Six Characteristics of an Effective Language Teacher

https://calicospanish.com/characteristics-effective-language-teacher/

Effective teachers are proficient.

How can we demonstrate proficiency to students? How can we set an example?

• Show them the power of languages and how to use language effectively. @klafrench
• Know the language we are teaching. Language teachers need to understand target culture beyond postcard knowledge. @DiegoOjeda66
• Knowing the language is imperative, but so is knowing about second language acquisition. The fact that I am a native speaker of the language does not make me an effective teacher. @suarez712002
• I am not a native speaker. The benefit is students see me learning new things and being frustrated, but persevering. Good lesson I think. @pjenn86
• We have to be role models by showing students what having a passion for a language means. @klafrench

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Effective teachers inspire.

• Effective teaching means being passionate about learning, loving kids, wanting to get them ENGAGED, and communicating. Also, helping kids to learn and not be afraid of making mistakes, trying out the new culture, and fostering tons of curiosity. @dr_dmd
• Effective world language teachers inspire lifelong learning and show students a bigger world through experiencing cultures and peoples with language and communication. @worldlanguages
• Effective world language teachers must motivate students to use target language whenever possible and inspire passion for language and culture! @melindamlarson
• For middle school, being an effective teacher means getting students excited to learn the language/culture–even when it’s a mandatory class. @pjenn86
• Effective teachers empower students. @DiegoOjeda66

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How do we inspire the kids? Many participants stressed the need for a warm, inviting class atmosphere. Mistakes should be used as a learning opportunity, not something students need fear.
What do we do?

• We inspire, we model curiosity, we create engaging contexts for language practice and communication. @dr_dmd
• Give students the opportunity to use the language in many ways and outside of the classroom. Help the students understand that being successful also means making mistakes. Give them permission to fail. @cadamsfl
• Teach students to use the second language in ways that interest them–it will get them more motivated to use it outside of class! @espanolsrs
• Effective world language teachers should also teach techniques and strategies to empower students to take risks with the target language (ex: circumlocution). @melindamlarson
• We, as lang teachers, have to create an environment where kids feel successful no matter what. @lesliedavison

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Effective teachers see mistakes as learning opportunities.

Several people agreed that mistakes should be used as a learning opportunity in the classroom. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and students should be made to feel that mistakes are accepted and ok. Everyone makes mistakes, and the learning environment needs to be receptive to this.

@pjenn86 asked,

Do teachers always correct a pronunciation mistake right away?

• That is not a problem as long as you do it in a respectful and sensitive manner. I do not demand that they repeat the word after the correction. @DiegoOjeda66
• No. Depends on the situation and the child. I try to correct it where it will have the largest impact inside not outside. @cadamsfl
• I sometimes praise mistakes, especially when they recognize and try to self-correct. If I can get the gist of what a student is saying, I try not to correct, just model. @sraoconnor
• Correct when an error interferes with communication. When correcting focus on the “meaning.” If a student said, “I go to the movies yesterday,” say “you GO to the movies yesterday”? @suarez712002

Effective teachers are always improving.

Several participants mentioned how important it is to always be improving, both in teaching and language ability. How? Ways to do so include analyzing one’s own practices and learning from peers.

• Effective teachers know how to be reflective about their practices. @gretafromtexas
• Teachers must be passionate about cultivating their own language proficiencies. Teachers get to be life-long students–always learning, always curious. Passionate teachers share what they are learning as well–show what it looks like to be a learner. @dr_dmd
  • It works! I made a big one (mistake) this week. I used the opportunity to teach “comettre une erreur.” @klafrench

In the journey to improve, some participants suggested observing peers.  However, many lamented the fact that they don’t have many opportunities to observe other teachers’ language classes.

• Effective teachers don’t have all the answers, but create environments to explore new answers from peers. @DonaKimberly
• Key concepts of professional learning communities: 1) observing other teachers and 2) creating common assessments. @suarez712002
• Peer observations are excellent collaboration tools, but must not be tools to make us all be the same. @dr_dmd

Effective teachers choose content wisely.

