Louise

= = ** TDC 2 - Writing **

PORTFOLIO I’ve always liked writing. However, I haven’t had a chance to improve my writing skills in a formal class until this semester. The TDC Writing course brought back my long-lost ability to produce formal written work.

This portfolio shows how my writing improved during the course, especially considering formality and structure. I learned how to use connectors and linking words and expressions, as well as to reduce the use of informal vocabulary. I’ve also increased my use of low-frequency words by researching while writing each piece.

These essays demonstrate that my writing ability is more practical that creative. I believe I’ve understood how the structure of writing works and that I’ve applied that in my work.

The results of this semester will be very useful in the future. First of all, I’ll be able to teach writing to my students and give them proper feedback now that I know how writing works and. Also, as I want to go abroad to study, it will help me write cover letters for universities and great papers. I’m very glad that I had the chance to learn all I’ve learned this semester and I’ll try to keep writing in order to keep my abilities fresh.

**Essay 1 - What are the advantages of being bilingual in today's society? **

The 21st century society is very demanding of its people in every possible way. Everybody must be the best employee at the company, the most brilliant student at school and the one who knows everything that is going on around the world. However, it is not possible for you to reach success if you speak only one language. Being bilingual can make a whole difference in your life, whether it’s for professional, academic, or personal reasons.

Nowadays, most jobs require that their employees speak at least one language other than their mother tongue. The biggest reason for this demand is that more and more companies are becoming globalized, which means that they are selling and buying more products and services from overseas every day. For instance, if you speak two or more languages, you are more likely to be hired by a company than another applicant who doesn’t have this positive aspect in his/her CV. Also, you have bigger chances of being promoted than your colleague who only speaks his/her mother tongue. In addition, you might be chosen to travel to represent the company abroad.

 Bilingualism can also be profitable for students, undergraduate or graduate. First of all, students who speak a second language can expand their knowledge by reading articles, essays, or books written in a foreign language. By doing that, they have access to extra information in their fields of study. Furthermore, being bilingual makes it possible for docents to have their own articles published in international specialized magazines and websites. These two positive aspects can bring great results in the future, leading to overseas recognition and great job offers.

Moving on to a less serious, but still important side of life, speaking a second language can be very useful for sharing interests and being updated with what’s happening all over the world. Currently, the largest provider of information is the internet. Bilingualism allows users to participate in forums to discuss common interests with people from overseas who are also bilingual. In addition, web surfers can read articles in specific websites about what’s going on in other countries. It doesn’t matter if they are seeking for news on music, politics, or economy, if they speak a foreign language they will find something on the subject they’re looking for.

Learning a second language is the first step towards success. By doing that, you have great chances of obtaining professional, academic, and personal growth, which can lead to recognition in a society that requires the most from everybody. Being bilingual can only bring advantages to your life, so everybody should give it a try, for it won’t bring any harm.

**Essay 2 – Process Analysis Essay **

 One of the greatest challenges teachers can face during a class is to control teenagers’ demeanor and to have them pay attention to the lesson. Moreover, the learners are supposed to show that they’re interested by participating when called and volunteering when asked to. However, most students are not very eager to learn, for they’re more interested in talking to their friends and playing around. Therefore, here are the steps to an effective game teachers can use in order to keep students attentive, participatory and not disruptive.

The first step is to divide the class into two groups with the same number of students and explain to them how the game works. The teacher can choose which students are going to be in each group or he/she can leave this task to the teenagers. Then, each group is given ten points that are to be written on the board. Under the points chart, the teacher can write the words “English”, “sit down”, “pay attention” and “raise your hands”. After that, the teacher tells the students that every time a person from a group doesn’t follow what’s on the board, one point is taken from the entire group.

