Ybor City. Ybor City is a strip area with a movie theater, GameWorks, clubs, and restaurants. She said that she would like to come back again and check it out. We talked about the different cruise-liners that depart from Tampa. I also told them about how Tampa was famous for its cigars as well. I complimented her on her family. I recalled them teaching me ( June included) the words cookie and bathroom. We laughed about that because I remember that they were both similar in pronunciation. It was a cool experience to learn Korean from them. I can't wait to learn more.

Dallas CP 6

I spoke with Sunny's husband Hyongsik. We talked about where I would like to go when I go to Korea. I would like to go to Busan or Jeju. He informed me that Dageu was a good place to go because it wasn't as large as Seoul. Seoul he said that it was most like New York. He said that Incheon had to much crime in the city. He has a brother that still lives in Korea. I told him about my two sisters that live in Mississippi and Orlando. He is from Dageu, which is central eastern South Korea. It is has a harbor. He describe the area for me explaining that it there was a lot of commercial operations there. Since June asked me about my iphone, we started talking about different phone companies and what was the better company. I explained that I had coverage with both and they both fall short at times. I know he mention that he does some government work, but I can't recall exactly here. He seems like a real peaceful, cool guy. I can't wait to meet him again. He told me that it might be really difficult to learn Korean because most people want to talk to you in English.

Dallas CP5

Met with Sunny at the Apple bees. Throughout her vacation she went on a cruise to Mexico. We talked about different was to respond to someone that she continuously saw on the cruise ship. Every time we talk she has something to ask me about what or how to say certain things. One thing she said about June was that he was her best creation. I told her that I think he is a good kid. She asked me what the different meaning for "insane". She her the term on the show How I Met Your Mother. We spent time talking about how much we both enjoyed the show. I had told her that there was a difference depending the connotation. I think the usage they where looking for was when someone is extremely annoying. From there we went on talking about different ways to say that someone was driving us crazy. I couldn't believe that we were able to meet up in Tampa. They were touring all over the state. She said that they were staying in Clearwater and going to NASA in the morning.

Dallas- CP 4

Over the break I had the opportunity to meet with Sunny and her family. I had a wonderful conversation with her son June. June is seven years old. He attends Swift Creek Elementary. He is such a bright and smart kid. June speaks English quite well. He is better than his parents which is usually understandable since kids catch on a bit faster than adults. I would say that June is about at a level three. We were able to communicate fairly easy. He asked me about my iPhone and I told him about the games scrabble. Maybe at some other time we will play. I was thinking either Scrabble or Upwords maybe. We played a few games of hangman. He provided me with the words hamburger, pizza, etc. He can read and his listening skills are extremely sharp. I was really impressed by his ability to pronounce words, especially imagination and gentleman!

Class Observation # 3

Today I viewed Ramin's IN-HI Reading class. He opened up with a bit of conversation, it is much different being in this advanced class , it feels just like a regular college class since most students are speaking without hesitation and with more ease now. One thing I really found not only more conducive to learning but created more interaction among students was the large oval, conference table he used. This isn't always available but sitting in some sort of circle really works guess this is why they did it during storytelling in elementary. First, he administered a short quiz based on a short, highschool level book(Frindle) and news article then collected it. The quiz had a vocabulary section where you found it's synonym and some multiple choice. Then he did a timed reading using a simple nature-related article about 1-1/2 long. He had the students raise their hand when finished and Ramin write their time on the board. I asked how he chose the readings, he said a good method is to do a diagnostic at the first class to find the average word/ min. He suggested a book, Time Reading Book Series, for finding appropriate articles. The class was very engaged when he started the discussion . He made this class student centered, letting the students do the work instead of lecturing. Some students would shy away from answering; Ramin would use prompting to engage them instead of calling on them which tends to scare some. Now looking back I realize how important a student centered class is to education and so many teachers make it teacher-centered. He consistently throughout class would ask students if they understood and the purpose for these activities. Everything he taught in our TESOL class was displayed in this class. Obviously feedback from students was very important and I found this to be so beneficial and something I will definitely make a part of my teaching repertoire.