Several teachers questioned how much grammar an effective language teacher should teach in the classroom. Does being an effective language teacher mean being an effective grammar teacher? As @tmsaue1 pointed out,

Sometimes I see teachers who are very effective in delivering grammar instruction, but I don’t think that’s what we mean by effective language teacher.

Even as @sraoconnor pointed out that many colleagues do expect that kind of grammar instruction from every effective language teacher, @cadamsfl summarized the #langchat perspective that students’ grammar focus should be used “to communicate more effectively and connect with the world around them.”  @DiegoOjeda66 explicitly said, “Effective teachers do not have to teach grammar.”

What about teaching the textbook?
Several people said that they don’t use the textbook very often in class. Several others lamented colleagues who held them accountable to teaching everything in the book. Most commenters felt it’s more important to teach to the student than to the textbook. @suarez712002 emphasized that she uses the textbook as a resource. A link to an insightful blog post titled, “Teaching to Educate vs. Teaching to Test” was posted by @worldlanguages: http://tinyurl.com/3h6s2ug.

Effective teachers learn and use effective techniques.

Participants also shared several techniques they believe effective teachers employ.

• @dlfulton: Be willing to give students a little content and then then step aside for a while and let students USE it. [As it’s also important to teach to the students’ differing levels,] “my lessons change/vary slightly from class to class to reflect what the students in each class need.”
• @cadamsfl: Take advantage of what’s going on now and use the language. It helps the students to practice and use “real” language, and not the textbook. Lesson plans are always different every year because they are driven by what is happening in the world.
  • @dr_dmd: Bring the world into the classroom–so many ways to do that: pics, videos, texts from the net.
• @DiegoOjeda66: Effective language teachers are natural born actors and are not afraid to take multiple personalities in class. They can use this to bring their own experiences to life in the classroom. @DiegoOjeda66
• @cadamsfl: At the end of the year, we connect all of the lessons and talk about what they can do now that they couldn’t before.
  • We try to connect lessons throughout the year, not wait until the end–keep ongoing lists of “can-do’s.” @dlfulton

Five Brothers, One Mother - 21st Century Lit. - Green PETA

21st Century Literature PETA

(GREEN: Marielle De Guzman Ulant, Marinette Mateo, Karen Mae Torres, Jasmin Tuccat Dalauidoa and Ian Keith Aguilar)

Five Brothers, One Mother

Their house has window without screen,
A garden that remains ungreen.
At night before they sleep,
There were mosquitoes that sips their blood bit by bit.
Their house, no matter how unfinish it is ...
It still holds all their memories.
Memories to be reminisce.

A place to stay is what they need still,
And also their mother's cooking skill.
She cleans the house and all,
Never miss even a single call.
Their mother cook and still care.
Leaving her alone, they won't dare,
Because it's the least thing to pay their fare.

A home without a complete family,
But still dear each other deeply.
Sunday they come to the house,
Everyone who have moved out.
Though they can't gather everytime and all day long ...
They still miss the house, no ...
Not the house but their home.
Home sweet home.

Reference: https://web.facebook.com/mariele.ulant/posts/931996510286276?notif_id=1512907960431449&notif_t=like_tagged

PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT ACROSS DISCIPLINES

PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT

• DEFINITION – clarifies and explains concepts through the use of illustrations, examples, and descriptions

Example:

Social engineering is defined as any method which tricks people to share personal information through the use of technology. The ‘social’ component in this scheme means that there is reliance on various psychological tricks and on the gullibility of users rather than technical hacking. Social engineering also refers to various malicious acts online, such as phishing spamming, and pretexting.

Signal Words

Is defined as               refers to          to define

As defined                   means             to illustrate 

• EXEMPLIFICATION – presents the general statement and then provides specific and concrete examples to expound on the main idea

Example:

 While the Internet offers so many benefits to man, it also has its downsides. One of these is phishing, which refers to the act of obtaining personal information, such as passwords and credit card details, through online means. In other words, phishing is a form of cybercrime. As an example, let us consider the case of Mr. X. he received an email stating that his Gmail account has been compromised and that he needed to click a link to update personal information. If Mr. X clicks on the link, his personal information will be illegally acquired by cybercriminals.