Following that, the real action begins. During the class, every time a student doesn’t follow the rules, the teacher points at her/him. Whenever that happens, another student from the same group who is paying attention usually notices the teacher’s action and tells the other one to stop doing whatever he/she was doing to disturb the class. If the teacher points once and peace is regained, everything is fine. However, if the disruptive teenager keeps disturbing, one point is taken from the whole group. That’s how they lose points and the prize.

The final step is the delivery of the prize for each student in the winning group. At the end of the week (or the last class of the week), the game ends. The winner is the group with the highest number of points. Usually, the prize teachers give to students is candy. On the other hand, after some time winning candies the teenagers can feel bored and not play along anymore. The solution to that is to change the prizes to something they find more interesting, but still simple. Some examples are chocolate; basic school supplies, like pencils, pens, erasers; and some other little things they appreciate, like key rings, stickers, note pads etc.

This activity brings students together at the same time that it makes life easier for teachers. Since the teenagers appreciate getting prizes, they will make an effort to follow the rules and not lose points. In order to do that, they have to work together and give tips to their classmates related to what they can or can’t do. Moreover, the teacher doesn’t have to call their names all the time or threaten to call their parents if they don’t behave. Their good manners will come automatically after some time. This means extra free time (and less) fewer worries and less stress.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Essay 3 – Argumentative Essay ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">It’s undeniable that technology has become one of the greatest teaching resources in the contemporary classrooms. The internet, being the most popular of them, can be used in blended courses to make life easier both for students and teachers. The countless online environments like the wikis, blogs and moodle platforms can be used by the teachers to publish assignments and by the students to send them. Therefore, this mixed type of learning should be adopted permanently for the TDC – Writing semester, for it can help students better develop their writing skills, (that) which are (wider) more widely explored through this resource. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The first reason why (it) the blended format should be kept is because it allows students to have flexible schedules. Some people work better in the morning, while others produce higher quality writings at night. In consequence of that, the flexible schedule makes it possible for students to do their best. Also, with the adaptable calendar, learners can take as much time as they want to do their assignments, while in class they would have only the class time to write them. The greatest issue here is fairness, and by using the blended course all students will have the chance to do their best. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The next point to be taken into consideration is the quality of the content in the writings. Researching time is very important (is) in this kind of class. Even though most students taking the TDC course have been teaching for some time, there are some who have never taught, or have very little experience in the field. These latter ones will need extra time to do some research on the topic they are supposed to write about, provided their lack of practice in the area. For this reason, the mixed course will give these learners the amount of time they need to produce reality-based writings. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Some people might argue that the online environment doesn’t provide interaction among students. However, if the instructor chooses the right web tool, learners will be able to interact by using the forums and discussions available online. They might also be able to comment (in) on each others’ work, which helps develop their critical skills as well. Some people might even express themselves better by writing than by talking; then, at the end of the semester, they will know each other better than if the course were entirely face-to-face. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Taking everything into consideration, the blended course is much more profitable then the face-to-face one. This is the perfect environment for students and teachers to explore the many sides technology has to offer to (nowadays) current/contemporary classrooms. Why not use it if it’s there to make our lives easier? Students can have better results and, finally, teachers won’t have to walk around carrying absurd amounts of paperwork.

Essay 1 - What are the advantages of being bilingual in today's society?

