Nice to Meet You Again, Brian

Thanks to my blog and FB, I got Brian's mail this morning. We're now chatting on FB. Having been chatting for 1 hour online.

Now, it's the year 2015. We are doing our marathon chatting from 2014 to 2015, as I mentioned in yesterday's entry. Great!

 

 

 

Reconnection with LANN

Last night, I was so touched and exhilarated by the responses to two of my previous blogs, especially the one to the entry posted on August 20th, 2012.

http://june.ettachou.com/2012/08/20/a-life-changing-sentence/comment-page-1/#comment-440157

The response, sent on December 27, was from a former student I taught at Chieh-show Junior High around 25 years ago. From the sender's name LANN and the fluent English, I guess it was Brian, which needs to be confirmed.

ELL Students’ Descriptions of Effective Teachers

http://blog.tesol.org/ell-students-descriptions-of-effective-teachers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

ELL Students’ Descriptions of Effective Teachers

Posted on 27 December 2014 by Elena Shvidko

How can we become effective teachers? What do we need to do to better help our students and endow them with necessary skills and strategies, so they can continue obtaining knowledge independently? Receiving proper teacher education, attending professional conferences, observing experienced instructors, and conducting classroom research are only a few of the many tools that teachers can use to develop as professionals. However, our students, too, can be a source of our professional development. Therefore, asking students questions and reflecting on their feedback can help us better meet our students’ needs and implement activities that they want to see in our classrooms.

My comments: Reflecting on our own teaching right after class is also a good way.

Regina & William, Congratulations! Have a Happy Marriage!

at

Yesterday evening, I attended a former young colleague Regina's wedding banquet at Ambassador Hotel. She is an English teacher, conscientious, creative, and popular with students. Of course, among the guests from NHSH, English teachers accounted for the most.

What Is Intercultural Communicative Competence?

http://blog.tesol.org/what-is-intercultural-communicative-competence/

What Is Intercultural Communicative Competence?

My comments: This is the definition given by BBC TeachingEnglish.

 http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/knowledge-database/intercultural-communicative-competence

Posted on 15 December 2014 by Yilin Sun

The TESOL President’s Blog

In recent years, several researchers in the ELT field have raised a series of conceptual issues around how we should express our cultures in English (Honna,2005; Byram,2009; Wen, 2013,). As a speaker, should you stick to your own way of thinking? Or should you adapt to the listener’s way of thinking? As a listener, should you impose your own way of thinking on the speaker? Or should you be sensitive to and tolerant of the speaker’s different way of thinking and speaking?

A Slip from My Routine

How could it be possible? I didn't keep my blog yesterday! I thought I did!

Two lessons I learned: First, do something right away when you know it's time for you to do it. Second, check what you've set your mind to do every day before going to bed even if you think you have gotten it done.

To Taipei's New Mayor, Mr. Ke, on Education--"柯市長，教育死亡谷......"--from LTN (Liberty Times Net)

http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/opinion/paper/841292

柯市長，教育死亡谷......

2014-12-23

◎ 張簡曉芸

柯市長，最近您一定為了究竟要奉行前任市長所定奪之基北區高中職免試入學超額比序的順次，於三等級積分後直接比十量尺，或採教育部的建議，在三等級四標示積分後，比無可比再採用十量尺，傷透腦筋。

My comments: Quite complicated.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

"Merry Christmas, everyone!"

The sentence said by the little boy of Mr. Scrooge's nephew at the end of the movie A Christmas Carol is such a classic!

Happy New Year! Two New Year Classroom Activities

I came across this article yesterday while surfing the Net and shared it with a friend who is still teaching. She said she'll try doing the activities in her class.

http://blog.tesol.org/happy-new-year-two-new-year-classroom-activities/

Happy New Year! Two New Year Classroom Activities

Posted on 22 December 2014 by ssahr

Celebrating the start of a new year has always been a favorite holiday of mine. During this time of year, in most countries I’ve lived in, regardless of religion, a country’s true culture rings through in song, festivals, and food. What a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and reminisce about the year gone by while looking forward to the year to come! So, be it the Gregorian New Year on 1 January, Vietnam’s Tết usually celebrated in February, or Ethiopia’s Enkutatash celebrated in September, it’s out with the old and in with the new for everyone!

A Happy Gathering--Stay Healthy; Stay Happy, Everyone

A really nice gathering with Mr. Han (韓靖宇老師) and other former colleagues, including some English teachers and two history teachers. I organized this get-together to express our concern about Mr. Han, giving him all our best wishes.

Observe Fang-chi's Teaching

This morning around 10:30 I met Fang-chi, a student teacher at NHSH. We discussed her teaching I observed on the DVD her mentor Ms. Tsai (蔡孟芳老師) gave me on Nov. 27. In fact, I already watched it around 2 weeks ago. However, because Fang-chi had been busy, we didn't have time to talk about the class until this morning. Last night I listed her teaching procedure as observed and also my comments/questions based on the notes I took two weeks ago. Then I found I forgot some parts, so this morning I watched it again and  completed my feedback.

Ray Du English--an Interesting English-Learning Website

The following is a website recommended by an FB group "I Simply Love to Share." It deals mostly with some daily phrases.

https://www.facebook.com/RayDuEnglish

For example:

Criteria for Choosing an Outside Reading Book--"選書考量因素"

While doing the cleaning, I came across a copy of this article. Glad that it can be found online. I don't remember if I have posted it on my blog. A review is always good, anyway.

http://www3.hchs.hc.edu.tw/english/readerhouse/consideration.html

選書考量因素

望著一堆課外讀物樣書卻不知道如何選擇是很多高中英文老師都有的經驗，尤其到了暑假前更是大家傷腦筋的時間，到底選擇英文課外讀物要考慮哪些因素呢？Rebecca斗膽就個人的一點心得來高談闊論一番： 

Tips on Taking the English Listening Test for High School Students--"拚英聽-鎖定情境用語"--from UDN

http://udn.com/news/story/6915/569013

拚英聽-鎖定情境用語

2014-12-13      記者林秀姿／台北報導

第二次高中英聽測驗只剩下一個多月可準備，考生要如何從B咖變A咖？英語專家與補教老師建議，多練習幾個情境用語，平常養成多看英語電影、聽英語廣播的習慣。

Tips for Taking the English Listening Test--"考英聽-抓住5W1H關鍵字"--from UDN

http://udn.com/news/story/6915/587158

考英聽-抓住5W1H關鍵字

2014-12-19      記者張錦弘／台北報導

國中會考明年採計英聽成績，英語老師指出，英聽題目播放速度慢、每題播兩次，加上只占英語總分20%，只要考生平時多練習，每個單字發音念精準，並抓住5W1H的問題關鍵字和情境，即使偏鄉生也不難過關。

English Listening Test on CA--"國中會考英聽 成績占英語20%分2級"--frolm UDN

http://udn.com/news/story/6915/587156

國中會考英聽 成績占英語20%分2級

2014-12-19      記者張錦弘／台北報導

明年國中會考英語科將聽力測驗列入成績，計分方式已公布。為避免造成考生太大壓力，英聽考得較簡單，占分比重也只有兩成；且分成「基礎」、「待加強」兩級，沒有「精熟級」。

Diego, Good Luck!

Diego, a former student who graduated from NHSH in 2006, LINEd me yesterday asking me if we can meet up before he goes to Germany as an exchange student. Of course, I said yes. And today, we chatted for almost six hours!

Bravo, Meng-ze!