Signal Words

After all, for instance, namely, that is, as an example, in other words, put another way,  to be specific, consider the following, in particular, specifically, to clarify, for example, in short, stated differently, to illustrate

• DESCRIPTION – provides details on the idea by using either sensory or spatial pattern; in the sensory pattern, ideas are arranged based on one or all of the five senses; a spatial pattern arranges ideas by location or physical space

Example:

 A laptop is one of the greatest inventions of the modern era. It is a lightweight device that can save a vast amount of information. The screen, touchpad, speakers, keyboard, battery, and AC adapter are the basic parts of a laptop. The most noticeable part of a laptop is its keyboard. On it are the keys needed to enter data into the computer. Near the keyboard you will find a smooth, rectangular surface which acts like a desktop computer mouse – that is the touchpad. At the bottom part of this rectangular surface, you will see buttons that operate like a mouse button. Below the keyboard and touchpad, built into the laptop itself are the speakers which allow you to hear sounds and music. Found at the back of the keyboard is the battery; it serves as the lifeline of the computer. Finally, a laptop also comes with an AC adapter which charges the batter and serves as the source of electric power when it is plugged in.

Signal Words

Above, across, adjacent to, against, alongside, amidst, around, away from, back of, behind (prepositions)

• CHRONOLOGY/ PROCEDURE – organizes ideas or events according to time

            Narration – sequences events in order in which they occurred in time

            Process – organizes details based on stages or steps

Example:

Narration: Ondoy began to develop from an active low pressure area to a tropical cyclone on September 24, 2009. The following day, PAGASA raised storm signals all over the Philippine archipelago. At that point, signal no. 2 was raised in Catanduanes and other parts of Luzon. By Saturday morning, reports flooding started to pour in. meanwhile, president Arroyo declared state of calamity in Metro Manila. Immediately after President Declaration, various government agencies began the rescue and relief operations. As soon as Typhoon Ondoy exited the Philippines, more and more relief and rescue operations were conducted.

Process: During the flooding, one thing that may probably save your life is an improvised flotation device. You can make one using your pants. First, knot off the leg holes of your pants. Then, hold open waist and swing the pants around to fill the legs with air. Promptly knot off the waist to trap the air and hold the pants underwater so that the air would not escape.

Signal Words

About, after, afterwards, as soon as, at, at this/that point, before, during, eventually, finally, first, immediately, in the meantime, later, meanwhile, next, next week, presently, prior to, second, soon, then, till, today, tomorrow, until, when, yesterday

• LISTING – organizes ideas using enumeration but does not have the element of time

Example:

 Picking the right career is such a daunting task because it pits passion against reality. Would you choose the profession you love or would you choose a more lucrative profession? Some find a hard time choosing at first, so do not be surprised if you see people shift careers several times before they achieve success. On this note, here are some tips to help you choose the right career. Identify your interest. Are you fascinated with numbers, arts, sciences, human behavior, computer technology, or teaching? Try to process as well you reason for choosing a particular career; you can also factor in the financial component during this stage. Another thing that you can do is to focus on and learn everything about your chosen career. If you want to be a doctor, know exactly what a doctor does and check whether you can handle this type of profession. In addition, try to visualize yourself five or ten years from now, and develop plan to achieve the goal in your mind. Remember not to rely on luck when it comes to your career; instead, make reasoned decisions based on what you want.

Signal Words

Additionally, again, along with, also, and, and then, another, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, in the same way, likewise, moreover, next together with

• COMPARISON-CONTRAST – organizes ideas based on how events, places, people, things, and concepts are similar to or different from one another

Example:

 Are you not sure yet which phone to buy? To help you decide, this review will inspect the basic similarities and differences of the flagship phones of two giant companies: Apple’s iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy S5. Both brag to be the best smart phones in the market to date. While these state-of-the-art phones have similarities in the form of their sleek design, multi-touch touch screen, and multimedia features, they have their distinctive features as well. First, Galaxy S5 has a larger screen at 5.1 inches as compared to iPhone 6’s 4.7 inches. As for the operating system, iPhone 6 Uses iOS (8.x) while S5 uses Android (5.0, 4.4.2). In terms of the camera, S5 has a 2.1 megapixel front-facing camera which is higher than iPhone’s 1.2 megapixels. Unlike S5, iPhone’s battery is not user-replaceable and has a shorter talk time, but when it comes to built-in storage, iPhone 6 outperforms S5. Now that you know the basic differences of the two phones, you can decide!