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">The 21st century society is very demanding of its people in every possible way. Everybody must be the best employee at the company, the most brilliant student at school and the one who knows everything that is going on around the world. However, it is not possible for you to reach success if you speak only one language. Being bilingual can make a whole difference in your life, whether it’s for professional, academic, or personal reasons.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Nowadays, most jobs require that their employees speak at least one language other than their mother tongue. The biggest reason for this demand is that more and more companies are becoming globalized, which means that they are selling and buying more products and services from overseas every day. For instance, if you speak two or more languages, you are more likely to be hired by a company than another applicant who doesn’t have this positive aspect in his/her CV. Also, you have bigger chances of being promoted than your colleague who only speaks his/her mother tongue. In addition, you might be chosen to travel to represent the company abroad.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Bilingualism can also be profitable for students, undergraduate or graduate. First of all, students who speak a second language can expand their knowledge by reading articles, essays, or books written in a foreign language. By doing that, they have access to extra information in their fields of study. Furthermore, being bilingual makes it possible for docents to have their own articles published in international specialized magazines and websites. These two positive aspects can bring great results in the future, leading to overseas recognition and great job offers.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Moving on to a less serious, but still important side of life, speaking a second language can be very useful for sharing interests and being updated with what’s happening all over the world. Currently, the largest provider of information is the internet. Bilingualism allows users to participate in forums to discuss common interests with people from overseas who are also bilingual. In addition, web surfers can read articles in specific websites about what’s going on in other countries. It doesn’t matter if they are seeking for news on music, politics, or economy, if they speak a foreign language they will find something on the subject they’re looking for.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Learning a second language is the first step towards success. By doing that, you have great chances of obtaining professional, academic, and personal growth, which can lead to recognition in a society that requires the most from everybody. Being bilingual can only bring advantages to your life, so everybody should give it a try, for it won’t bring any harm. = = =**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 01-06 **= = = <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Task 3- Outlining your narrative essay = = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">** Setting: ** CTJ, classroom. = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">** Main Characters: ** Me, students. = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">** Plot: ** As a trainee teacher, the first step I took was observe others teachers. Also, I had to write many different kinds of reports on the classes I observed. Then, there was the peer teaching part. After all the adventures and a lot of learning, I started teaching my own groups. = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">** Climax: ** My first day of class by myself. I was nervous before, but then everything went fine. = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> **Ending:** After all, I discovered that I love teaching and could do it for the rest of my life. =

=
Nowadays, most jobs require that employees speak at least one language other than their mother tongue. That happens because every day more and more companies are becoming global, selling and buying products and services from overseas. For instance, chances are that an applicant who speaks two languages is more likely to be hired by the company. =====

=
Another advantage of being bilingual is that people can share their interests with people from other countries who are also bilingual. That can be seen very frequently in the social networks, where people who speak many different languages come together to discuss about a topic of common interest in one common second language. =====

=
The 21st century society is very demanding of its people in every possible way. Everybody must be the best employee at the company, the most brilliant student at school and the one who knows everything that is going on around the world. However, it is not possible for you to reach success if you speak only one language. Being bilingual can make a whole difference in your life, whether it’s for professional, academic, or personal reasons. =====

=
Nowadays, most jobs require that their employees speak at least one language other than their mother tongue. The biggest reason for this demand is that more and more companies are becoming globalized, which means that they are selling and buying more products and services from overseas every day. For instance, chances are that, if you speak two or more languages, you are more likely to be hired by a company than another applicant who doesn’t have this plus in his/her CV. Also, you have bigger chances of being promoted than your colleague who only speaks his/her mother tongue. In addition, you might be chosen to travel to represent the company abroad. =====

=
Bilingualism can also be profitable for students, undergraduate or graduate. First of all, students who speak a second language can expand their knowledge by reading articles, essays, or books written in a foreign language. By doing that, they have access to extra information in their fields of study. Furthermore, being bilingual makes it possible for docents to have their own articles published in international specialized magazines and websites. These two positive aspects can bring great results in the future, leading to overseas recognition and great job offers. =====

=
Moving on to a less serious, but still important side of life, speaking a second language can be very useful for sharing interests and being updated with what’s happening all over the world. Currently, the largest provider of information is the internet. Bilingualism allows users to participate in forums to discuss common interests with people from overseas who are also bilingual. In addition, web surfers can read articles in specific websites about what’s going on in other countries. It doesn’t matter if they are seeking for news on music, politics, or economy, if they speak a foreign language they will find something on the subject they’re looking for. =====

=
Learning a second language is the first step towards success. By doing that, you have great chances of obtaining professional, academic, and personal growth, which can lead to recognition in a society that requires the most from everybody. Being bilingual can only bring advantages to your life, so everybody should give it a try, for it won’t bring any harm. =====