The concert at National Central University I went to yesterday evening really amazed me, especially my student Meng-ze's (陳孟澤) performance. The last one to go on stage, he played Liszt's Dante Sonata. After he finished, I called out "Bravo!" 

Going to a Concert

Leaving for National Central University to attend a concert. Meng-cher (陳孟澤),  a former student, who invited me, is going to play Liszt's Dante Sonata. He is not a music major, but have passion for the piano.  Last year, for some reason I've forgot, I didn't go. Good that this year I still can enjoy the concert.

This is how the music sounds:

Nice Seeing You Again, Spencer!

After observing Wei-ting's class and having a discussion with her, I left for a lunch date with Spencer, a former student who is studying in the States and came back for a brief visit.

Class Observation

This morning I was invited by Ms. Wen to observe her student teacher Wei-ting's class at 8:10.

Doing What You Have to Do Propels You Upward: "何大一：做「必須」做的事，人生才可更上層樓"

http://www.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=5062704&eturec=1

何大一：做「必須」做的事，人生才可更上層樓

2014-11-27   作者：黃惠鈴

什麼是成功的方程式？如何得到幸運之神眷顧？發明「雞尾酒療法」的愛滋病權威、中研院院士何大一博士，今天在NU SKIN大師趨勢論壇「信念決定未來」，分享了10個重點：     

Cleaning the Toilet--"名家縱論／培養體貼 從掃廁所開始"

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/9128692.shtml

名家縱論／培養體貼 從掃廁所開始

2014.12.14 02:21 am

清掃事實上沒想像中簡單。從準備工具、分配工作、執行、到掃完整理，因為細節多，過程繁瑣，要能養成「不怕麻煩」的毅力。看似簡單的清掃工作，實際動手做，收穫比想像中大很多。

Dance with the Trees

After a good night's sleep, today, George and I took a guided tour to Chilan Sacred Tree Garden.

Here I Am, Mingchih Forest Recreation Area

Yesterday morning, George and I planned to go to Miaoli to pick strawberries today. Then we changed our mind yesterday evening and decided to visit Mingchih, a famous scenic spot once recommended by my friends. Now, late at night I'm still here. Upon arriving, enchanted by the picturesque scenery, we decided to stay here overnight, bathed in its unique serenity and beauty.

Eduction in Finland--"芬蘭教育 世界第一的祕密"--from CommonWealth Magazine

http://m.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=5012870#sthash.LWOLSXgT.dpbs

芬蘭教育 世界第一的祕密

2011-05-06 天下雜誌 384期   作者：蕭富元

教育，已成為芬蘭最成功的出口產品。人口不到台灣的四分之一，芬蘭憑什麼摘下教改桂冠？

Where Am I?

The Opportunity Cost of Education--"周行一／教育的機會成本"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI4/9120723.shtml

周行一／教育的機會成本

【聯合報╱周行一】

2014.12.10 01:54 am

我問學生：「今天來上課的機會成本是什麼？」學生的回答五花八門，有的說是犧牲了看電影的機會，也有人說是無法打工所損失的收入，甚至有人說是已繳的學費。我再問學生：「既然有這麼多的可能性，到底哪一項才是上課的機會成本呢？」「既然來上課，是不是表示上課是最划得來的呢？」

My comments: According to BusinessDictionary.com, opportunity cost is "a benefit, profit, value of something that must be given up to acquire or achieve something else."

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/opportunity-cost.html

Happy Gathering

(Photo from Mr. Lin)

A happy gathering this noon with Mr. Lin (林煇校長) and Mei-hua (許玫華老師), a former colleague at Chieh-show Junior High School and good friend.

Taiwanese Food in English--"棺材木板？搖擺驢？菜英文翻譯怪 老外霧煞煞"

(photo from http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/5/4/24/n898751.htm)

Does this look like rocking donkeys?

A printout of online information found when I was doing the cleaning today. Happy that I can still find it online.

http://www.nownews.com/n/2009/09/05/715117

棺材木板？搖擺驢？菜英文翻譯怪　老外霧煞煞

2009年     09月     05日      13:57

聽奧5日豋場，世界各國選手齊聚台北，但不少選手如果想到餐廳吃飯，恐怕會出現「有看沒有懂」的情況。許多知名餐廳菜單的英譯非常怪，像是點心「驢打滾」明明是一種外層裹綠豆粉的紅豆餡年糕，菜單卻直譯成Rocking Donkey；而台南小吃棺材板，菜單更被翻成Tainan Coffin Board，嚇壞許多外國遊客。

My comments: Well, just let imagination fly!

Tips for Taking TOEIC--"專訪多益990分考生"

This undated article offers tips for taking a TOEIC.

http://www.toeic.com.tw/enterprise/business/business_people_03.jsp

專訪多益990分考生

【文／Edward Chung】

金融海嘯狂襲全球，台灣終究難能幸免，政府為提振經濟、刺激景氣，忙得不可開交；各行業受到波及困境頻傳，連帶使得勞動階層也因失業疑懼，人心惶惶。就連長期引領職場風潮的科技業從業人員也陷無薪休假、丟飯碗的窘境，大專學生多所採取「延畢」、「深造」方式，躲避失業潮。

目前可見的現象是：許多遭受無薪休假或資遣的科技新「跪」、各行業人員，為謀求退路、甚或尋求事業第二春，紛紛走進補習班充電，為的是學習第二專長、或是考張專業、英檢證照，準備在職場上東山再起。

根據多益測驗中心台灣區代表忠欣公司的統計資料顯示，儘管近半年報考多益的考生受大環境不景氣影響，考生人數未有成長，但走進考場的考生素質卻明顯提昇，不少人的多益英檢成績超逾九百分；在南部地區，考得滿分990分的考生，竟有七人之多。這些「多益菁英」，有半數正就讀大學研究所，為投入職場做好了準備；也有上班族，其中甚至包括一位十七歲的高三學生。

Hi, Yu-jung, Nice Seeing You Again

(Photo from Yu-jung)

Yesterday I had a gathering with a former student Yu-jung, who graduated from NHSH in 2006. It's been a long time since we last saw each other. Yu-jung works for an insurance company now. When asked about her job, she said she loved it very much because she could meet people from all walks of life. I'm really happy for her.

Learning/Teaching Vocabulary in Interesting Ways

This afternoon, an old colleague who is still teaching LINEd and asked me how to make vocabulary learning interesting. My answer then was what first flashed into my mind:

Good Time with Friends

I had a beautiful time with three friends today, all of whom were retired teachers from NHSH. Unlike what we usually do, we had a city tour today (We usually bathe ourselves in nature). First, we enjoyed  "Strange Encounter: 2014 Flower Arrangement Exhibition" and "All in a Knowing Smile: Jade Jewelry Designs by Penny Wang" at National Museum of History. Then we chatted over lunch at Bite 2 Eat, a Pizza & Pasta restaurant. 

"ESL Classroom Routines"--from TESOL Blog

For English teachers, this is an interesting and useful article.

http://blog.tesol.org/esl-classroom-routines/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

ESL Classroom Routines

Posted on 28 November 2014 by Elena Shvidko

Several years ago, when I was doing my teaching practicum in my MATESOL program, I had the opportunity to teach a community ESL class. Most of my students were immigrants who were taking the course in order to increase their proficiency level. The class followed an integrated approach, and, frankly, my coteacher and I found it difficult at times to balance “the right amount” of speaking, reading, and writing. Since for both of us it was our first experience teaching ESL, we were afraid that the course would seem to appear a bit unstructured. Our practicum supervisor suggested implementing classroom routines to help us keep the course more organized. And he was right!