Signal Words

Also, as, both, equally, in a similar fashion, in comparison, in the same way, like, likewise, similarly

Although, and yet, as opposed to, but, conversely, counter to, despite, even so, even though, in contrast

• CLASSIFICATION & DIVISION – organizes ideas into categories of divisions based on criteria and standards; superordinate & subordinate

Example:

 Earthquakes can be classified into three main types based on the plate movements. The first type is known as a convergent boundary. Also known as destructive plate boundary, this type of earthquake happens when two tectonic plates move toward one another and collide. The second type of earthquake is called the divergent boundary. During this type of earthquake, two plates are forced to move away from each other resulting in a rift zone. The last type is called the conservative plate boundary or transform fault. During this type of earthquake, two tectonic plates slide past one another.

Signal Words

Another, classified as, final type, one kind, the first category, the last group, the next part

• CAUSE AND EFFECT – details based on the cause, reason, and the result or consequences of a certain phenomenon

Example:

 The advancement in technology and economy has created major changes in modern society. One of these changes is globalization. As we know, globalization has affected the world in many ways. First, it served as a catalyst to worldwide trading, thus allowing countries to access foreign products. Although this had positive effects, it also posed a real threat to the merchandise of local traders. Second, globalization affected the financial market. As a result, different countries had more access to funds, and the exchange in national currencies dramatically increased. Finally globalization also led to the privatization of various facilities, such as public health institutions. These institutions were being privatized due to the idea that the private sector can better manage and provide health services. In consequence, health policies become more and more of a commodity on a global scale.

Signal Words

As, because, being that, due to, for, for the reason that, in that, in view of, in as much as, one reason

• PROBLEM-SOLUTION – organizes ideas into problems and proposed solutions

Example:

 Today, most of the energy resources we have are generated from coal, oil, and natural gas. However, these resources are limited. If continuously consumed at an alarming rate, fossil fuels necessary for generating power to operate vehicles and factories will run out before long. Nonetheless, this problem can be resolved through the use of alternative sources of energy and conservation efforts. First, using alternative sources of energy such as solar energy and fusion energy would lessen population. These alternatives are actually more accessible and cost-efficient. Although there are some potential risks in using fusion energy, these risks can be mitigated by implementing strict safety measures. The second solution that governments can adopt is the enhancement of conservation efforts. To do this, the governments need to make the public more aware of the benefits of conservation, as well as ways of conserving energy, such as recycling. Laws can also be passed to mandate the public and all stakeholders to recycle energy.

Signal Words

But, first, second, nonetheless, one reason of the, one solution is, one way is, the problem, the solution

• PERSUASION - shows how a set of evidence leads to a logical conclusion or argument; presents issue, the position, and the supporting evidence

Example:

 Euthanasia or mercy killing has been a widely debated issue. It is an act to end a person’s life to alleviate the suffering brought about by a terminal or grave illness. While it may be supported by some, mercy killing is not only an unethical medical practice, it is also a crime. After all, on the most basic level, euthanasia still takes a life. In fact, majority of the countries in the world, including those that have legalized it, consider it as homicide. Aside from being a crime, euthanasia is unethical in the medical context because it violates the principle of “primum non nocore” which means “first, do no harm.” In their code of ethics, doctors have the responsibility of saving lives, not destroying them, which is why euthanasia can never be acceptable.

Signal Words

Indeed, to repeat, accordingly, thus, admittedly, needless to say, obviously

Emphasizing a point, concluding and summarizing, conceding a point

http://studentniche.blogspot.com/2016/07/patterns-of-development.html

WEDDING RECEPTION-EMCEE SCRIPT

Pre-banquet: 

A lovely afternoon to our guests. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the wedding reception of Mr. and Mrs.__________________. I am __________________, the couple’s (friend, relative, whatever) and I am tasked to be the emcee for today’s celebration. So please find a seat and make yourselves comfortable as we are about to start the program. 

