| Return to Worksheets for Learning Languages A Personalized Course in Business English “Swiss Cheese”: The Emmental approach Most people take a course in English to a) improve fluen_y b) find the holes in their gra_m_r c) expand vocabulary There are two theories about “how to improve a person’s comm._nd of a language” and how to find the holes: Theory 1: follow a systematic analysis and review of the parts of language (structure, vocabulary) and administer tests to check the percentage of comprehension Theory 2: study subjects and develop skills in other areas of interest (archery, cooking, writing about real estate) and, along the way, the gaps will emerge. If you are interested in Theory 1, then a variety of textbooks need to be pursued or a thorough search on the Internet will be useful. If you are interested in Theory 2, then you, the student, can suggest areas of discussion and performance in the classroom. (See newFCAT.com and click on “Performance of Understanding) Perform or show your understanding by: Building a web site Making a presentation Writing Interviewing Videotaping Audio recording Building a graphic novel Creating a portfolio or a collection of examples Playing video clips and then commenting on the content Leading the class Other ideas? Sources of Information (what is your system of staying informed?) What newspapers do you read each week? What columnists help you to define the world? What TV shows give you entertainment and data? What book reviews and reviewers do you seek out? KnowYourType.com to help the instructor and other students shape the style of the teaching and to help the presenter know the audience. Learning styles: MathForArtists.com (Steve’s compil_tion of descriptions). Learning by doing Busines vocabulary can be learned and reviewed in the cont_xt of a project. Hmmm, what kind of project could we create? In your experience: What are possible sources of miscommunication and misunderstanding? What gets in the way of learning? The “Two-Dollar” Rule: “Is that two bucks?” Content and cont_xt: You want the fruit (vocabulary, the content of the couse), but we need to discuss the shape of the bowl (the container of the fruit, how the fruit will be delivered). Contact information: Steve McCrea mistermath@comcast.net Email to cell phone s2314@tmail.com 954 OH MUCHO 954-646-8246 Switzerland's oldest and most important cheese, Emmentaler has a distinctively nutty-sweet, mellow flavor that makes it perfect for almost any use-from snacks to an apres-dinner fruit-and-cheese plate. This cow's-milk cheese is light gold in color, with marble-size holes and a natural light brown rind. It was named for Switzerland's Emmental valley and is exported in giant wheels weighing from 150 to 220 pounds each. Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/emmental-cheese Other cool sites (and other sources of data) Esl.about.com Psychology Today magazine Discover magazine Economist, nytimes.com Return to Worksheets for Language Learning |