"Taiwan's 'black Saturday' election: A rebuke to China"--from CNN

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/02/opinion/taiwan-opinion-cole/index.html

Taiwan's 'black Saturday' election: A rebuke to China

By J. Michael Cole, special to CNN

December 2, 2014 -- Updated 0556 GMT (1356 HKT)

Editor's note: J. Michael Cole is a senior non-resident fellow at the China Policy Institute, University of Nottingham, an associate researcher at the French Centre for Research on Contemporary China (CEFC) in Taipei, and editor in chief of Thinking Taiwan. The views expressed here are solely his.

Taipei (CNN) -- As millions of Taiwanese headed for the polling stations across the nation last weekend, there was a general sense that change was at hand.

My Dear Students, You Amazed Me; plus Only Time

Today two encounters with my former students amazed me.

"Nightclubs for literature? Why book selling is booming in Taiwan"--from CNN

This news report about the Eslite bookstore in Taipei is beautifully written.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/23/world/asia/taiwan-bookstores/index.html

Nightclubs for literature? Why book selling is booming in Taiwan

By Johan Nylander, for CNN

November 24, 2014 -- Updated 0051 GMT (0851 HKT)

Taipei (CNN) -- It's midnight in the capital of Taiwan.

While some people are slowly walking home through the neon-lit streets, or getting ready to hit the club scene, others are on their way to a more unusual nocturnal hangout -- a bookstore.

"Taiwan premier Jiang Yi-huah quits after poll loss"--from BBC

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30259090

Taiwan premier Jiang Yi-huah quits after poll loss

29 November 2014 Last updated at 13:34

The Prime Minister of Taiwan, Jiang Yi-huah, has resigned after his ruling pro-China party suffered stiff defeats in local elections.

The Kuomintang party (KMT) appears to have lost control of districts across the country, including the mayor's office in the capital, Taipei.

My comments: Whoever is elected, as long as they are responsible, competent, compassionate, and have people on their minds, it's fine with me.

On Cleaning-up--"跟德國人學「無意識清掃法」"--from UDN

I need to post this article here to remind myself to bid adieu to my stuff when I don't need it FOR NOW.

http://udn.com/NEWS/READING/X4/9092864.shtml

跟德國人學「無意識清掃法」

【聯合報╱沖幸子】

2014.11.27 02:53 am

連最愛乾淨的日本人都稱讚：德國人是全世界最會打掃的民族！

好主婦都希望被讚譽為清潔高手。

德國有句古諺：「好主婦是最棒的家產」。

English Listening as Threshold of College Admission?--"大學英聽門檻 維持各校自決"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=547729&kdid=AR10&r=2

大學英聽門檻 維持各校自決

【聯合報╱記者林秀姿／台北報導】2014/11/27

高中英聽測驗成為大學入學採計門檻，家長團體砲轟不顧城鄉差距。但大學招聯會昨天仍決議，104學年大學入學簡章已出爐，採計高中英聽的科系不宜改變；105學年採不採計英聽，則由各大學系組自行決定。

On English Listening as a College Admission Requirement--"教育團體：英聽能力 進大學再要求"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_MAIN_ID=381&f_SUB_ID=2705&f_ART_ID=547730

教育團體：英聽能力 進大學再要求

【聯合報╱記者沈育如／台北報導】2014/11/27

大學招聯會決議大學是否設入學英聽門檻，尊重各校決定。教育團體認為，大學應對在學生的英文能力加強、把關，而不是從開始時就限制學生入學的機會。

My comments: However, learning a language without listening to it is not natural. The validity of the listening test and the reasonable benchmark could be the solutions. 

Learning English on the Net--"網路學英語 偏鄉有競爭力"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/%E7%B6%B2%E8%B7%AF%E5%AD%B8%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%20%E5%81%8F%E9%84%89%E6%9C%89%E7%AB%B6%E7%88%AD%E5%8A%9B-9090472.shtml

網路學英語 偏鄉有競爭力

【聯合報╱李若松／資深媒體工作者（台北市）】

2014.11.26 09:53 am

英語與資訊網路能力是未來公民應具備的基本能力，教育部要透過資訊與科技教育環境改善偏遠地區學校師生的競爭力，遠端學習應該是翻轉教學的契機。

On Recruiting Native Speaker of English--"一校一外師 就是城鄉差距"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/9090470.shtml

一校一外師 就是城鄉差距

【聯合報╱李源甲／國小教師（嘉義市）】

2014.11.26 09:53 am

「英聽是否該做為大學入學門檻」還在爭辯，北市政府已悄悄宣布要加碼試辦「一校一外師」的可行性。

My comments: Just because a school recruits a native speaker of English as an English teacher doesn't mean its students will stand a better chance to learn English well.

這消息看在北市以外的教師眼裡，相信內心都是五味雜陳的！

Nine Tips to Success from Dr. Ho--"何大一 開了9帖成功的處方"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/HEALTH/HEA14/9087881.shtml

何大一 開了9帖成功的處方

【聯合報╱記者周小仙／台北報導】

2014.11.25 03:33 am

愛滋病雞尾酒療法發明人何大一昨天在「2014NU SKIN大師趨勢論壇」演講，以「信念，決定未來」為題，提出了九項成功人士具備的特質，成功之道有九個要點，包括：擁有熱情、保持好奇、敢作敢為、做好準備、獨立思辨、謀定而動、勤奮不懈、追求卓越和堅持信念。

Teaching/Learning vs. Testing--"印象雖加深，但… 看到考卷臉綠了"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=547014

印象雖加深，但… 看到考卷臉綠了

【聯合報╱記者陳雨鑫／板橋報導】2014/11/23

12年國教今年上路，新北市教育局因應新型態考試，3年前推行學習共同體，以分組討論方式引導學生訓練思考力，學習變快樂了，但部分學生面對試卷，卻連一題都不會寫。

My comments: Were they given valid tests?

Can I Have My Dream--"孩子立下志願，大人能許他未來嗎？"--UDN Editorial

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI1/9084142.shtml

孩子立下志願，大人能許他未來嗎？

【聯合報╱社論】

2014.11.23 03:17 am

選戰進入最後的肉搏階段，大街小巷穿梭的宣傳車聲調越來越高亢。與此同時，十二年國教宣導說明會連日來正在各縣市進行，與會家長不受選戰喧囂干擾，關心孩子的未來更勝於關切百里侯誰屬。

English at the Airport--"旅行英文大彙整：從出境到入境不再霧煞煞！"

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=543931

旅行英文大彙整：從出境到入境不再霧煞煞！

【文、圖／VoiceTube 看影片學英語 提供】2014/11/06

國旅遊時，最麻煩又需要最謹慎的莫過於從出境到入境了！小編幫大家彙整了從預訂機票到抵達目的地之間，常常出現的旅行單字與會話，下次不用再對服務員面露尷尬微笑或比手畫腳！

The Five Habits of Creative Teachers--"新鮮事/創意教師的5個好習慣"

http://m.parenting.com.tw/article/article.action?id=5062355

新鮮事/創意教師的5個好習慣

2014-11-07    親子天下雜誌        62期       文/李岳霞

 根據美國《Education Week》的報導，提供開放課程的網路平台 Canvas Platform 設有「創意教師的5個習慣」課程，歸結出創意教師具備的5個好習慣分別為：1.像練肌肉一樣，每天鍛鍊自己的好奇心。覺察自己對什麼好奇，如何延長、深入自己的好奇？什麼事會阻擋自己的好奇心？2.培養深厚的「重組」功力，懂得轉換、統整與剽竊的區別。3.主動找尋志同道合的夥伴、社群。4.懂得如何從失敗中找到前進的密碼。偶爾勇於挑戰成功機率小於5％的活動，調整跨出舒適圈與重整自我的彈性。5.時時進行個人反思，並協力創造能讓團隊安心、集體反思的環境。

The original source:

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2014/08/19/ctq_nardi_creative.html

 

 

Online Learning Resources--"MOOCs磨課師熱潮，改變教育，讓你隨時隨地學習！"--from Voice Tube

This is a good sharing from an FB group, "I Simply Love to Share." It recommends several online learning resources, including Coursera, edX, Udacity, Khan Academy, Udemy, and Grockit. Through them, users can not only acquire new knowledge but also improve their English.