Opening Spiel:

"No relationship is all sunshine but two people can share one umbrella and survive the storm together."

Indeed, today we have witnessed two people who never gave up on each other and remained strong amid the storm. Now, they have chosen to seal their love with the sacred sacrament of marriage. 

Grand Parade:

Since today is momentous for the couple, it is just right to give them a grand entrance and our warmest welcome. 

Sequence:

(music plays on the background as each sponsor is acknowledged)

• Principal Sponsors
• Secondary Sponsors
• Flower girls and bearers
• Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
• Maid-of-honor & Bestman

Roll out the red carpet for the couple of the year Mr. & Mrs. ____________________! 

*Bride and Groom Grand Entrance

Ad lib like "They are the proof that love stands still even with the test of time. Love really makes us blush, look at them they are just absolutely stunning!"

Once again, let us give our loudest applause to the sponsors, the wedding entourage, and of course, the couple, Mr. & Mrs. ___________________!

Prayer before Meals

We have not reached half way of the program yet but pretty sure that some of us are already famished. Since there are still a lot of exciting activities which include games, dancing and surprises in stored for us, we need the energy to carry out all these tasks later. Let us all stand as we offer thanksgiving to our Lord for the bountiful banquet we are about to share.

Wedding Banquet Prayer

Lord God, Creator of the universe, Father of us all, we have gathered here around this dinner table to celebrate the love and commitment that have united the bride and the groom in a wonderful bond of marriage. 

Bless, Father, this food that we are about to receive with grateful hearts as a sign of your continuous bounty and providence. May your generous blessing descend also upon these newly married spouses, their families and friends present here at this joyful banquet. 

We ask that you would bless them, protect them, and fill their lives with your wisdom. We pray that our bride and groom would continually desire to be a heavenly mate. May they be determined to make YOU the center of their home. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, on God for ever and ever. Amen. 

Source: http://www.my-wedding-reception-planning.com/dinner-prayer-at-wedding-reception.html

Buffet

To facilitate and observe order during the buffet, let us have Table 1 at the left side of the buffet to be followed by Table 2 and so on...The food is now served ladies and gentleman. Enjoy the sumptuous meal everyone!

Songs for the Couple

As you enjoy your meal, let us be inspired once again with the lovely voice of __________________.

Acknowledgment of Guests 

At this point, we would like to request the couple to join the guests in their respective tables for this rare chance to strike a pose with the newlyweds. 

While everyone's enjoying the meal, here’s a slideshow of the couples’ pictorial and some most memorable photos through a slideshow presentation.

Photo Opp/Table Hopping

A wedding does not only bring two people together but it often reunites families and friends who might have not seen each other for months or even years. Weddings are indeed a high time for meet-and-greet. So let us acknowledge the presence of our most important guests. (Acknowledge guests from each table)

Cake Cutting & Wine Toast

In every wedding reception, there is always the cutting of the wedding cake which actually symbolizes the couple’s shared future and their life as one and maybe sprinkled with love and sweetness just like the cake. So may I request the couple to cut the wedding cake. 

Applause.

Now that the cake has been served, let us join the bestman in the symbolic wine toast. 

Let's seal it with a sweet kiss. Couple if you could just give our guests' request. Kiss!

First Dance

 As a wedding tradition, let us welcome the couple on the dance floor for their first dance and as they dance their hearts away, guests would send their wishes by pinning bills on the couples' dresses.

 Life may get a little offbeat for the couple, they may miss a step or two but their hearts will always beat harmoniously for each other. Let's give another round of applause for the couple!

Bouquet and Garter Toss

For some real excitement and fun, the lovely and single, feeling single, almost single, it's-complicated single, and all the kinds of single maidens get hyped up now as we are going to proceed to the traditional throwing of the bouquet. Get your pump heels ready for jumping and do some stretching. Anyone who gets the bouquet will be the next bride. Let's count altogether.

Congratulations ______________ you are definitely the next bride so we have to find the perfect groom-to-be! It's the gentlemen's turn now for the garter toss. Get ready to wrestle as the gorgeous groom is going to retrieve the garter.