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">The 21st century society is very demanding of its people in every possible way. Everybody must be the best employee at the company, the most brilliant student at school and the one who knows everything that is going on around the world. However, it is not possible for you to reach success if you speak only one language. Being bilingual can make a whole difference in your life, whether it’s for professional, academic, or personal reasons.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Nowadays, most jobs require that their employees speak at least one language other than their mother tongue. The biggest reason for this demand is that more and more companies are becoming globalized, which means that they are selling and buying more products and services from overseas every day. For instance, if you speak two or more languages, you are more likely to be hired by a company than another applicant who doesn’t have this positive aspect in his/her CV. Also, you have bigger chances of being promoted than your colleague who only speaks his/her mother tongue. In addition, you might be chosen to travel to represent the company abroad.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Bilingualism can also be profitable for students, undergraduate or graduate. First of all, students who speak a second language can expand their knowledge by reading articles, essays, or books written in a foreign language. By doing that, they have access to extra information in their fields of study. Furthermore, being bilingual makes it possible for docents to have their own articles published in international specialized magazines and websites. These two positive aspects can bring great results in the future, leading to overseas recognition and great job offers.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Moving on to a less serious, but still important side of life, speaking a second language can be very useful for sharing interests and being updated with what’s happening all over the world. Currently, the largest provider of information is the internet. Bilingualism allows users to participate in forums to discuss common interests with people from overseas who are also bilingual. In addition, web surfers can read articles in specific websites about what’s going on in other countries. It doesn’t matter if they are seeking for news on music, politics, or economy, if they speak a foreign language they will find something on the subject they’re looking for.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Learning a second language is the first step towards success. By doing that, you have great chances of obtaining professional, academic, and personal growth, which can lead to recognition in a society that requires the most from everybody. Being bilingual can only bring advantages to your life, so everybody should give it a try, for it won’t bring any harm. Louise, it's amazing how much you improved from your first to your second draft. You capitalized on the ideas brainstormed in class, in the timed writing activity, and expanded them based on the knowledge you acquired regarding essays. There was very little, if anything, for you to change for your third draft because the second one was already outstanding. Your essay contains all the important features we studied: a hook, a clear thesis statement with a controlling idea, rich developmental paragraphs, each one addressing a different topic and providing abundant support. You also made great use of cohesive devices. I think your reviewer got a little confused about this comment. My guess is that he/she looked only for linking words introducing the paragraphs, but you chose to use other sorts of cohesive devices rather than the typical transition words. Your conclusion is also very effective in that it restates your thesis and give advice at the end. Congratulations on the great job you've done! Isabela

Welcome to your personal page. Make it your own by uploading images or adding widgets. Play around with the editor to get used to it, but remember, this is a class forum, so use the same courtesy and discretion you would show in our classroom at CTJ.

media type="custom" key="11584906"

Sorry guys, voicethread ruined my PPT... So, if you want to see the original one, here it is:

**Teaching Technique 22**
__Reduce teacher workload: Let students write practice quizzes for each other__

So, we're all teachers, and we have to agree that we have a lot of work to do, from creating exercises, to correcting compositions, and we are always in a hurry to get things done in time. So here is a tip to help us reduce our workload in a way that interests students.

The solution to our problems is: Let students quiz each other! Ask them to write simple quizzes for each other.

It works best with: grammar rules

Students will have at least four different encounters with the grammar material: 1- when they create an original quiz 2- when they exchange papers and take a classmate's quiz 3- when they return quizzes to the original writer who then checks the answers 4- when they have an opportunity to look over their corrected quizzes

Pros: relatively straightforward require memorization of many items provides maximum student practice with the grammar materials Cons: THERE ARE NO CONS!! :)

And the best part is that we, teachers, are not going to have a lot of work, since the students create the quizzes AND correct them.