"Helping ELs to Learn to Ask Questions During Reading"--from TESOL Blog

http://blog.tesol.org/helping-els-to-learn-to-ask-questions-during-reading/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Helping ELs to Learn to Ask Questions During Reading

Posted on 6 November 2014 by Judie Haynes

This blog is Part 3 in my series about teaching English learners reading comprehension strategies. Because good readers ask questions throughout the reading process, I will discuss how to help ELs acquire the skill of asking questions before, during, and after reading a text. This strategy helps ELs to become actively engaged in the lesson, to  develop a purpose for reading, and  to monitor their reading or check to see whether they are comprehending what they’re reading.

Telling Jokes in Class, plus a Joke

To start a class with a joke can liven up the atmosphere. I used to tell my students, "A joke a day keeps the doctor away." Although I didn't tell them a joke every day, I did it once in a while. And they loved it!

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

The first sight of the picture may ring a warning: Beware of what you eat outside your home. However, this is not my main point in this entry.

The Role English Could Play in Life--"陳超明：小確幸人生 英文不能缺席"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=545846

陳超明：小確幸人生 英文不能缺席

【聯合報╱記者沈育如／台北報導】2014/11/16

台灣全球化教育推廣協會理事長、實踐大學講座教授陳超明表示，全球化的第一個衝擊就是語言管理能力，未來如果沒有具備語言能力，不能成為移動性的國際性人才，想加薪、升遷當然很難。

My comments: Surely, for one to enjoy a successful career, language ability is not the only requirement. However, more often than not, it plays a crucial role.

Let Every Student Have Access to Englislh Learning Resources--"英聽落差：沒錢沒資"--UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/9068947.shtml

英聽落差：沒錢沒資源

【聯合報╱陳碧華／兒童英語節目製作人（台中市）】

2014.11.16 01:43 am

高中英聽測試成績揭曉，同樣是台灣之子，為何城鄉間會有如此大的差異？媒體說是資源不足，但實際上資源俯拾皆是，只是有無經濟能力去取得。

On Teaching English Listening--"教育資源差很大 怎救英聽"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/9067414.shtml

教育資源差很大 怎救英聽

【聯合報╱朱立安／大學教師（嘉義市）】

2014.11.15 02:23 am

高中英語聽力測驗第一次考試公布成績，不出所料，明星學校如台中女中Ａ級超過五成，但偏鄉高中成績則輸一大截；有學者把此城鄉差距歸因於「都市學生課餘補習，成績自然比偏鄉孩子好」，換言之，很多台灣的教育成效，乃來自學生課餘補習，筆者不懂為何教育專家與教育部一再否認這事實！

On Test of English Listening Comprehension--"高中考英聽 會考噩夢重演？"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/9067341.shtml

高中考英聽 會考噩夢重演？

【聯合報╱李允中／中國醫藥大學專案助理教授（台中市）】

2014.11.15 02:23 am

高中英語聽力測驗於成績於昨日公布，結果顯示高中英語學習亦存在「城鄉差距」。

My comments: Please read http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=545523&kdid=AR10&r=6.

This is the report of the results from CEEC: 104學年度高中英語聽力測驗第一次考試成績統計報告[1]

 

英聽成績表現的城鄉差距，反映了各高中職英聽的訓練配套，不如教育部估計的平均與完備充足；而英語聽力測驗更有可能與「會考作文」一樣扮演「攪局」的角色，使其他科目平均高分的同學，無法念到理想的學校。所幸目前僅有一百四十左右的系組採計英聽，台大與交大都不採計。

Helping Students Learn English Happily--"翻轉教室 他讓偏鄉生快樂學英文"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=545315

翻轉教室 他讓偏鄉生快樂學英文

【聯合報╱記者張錦弘／台北報導】2014/11/13

高中職免試入學明年採計英聽測驗成績，恐不利偏鄉弱勢生，但若老師活化教學，仍可扭轉劣勢。南投縣國姓國中老師李沛鴻，透過學英語歌、及用英文寫春聯等活動，讓學生快樂學英文，全班學生參加全民英檢初級初試，近7成通過，贏過很多都會國中，再也不怕考英聽。

My comments: This is true. Teachers could make a big difference.

Working Together with Oxford University Press--提升英語學習 興國和牛津出版社簽備忘錄"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=540979&kdid=AR10&r=5

提升英語學習 興國和牛津出版社簽備忘錄

【聯合報╱記者邵心杰／新營報導】2014/10/17
牛津大學出版社是世界規模最大的大學出版社，也被視為英語教育的先驅，興國高中昨與社方簽署「牛津優質英語學習服務」合作備忘錄，校長趙效賢說，希望提升學生英語學習品質，不會因南部資源不足，失去競爭力。

Heroic Deed by a Young Boy in Syria

A TV news report I watched on TV really made me sad. A boy pretended to be dead in order to save a little girl. My question then was, if the snipers had found the boy didn't die, would they still have shot him more? He is only a kid! The answer to my question is "Yes." War, get lost. You should not exist in the world.

The following is the news reported online, where you can watch the one-minute video clip.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2829895/Heroic-young-boy-runs-sniper-fire-Syria-pretends-shot-rescuing-terrified-girl-bullets-hit-floor-them.html

Only Time

Me, in 9th grade, the graduation photo from our year book. Ms. Tang brought her copy for Mark to take a look at. At that time, there was a ban on junior and senior high students' hair. Everyone looked almost the same. Well, I cannot imagine all my students with such short hair.

Happy Gathering with Junior High Schoolmates

Mark, a junior high schoolmate I never met before, is going back to the States tomorrow, so Ms. Tang (唐銑) threw a gathering for those who didn't attend a get-together held for him around two weeks ago when he just came back. Though we have seen each other's LINE message, this was the first time several of us met him in person.

Comments on High School English Speech Contest--"台灣省北區高中生英語演講決賽後記"--from Far East Senior/Vocational High School English Website

Another "gift" I bumped into while doing the cleaning. An excellent sharing for those who want to speak English well and those who are interested in entering an English speech contest.

http://www.hsenglish.com.tw/2009/teach/share/experience.asp?type=C&serial=7

台灣省北區高中生英語演講決賽後記

－台北縣板橋高中　呂紹暉老師    January, 2002

本學年度台灣省北區高中生英語演講決賽，於十一月十五日在板橋高中舉行。本人有幸參與司儀的工作，賽程中觀察並記錄了各校參賽學生不同的語言表現。本次參賽的學生共計九十六位，賽程分為早上至下午的指定題演講，與下午至傍晚的即席演講。本次即席演講所使用的媒介，只有一張圖片，上面可以看到一個人站立在迷宮前面。學生有五分鐘時間觀察圖片，之後，根據看圖心得，徒手上台即席演講。本人現在就英語即席演講部分，發表個人觀察的所得與評論，並針對未來學生演講訓練，提出建議與展望。 

Have a Good Sleep--"優質睡眠》用力K三小時…晚上十點睡"--from UDN

This article is on the same page as the one I posted in the previous entry.