This time around we have to ask the groom-to-be to put that garter on the next bride's legs.

(Fun Tip: Groom-to-be should raise the garter as high as possible, using his mouth, LOL)

Today's affair is just getting more exciting with future groom and bride and since we are hoping for a romantic love to bloom between these two, we have to encourage them to seal this part with a _____________. Kiss. 

Opening of Gifts

The couple truly appreciate your presence here with or without your gifts but really the gifts also matter, kidding! (ad lib) The couple may not be able to open all these gifts tonight but let us check on the biggest and the smallest gifts  (or the couple's choice).

Messages from family, relatives, and friends

I know you have written your messages for the couple but let us hear some of the most important people in the couple's life.Here are some words from _____________________. Let us give him/her a round of applause 

Message from couple

The celebration is about to end but the couple’s joyous moment will surely last a lifetime. And even as we go home tonight, may we still keep the memories we made today with our lovely couple. To personally express their gratitude for the entire wedding celebration and the people who made it possible, let us give the floor to our newlyweds for their message.

It has truly been a wonderful evening. Thank you everyone for taking part in the celebration of love and life with our newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. _________________________. We might have come to the end of the program but remember, a true love story never ends. God bless and good day/night!

EMCEE SCRIPT GRADUATION

Commencement – a word of French origin which means beginning. Indeed, there is a good reason they call ceremonies, commencement exercises. Graduation is not the end it is the beginning.

Good afternoon and welcome to _______________________-34^th Commencement Exercises with the theme _______________________

Ladies and gentlemen, The Processional.

Roll out the red carpet for the graduating class of batch 2015 escorted by their parents

Let us welcome the stakeholders in education – PTA officials, Barangay and City Officials and the Deped Officials.

Let us give a glad hand to the pillars of this institution, the faculty of ___________ High School together with the honored guests.

Ladies and gentlemen, The Entrance of Colors

Let us show our deference by standing still as we sing the National Anthem with  ________________, conducting

To bless this momentous occasion, let us seek Divine Intervention. May we call on  _______________________  to lead us all in prayer. 

Please be seated.

To set the tone for this afternoon’s event let us welcome _______________________, Salutatorian. A big hand please.

And now the most significant moment in every graduation ceremony has come. May we call on _______________________, School Principal I for the presentation of candidates for graduation. This is to be followed by the acceptance, confirmation and distribution of certificates. On behalf of the schools division superintendent, _______________________,  let us welcome ______________________________ to carry out the graduation rites to be assisted by _______________________

DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS     

Let us give our utmost felicitation to the graduates of Batch 2015.

At this juncture, let us be emboldened with the graduation message from schools division superintendent, ______________________ On his behalf may we call on ______________________.

After four years of hard work and dedication, graduates, it is about time to reward your commitment towards education. Reap the fruits of your labor. Let us welcome _____________________________

the authorized representative of the school’s division superintendent, ______________________ to  be assisted by ______________________, School Principal I in the awarding of medals and certificates to the graduates with distinction and special awards.

AWARDING

Congratulations graduates!

At this point, let us be all ears to no less than the batch valedictorian herself as she encapsulates everything high school life has to offer. A big hand for ____________ for the valedictory address.

To give us words of encouragement let us give a hand to ___________________,  the authorized representative of____________, city mayor. 

Thank you adlib

We are honored to have _______________________________________       to give another inspiring message on behalf of ____________, Congresswoman of ____________.

      Thank you adlib

It is with great merit that we are joined by the commander of Naval Forces Central ____________, AFP for another uplifting message. 

Thank you adlib

Let us welcome, ____________, Teacher III in English to introduce the guest speaker for tonight.

Thank you adlib

May we call on ____________, First Hon Mention to lead the graduates in their pledge of loyalty.

In every memorable moment of one’s life, there are always songs that will embody inferred emotions. With a round of applause, let us welcome the graduates for their graduation song.

 Thank you adlib

  

This commencement exercise has truly been noteworthy for everyone here. Graduation is indeed a time of completion, of finishing, of an ending, however, it is also a time of celebration of achievement and most importantly a beginning for the new graduate.

Congratulations Graduates!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Recessional.