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=85617

優質睡眠》用力K三小時…晚上十點睡

【聯合報╱記者詹建富／台北報導】2007/10/03

國內升學壓力大，國、高中生為應付課業及考試，常被迫犧牲睡眠、熬夜苦讀；不過，台大電機研究所碩士班學生周執中，從小學至今都不是個夜貓子，晚間九點、十點已就寢，是「早睡早起功課好」的最佳例證。

My comments: According to many Chinese doctors, for health sake, the best time to go to bed is 10pm. 

Enough Sleep Helps Learning--"洪蘭提倡》做夢也複習…何不晚點上學"--from UDN

I came across this UDN news story when doing the cleaning. An interesting topic! I'm glad I kept this clip of the newspaper, which reminding me of the book "A Perfect Mess."

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=85616

洪蘭提倡》做夢也複習…何不晚點上學

【聯合報╱記者張錦弘／台北報導】 2007/10/03

愈來愈多腦科學研究證實，長期睡眠不足，學習效果差，美國很多學校已延後一小時上學，洪蘭等學者認為台灣也可研究試辦，配合孩子生理時鐘晚點上學，家長尤其不要放任孩子熬夜。

Reading Marathon

I just finished a phone conversation with Chen Pin-xuan (陳品璇), a student who graduated from NHSH and now is teaching at Taipei Municipal Tatong High School. Although I never taught her class, via some activities in school, we got to know each other.

Principle of English Writing--"用英文思考 翻轉英文寫作困境"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_MAIN_ID=381&f_SUB_ID=2705&f_ART_ID=544348

用英文思考 翻轉英文寫作困境

【聯合報╱記者沈育如／台北報導】2014/11/07

「學英文就是『背多分』，管他什麼道理，背下來就對了。」台灣學生拚命背單字、死記文法，一旦畢業不考試，英文也全還給老師。聯經出版社繼兩年前出版交通大學外文系教授劉美君撰寫的「英文文法有道理！重新認識英文文法觀念」後，近日再推出她的「英文寫作有訣竅！三句話翻轉英文寫作困境」一書（見圖，聯經提供）。她說，學好英文要習慣用英文邏輯思考，寫好英文文章則要了解「G—S—G三進式原則」。

Listening As a College Admission Requirement?--"台、交大不看英聽 他校後悔採計"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=544347

台、交大不看英聽 他校後悔採計

【聯合報╱記者林秀姿／台北報導】2014/11/07

104學年度大考簡章今起發售，共66校、1802個系組參與招生，較去年增加39個系組。首度有152個系組將英聽成績列為門檻，只占8.4%。台大、交大都沒採計。部分採計英聽的頂大理工科系看到台大未採計，「深感後悔」，擔心招生因此受影響。

An TOEFL Sample Essay: "Is studying science more important than studying literature?"

For those who are going to take TOEFL, the following link is worth visiting.

http://www.testmagic.com/Knowledge_Base/TOEFL/Writing/samples/lit_vs_science/6.0_best_one.htm

Is studying science more important than studying literature?

Note: This is the best essay on this topic so far.

 Remember: All essays are reproduced  here as they were submitted.

Languages and Life, plus How to Learn a New Language--"褚士瑩：一個人會多少種語言，就有多少種生活"--from Business Weekly

Mr. Chu knows around ten languages. In the last half of this article, he suggested very useful tips on learning new languages.

http://www.businessweekly.com.tw/KBlogArticle.aspx?id=3939

褚士瑩：一個人會多少種語言，就有多少種生活

撰文者  褚士瑩   2013-06-24

首先我要聲明的是，我並不是語言天才。

實際上，我不知道什麼人是語言天才。很多人或許會以為學習外語是一份額外的負擔，但歌德有句名言：「Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.」（那些不懂得外語的人，等於對自己[的語言]一無所知）也就是說，一個人會多少種語言，就有多少種生活。至於只能活在一種語言裡的人，生活就像明明有超高速的無線寬頻網路，可是只能用來上一個網站，任誰都會覺得很可惜吧？

My comments: However, here "their own" should refer to "their own language."

"From a Rwandan Dump to the Halls of Harvard"--New York Times

This is a touching and inspiring story, which makes us believe that education lifts one up and that kindness makes a difference.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/us/from-a-rwandan-dump-to-the-halls-of-harvard.html?_r=0

From a Rwandan Dump to the Halls of Harvard

By MICHAEL WINESOCT. 22, 2014

BOSTON —  Nine years old and orphaned by ethnic genocide, he was living in a burned-out car in a Rwandan garbage dump where he scavenged for food and clothes. Daytimes, he was a street beggar. He had not bathed in more than a year.

My comments: Not bathed in more than a year! Poor kid! I cannot even bear not bathing for two days.

Learnign English Through Making Movies and Creating Picture Books--"拍電影、製繪本 英文好好玩"--from UDN

Learning English can be fun!

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=543584

拍電影、製繪本 英文好好玩

【聯合報╱記者郭政芬／新竹市報導】2014/11/03

新竹市磐石高中老師戴逸群翻轉英文課堂，帶學生拍電影、創作繪本，啟發學生對英文的興趣，激勵學生「敢講就不難」，日前選出兩組優秀英文繪本，將到小學發表。

Helping Students Improve English Listening Skills--"克服英聽障礙 升級英語"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/%E5%85%8B%E6%9C%8D%E8%8B%B1%E8%81%BD%E9%9A%9C%E7%A4%99%20%E5%8D%87%E7%B4%9A%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E5%8A%9B-9040265.shtml

克服英聽障礙 升級英語力

【聯合報╱李振清／大學退休教授（台北市）】

2014.11.03 02:09 am

根據昨日聯合報有關一○四學年度第一次高中英聽測驗的報導，報考人數多達十二萬八千多人，比去年增加一萬七千多人。這一項與大學入學甄選相關的高中英語聽力檢測，跟進入大學以後的高等教育，以及國際化趨勢中的中、長程人才培育，關係密切；其重要性不言可喻。

My comments: Knowing the importance of English, a former student, after taking TOEFL, asked me to tell my students that they should study English like crazy after getting into college.

A German's View on Taiwan--"放棄德國好工作 只為宮保雞丁"--UDN Article

While cleaning out old newspapers this evening, I found this article, which was written by John Geiger in 2011, a German who was then a chairperson at Dayeh University. However, I couldn't find the article on the UDN website. Luckily, Dayeh University posted it on its site so that I can share it here. Mr. Geiger not only talked about his opinions of people in Taiwan but gave some suggestions about parenting and education.

http://bulletin.dyu.edu.tw/index.php?msg_ID=9367&pool_ID=19

放棄德國好工作 只為宮保雞丁

聯合報 報導  2011/11/28

【聯合報 / 記者何烱榮 / 彰化報導】

不曾到過台灣的外國人，與生活在台灣的外國人，對台灣的看法完全不同。到台灣後，我愛上了台灣。

"Let Me Read, Teacher"--"青春名人堂╱老師 放手讓我讀吧！"--from UDN

How I loved to see my students read beyond their textbooks!

http://udn.com/NEWS/READING/X4/9036689.shtml

青春名人堂╱老師 放手讓我讀吧！

【聯合報╱蔡淇華】

2014.11.01 03:34 am

國二那年，寄宿國文老師家，晚上當我沉浸在《聊齋誌異》時，老師搶過書，一個巴掌過來：「不看課內書，看什麼課外書？」

My comments: I would have paid him compliments.

Keeping Busy after Retirement--女性臉譜／到處奔波的退休生活--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/LIFE/X1/9033948.shtml

女性臉譜／到處奔波的退休生活

【聯合報╱I.L.（高雄內門）】

2014.10.31 03:38 am

瑪雅是我在法國的友人，近古稀之年的她，看起來不過五十出頭。她與同年紀的先生在十幾年前自工作崗位退休，兩人如今的主要活動是「到處奔波」。

Trip to an Antique Store

Along with Mr. Lin and some old colleagues, I visited an antique store opened by Mr. Dai, a retired teacher from NHSH. I was amazed at the power of accumulation and passion!

Connected by Music

Yesterday evening, invited by my g0dmother Mrs. Chen and my aunt, also an old colleague, Ms. Hung, my friends and I went to the concert with the theme of "Bohemian Masters" at the National Recital Hall. The program of the concert included Bedrich Smetana's "Moldau" from My Father Land, for piano four hands arranged by the composer, Bohuslav Martinu's First Piano  Quartet, H. 287, and Atonin Dvorak's Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81.

"Making Connections to Improve EL Reading Comprehension"--from TESOL Blog

http://blog.tesol.org/making-connections-to-improve-el-reading-comprehension/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Making Connections to Improve EL Reading Comprehension

Posted on 23 October 2014 by Judie Haynes

In my last blog, I talked about Reading Workshop and how well comprehension strategies work for English learners (ELs). Books such as Mosaic of Thought (Keene and Zimmerman, 2007), Reading with Meaning (Miller 2012), and Strategies That Work (Harvey and Goudvi 2007) demonstrate the comprehension strategies that good readers use when they interact with text. When I first learned about Reading Workshop, I spent a lot of time with a classroom teacher who used these strategies, and  I adapted them for my ELs. By using the same strategies and terminology as my mainstream colleagues, I could better support the reading instruction taking place in the general education classroom where many ELs spend most of their day.

Adverbial "-ever" Clause vs. Nominal "-ever" Clause

A former colleague who is still teaching called me the day before yesterday and asked me a question: How can we help learners to easily distinguish the advervial "-ever clause" from the nominal one? For example:

1. Whatever you do, I'll love you forever.

2. Whatever you do is fine with me.

The Essence of Education Reform--"推動以「教學」而非「升學」為主旨的教改"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI1/9023580.shtml

推動以「教學」而非「升學」為主旨的教改

【聯合報╱社論】

2014.10.26 02:20 am

近幾年，「翻轉教育」或「翻轉教室」的概念很流行，為人津津樂道的例子如台東著名的公東高工為技職教育立下典範，有些偏鄉小校因特色教學而獨樹一幟。這些另類教學法的成功案例引起注目，甚至有公益團體和專業人士，以翻轉教育為主題而成立工作坊，四處推動不同於以往的改良教育方式。所有這些努力，無非是懷抱著「撒下希望的種子」的信念，想透過教育的途徑，讓所有的孩子，特別是弱勢族群，能帶著自信開創未來的人生機會。

My comments: Yes, only education can raise these kids up to a better life. 

How to Improve Listening Skills--"英聽怎麼練？ 每個單字要會念"--from UDN

http://m.udn.com/xhtml/HistoryArt?articleid=4029912

英聽怎麼練？ 每個單字要會念

【聯合報╱記者張錦弘／專題報導】20141025

明年大學入學正式採計高中英聽成績，英聽已成中學生的基本能力。學者專家強調，英聽無法獨立學習，一定要認得足夠詞彙、學會單字發音，才能聽得懂；且平時聽完後最好複述一遍，才能深化記憶，再搭配熟悉題型，更有助拿高分。

My comments: Shadowing is a good way to improve listening in English.

Six Websites to Search for Authentic English--"還在用Google翻譯？6個超強網站讓你查到最道地的英文"

http://www.businessweekly.com.tw/online/20141016/KBlogArticle_9545_1.htm

還在用Google翻譯？6個超強網站讓你查到最道地的英文

有時候光是看課本、講義、武功祕笈、他人筆記、網路文章等等，仍然想知道道地的native speaker到底怎麼怎麼說或寫嗎？來學學使用語料庫吧！

A Beautiful Trip with Beautiful People

把事做好 就不用擔心未來

http://vision.udn.com/storypage.php?ART_ID=5135

亞大場／劉麗珠：把事做好 就不用擔心未來

記者喻文玟、洪敬浤╱台中報導

「細節、效率就是能力」，捷安特YouBike事業部發言人劉麗珠做事重視細節、嚴控效率，有志創業青年要思考自己有沒有這項能力。 

Falling Behind in the Beginning Doesn't Mean You'll Never Reach the Finish Line--尋路的旅程 不必贏在起跑點

http://vision.udn.com/storypage.php?ART_ID=5138

亞大場／尋路的旅程 不必贏在起跑點

記者洪敬浤、喻文玟╱台中報導  20141017

尋路未來的旅程，不必贏在起跑點，在挫折與挑戰中，反而會殺出夢想的道路。

游名揚：即使沒考上心目中的系所，還是可以把課修完，朝著夢想前進。

My comments: Attitude counts.

Seeking Your Career--不斷接觸新的經驗 路就出來了

The day before yesterday, a former student called me a few minutes after I got back home from the trip to Kinmen. She told me she had found a new job, but was not sure if she would like it. During our chat, I suggested some jobs which I thought might be interesting to her; however, she still sounded puzzled about her career.

This morning, I came across this news report while flipping through the newspapers I missed reading due to the trip. Hopefully, it would be helpful to young people who are seeking their career.

http://vision.udn.com/storypage.php?ART_ID=5137

不斷接觸新的經驗 路就出來了 

記者洪敬浤、喻文玟╱台中報導    2014/10/17

青年築夢，最難的是走出茫然。聯合報系願景工作室「為青年尋路論壇」昨在亞洲大學登場，主持人、作家王文華為「尋路」下註腳，不必緊張與茫然，不斷接觸新的經驗，夢想的路自然會展現出來。 

Xu-Jiang-Xiao-Wo Inscribed Rocks

If I am asked about the 3-day trip to Kinmen, the first thing that flashes into my mind would be Xu-Jiang-Xiao-Wo Inscribed Rocks. Xu-Jiang is another name of Yu Da-yo (1503-1579), a general in the Ming Dynasty. In his free time, he often came to this place to rest or view the ocean. He wrote Xu Jiang Xiao Wo (虛江嘯臥) on the rock, which is behind the pavilion in the picture, meaning he himself shouted and lay here. Afterward, characters were inscribed on the rocks nearby.

Trip to Kinmen--Day 3_in Pictures

 

Trip to Kinmen--Day 2

Today we spent around four hours in Little Kinmen. We hired a taxi to take us around the island. With a local resident as our driver and tour guide, we visited many a tourist attraction, including Bada Tower, Hujingtou War Museum, and Siwei Tunnel.

Hi, Kinmen

I am in Kinmen. My first time to be here. It took around one hour to fly here from Taipei.

The scenic spots we visited today included  Zhaishan Tunnel (翟山坑道), Wentai Pagoda (文臺寶塔), Xu-Jiang-xiao-wo Inscribed Rocks (虛江嘯臥碣群), etc.

Old Colleagues, Old Friends

Yesterday evening, at a banquet hosted by Ms. Chiu.

From Junior High Schoolmates to New Friends

"教出滿分生／5老師的魔法 讓作文不再可恨"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=540139&kdid=AR10&r=2

教出滿分生／5老師的魔法 讓作文不再可恨

【聯合報╱記者吳思萍、邵心杰、陳沛佑、楊德宜／報導】2014/10/13

台北市介壽國中五名國文科女老師，花六年設計趣味課程，包括驚奇箱、觀察社區花草，曾有家長質疑浪費學生時間，今年會考介壽創下全國最多滿級分學生紀錄，五位老師慶幸堅持到底。

Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way--"翻轉教育路 2老師邊說邊飆淚"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=540137

翻轉教育路 2老師邊說邊飆淚

【聯合報╱記者吳思萍、邵心杰、陳沛佑、楊德宜／報導】2014/10/13

鄉慢學 在小校 可以因材施教

都會探索 在大校 嘗試需要勇氣

帶孩子走出教室學習，是孩子快樂學習的元素，也是翻轉教育的基本功，在都會區受限空間走不出去，在偏鄉受限資源也寸步難行，讓有心「翻轉」的老師都走得很辛苦。

No Winning, No Losing--"王文華／沒有人是「人生勝利組」"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI4/8991996.shtml

王文華／沒有人是「人生勝利組」

【聯合報╱王文華】

2014.10.11 05:40 pm

上個月台大生情殺事件後，大家都在討論「人生勝利組」出了什麼問題。一位讀者問我：「名校對你們究竟是福分？還是負擔？」

Being Smart or Wise?--"洪蘭／面對選擇 當聰明人或智者？"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI4/8987800.shtml

洪蘭／面對選擇 當聰明人或智者？

【聯合報╱洪蘭】

2014.10.09 01:57 am

在捷運站碰見一位許久不見的朋友，寒暄時，我隨口問她做了外婆沒有？她淡淡地說，女兒離婚了。我聽了一時接不下話，卻不意外，因為她當年千方百計要把女兒嫁入豪門，女兒不肯時，還演出一哭二鬧三上吊戲碼，逼女兒就範。當時我們都替她女兒擔心，認為豪門飯碗難捧，不必高攀，果然不幸而言中了。

High School Class Reunion Trip-2

During yesterday's high school reunion trip, I learned a lot, for example, making Chinese snacks, changing gears while driving (Don't laugh even if you know I have driven for more than 20 years!), taking better photos, etc. What impressed me most was the story Mei-chu told us.

High School Class Reunion Trip

Just came back from my high school class reunion trip. Guess where we were. The next photo could be a clue.

外語人才 全球化有新風貌

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/8985256.shtml

外語人才 全球化有新風貌

【聯合報╱盧信昌／台大國企系副教授（台北市）】

2014.10.08 02:06 am

台灣某教育推廣學會最近的調查顯示，高達一二六所的大專院校設有英語和外文相關系所。因為有國小英語教學的基礎紮根、校外語文課程的加強和外文能力檢定下，各外語學系、所的在學總人數目前已超過五萬人。不過，在這看似光鮮的派頭之外，此次的問卷也顯示，有近三成的外文系所正面臨招生不足的現象。

"Flipping With YouTube"--from TESOL blog

http://blog.tesol.org/flipping-with-youtube/

Flipping With YouTube

Posted on 30 September 2014 by Tara Arntsen

Over a year ago, I wrote about The Flipped Classroom here on the TESOL blog, and I would like to revisit the topic since the flipped classroom has really continued to gain popularity in the past several years. It is really a hot topic and something that many educators are interested in learning more about and even trying out.

My comments: Yes, it has hit the headline recently in Taiwan.      

Welcome to NHSH

This noon, I attended a welcoming lunch held by NHSH English teachers. In the above pictures are all the newcomers this semester, three of whom were formally recruited new teachers. some substitutes, and some in their internship. They are young and energetic! I told them teaching is the best job in the world.

Understand Ebola in Three Minutes

Ebola has hit the headline recently. Here are two videos, each of which, one in Chinese and the other in English, helps us get a clearer idea of this dreadful disease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_XEWEgzoXA&feature=youtu.be

你該認識但不該害怕，三分鐘看懂伊波拉  20140826

IELTS Writing Samples

The day before yesterday, a former student who is taking an IELTS exam next week asked me to give feedback to three essays he had written. After giving him some correction suggestions, I advised him to read some writing samples. While reading, he had better analyze the organization of each and write an outline so that he can apply the strategies he learns to his writing. Besides, I asked him to read the samples aloud.

Click the link, and you'll find quite a few writing samples provided by IELTS.

"Signspotting around the world: Funny fails"--from CNN

This is interesting, reminding me of a sign I saw in a restaurant at Shanghai World Expo several years ago. It said, "Please slip carefully." Can you figure out the Chinese equivalent?

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/01/travel/lonely-planet-signspotting/index.html

Signspotting around the world: Funny fails

By Katia Hetter, CNN

October 1, 2014 -- Updated 1451 GMT (2251 HKT)

(CNN) -- As much as we try to communicate clearly, there is much fun to be had when we fail -- and it's never clearer than with signage gone wrong around the world.

On Reading--"「滑世代」閱讀定義 看臉書轉貼文也算閱讀"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/reading/storypage.jsp?f_MAIN_ID=388&f_SUB_ID=3819&f_ART_ID=538353

「滑世代」閱讀定義  看臉書轉貼文也算閱讀

根據「新世代 愛．悅．讀 論壇」所發表的閱讀調查中指出，有高達72.6%的受訪者認為看網路新聞也算閱讀，而有高達65.9%的民眾認為看網路轉貼文章或是臉書訊息也算一種閱讀的形式，顯示「滑世代」深深影響了國人的閱讀習慣。

My comments: Is reading newspapers a form of reading? I read BBC and CNN news on my cellphone.

On Parenting--"廖玉蕙／尊重和誠信的教養觀"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI4/8970589.shtml

廖玉蕙／尊重和誠信的教養觀

【聯合報╱廖玉蕙】

2014.10.01 02:39 am

「尊重」和「誠信」問題，每到選舉期，必成為對手交相攻訐的箭靶。大人在新聞上吵得火熱，讓人不禁要喟歎基本的美好德行似已蕩然無存。朋友聚談，總為此種惡質選風憂心忡忡。此刻談「道德重整」彷彿是個笑話，仔細想來，卻又不得不嚴正以對；而世道混濁如斯，恐怕非得從民族幼苗的教育著手不可了。

My comments: That's why family education always comes before school education. Even a toddler learns something from his/her parents every day, often only by watching.

Flipped And/Or Not Flipped?--"靈活互補 傳統教學不能完全翻轉"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/8968123.shtml

靈活互補 傳統教學不能完全翻轉

【聯合報╱簡麗賢／高中物理教師（台北市）】

2014.09.30 02:34 am

昨日聯合報大篇幅報導，二千多位教師在教師節主動參加教學法研習，令人感動，也藉此自發進修，了解教師對提升教學效能的渴望，這是學生之幸，也是教育進步的動力。

On Flipped Classroom-7_學生創業／要翻轉老師 也要翻轉家長--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%89%B5%E6%A5%AD%EF%BC%8F%E8%A6%81%E7%BF%BB%E8%BD%89%E8%80%81%E5%B8%AB%20%E4%B9%9F%E8%A6%81%E7%BF%BB%E8%BD%89%E5%AE%B6%E9%95%B7-8965946.shtml

學生創業／要翻轉老師 也要翻轉家長

【聯合報╱記者黃昭勇／報導】

2014.09.29 10:35 am

教育體制內的葉丙成與補救教育的陶倢，同為一九七三年出生，今年都是四十一歲，都對台灣的教育與未來抱持希望。葉丙成希望用感動做教育改革，讓老師找回自己的教學價值；陶倢相信會發問的學生能夠自主學習，但要給學生足夠的協助資源。

On Flipped Classroom-6_補教名師 用「喀嚓」找知識--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/%E8%A7%80%E9%BB%9E%E4%BA%A4%E9%8B%92%EF%BC%8F%E8%A3%9C%E6%95%99%E5%90%8D%E5%B8%AB%20%E7%94%A8%E3%80%8C%E5%96%80%E5%9A%93%E3%80%8D%E6%89%BE%E7%9F%A5%E8%AD%98-8965961.shtml

觀點交鋒／補教名師 用「喀嚓」找知識

【聯合報╱記者黃昭勇／報導】

2014.09.29 10:35 am

 陶倢，行動問答家KAXA創辦人。提出教育生態圈概念，希望讓退休教師透過智慧手機、平板電腦等工具，幫偏鄉學生改作文、回答問題，讓學生透過發問學習，退休教師變成公益知識家。

On Flipped Classroom-5_觀點交鋒／台大教授 打造學習界臉書--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/%E8%A7%80%E9%BB%9E%E4%BA%A4%E9%8B%92%EF%BC%8F%E5%8F%B0%E5%A4%A7%E6%95%99%E6%8E%88%20%E6%89%93%E9%80%A0%E5%AD%B8%E7%BF%92%E7%95%8C%E8%87%89%E6%9B%B8-8965958.shtml

觀點交鋒／台大教授 打造學習界臉書

【聯合報╱記者黃昭勇／報導】2014.09.29 10:35 am

 葉丙成，台大電機系副教授，運用新科技，在世界知名的Coursera線上開放課程教學平台推出「數學機率課」，在滿是史丹佛名校教授的課程中，一推出就吸引全球兩萬多人報名，持續推動台灣創新教育。

On Flipped Classroom-4_卓憶嵐：母親的熱情 點燃改變教學的火--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/%E5%8D%93%E6%86%B6%E5%B5%90%EF%BC%9A%E6%AF%8D%E8%A6%AA%E7%9A%84%E7%86%B1%E6%83%85%20%E9%BB%9E%E7%87%83%E6%94%B9%E8%AE%8A%E6%95%99%E5%AD%B8%E7%9A%84%E7%81%AB-8965973.shtml

卓憶嵐：母親的熱情 點燃改變教學的火

【聯合報╱記者陳秋雲／台中報導]

2014.09.29 10:35 am

逾兩千兩百名教師自發性參加全天「翻轉教學」研習，活動僅在網站公告半天，報名人數就破千。發起人明德高中國文老師卓憶嵐說，是母親對教育的熱情，引導她改變教學。

On Flipped Classroom-3_官爺鬆手吧 讓教師「翻」更高更好-from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/8965969.shtml

觀察站／官爺鬆手吧 讓教師「翻」更高更好

【聯合報╱本報記者薛荷玉】

2014.09.29 10:35 am

昨天是教師節，二千多位教師們放棄了假日休閒，出席全天「翻轉教室」研習。一張張或許很年輕、或者不再年輕的教師臉孔都訴說著，他們有多渴望投入教育改革的浪潮，成為這場「教室裡的小革命」一份子。教師以教學創新，搶回了教改的主導權。

My comments: In fact, a teacher is one of the few jobs in which they can decide on how they teach and guide their students to learn.

On Flipped Classroom-2_"研習結束淚盈眶「好想設計自己的翻轉教材」"-from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/%E7%A0%94%E7%BF%92%E7%B5%90%E6%9D%9F%E6%B7%9A%E7%9B%88%E7%9C%B6%E3%80%8C%E5%A5%BD%E6%83%B3%E8%A8%AD%E8%A8%88%E8%87%AA%E5%B7%B1%E7%9A%84%E7%BF%BB%E8%BD%89%E6%95%99%E6%9D%90%E3%80%8D-8965967.shtml

研習結束淚盈眶「好想設計自己的翻轉教材」

【聯合報╱記者陳秋雲、祁容玉、王柔婷／連線報導】

2014.09.29 10:35 am

「這是我一生中最感人的教師節。」南投縣國中教師何光申參加完翻轉教學研習，立刻在臉書寫下心得，「下課時，我熱淚盈眶」，希望每年教師節都能參加這樣的研習。

On Flipped Classroom-1_"熱血928 逾2200師自主翻轉學習"--from UDN

A big issue in Taiwan's education.

http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT3/8965964.shtml

熱血928 逾2200師自主翻轉學習

【聯合報╱記者陳秋雲／台中報導】

2014.09.29 10:35 am

一群來自全國各地的逾兩千兩百名教師，昨放棄休假，主動參加「翻轉教育」研習，當了一天認真聽講、用心記筆記的學生，過了一個很不一樣的教師節。研習會是台中明德高中主辦，參加的教師從幼教到大學都有，學校活動中心兩層樓座位昨坐得滿滿的，主辦單位形容「這是台灣史上規模最大教師自主研習」。

A Devoted Teacher--"師鐸獎／他月月捐薪 教書17年存款8萬"--from UDN

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=537483

師鐸獎／他月月捐薪 教書17年存款8萬

【聯合報╱記者林秀姿／台北報導】2014/09/27

台灣部分偏鄉風景美得像「香格里拉」仙境，但偏鄉的孩子卻有人一鍋滷菜吃兩周，有人穿著尿騷味的衣服上學。偏鄉學校的教師捐書、捐薪水，甚至散盡家財奉獻一輩子給偏鄉學生，有好幾位昨天獲頒教育部師鐸獎，馬總統特別頒獎表揚他們無私的奉獻。

My comments: Teachers can make a difference in their students' life.

As a Teacher, Do You Do Your Job Well?--"你有活出教師的價值嗎"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/8962717.shtml

你有活出教師的價值嗎

【聯合報╱李枝桃／國中校長（南投市）】

2014.09.27 02:03 am

應邀到某單位與老師們分享教育心得；茶敘時，聊到教師節學校辦理的活動，其中一位老師抱怨，學校都沒有辦理教師節活動，「感覺好沒價值喔！」

一位老師轉頭問我的想法；我想到前幾天到台東，與以前服務的公東高工老同事餐敘，幾乎清一色年逾半百，大家一見面就興奮的聊白髮有幾許、說退休生活的愉悅、談兒女就業的情況。

Studio in Nature

 



(Made by Annie for me after I sending her a photo at Yangmingshang via LINE)

To celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on Sep. 28, George and I decided to have some pictures taken. However, instead of having it done in a studio, we did it ourselves at Yangmingshan with the help of a tripod. We took the whole day and it was fun!

Dear Son, Happy Birthday!

Today is my son's birthday. Of course, my husband and I sent him our best wishes via FB private messages and LINE. We even bought a small cake and sang him Happy Birthday song in the evening, though not in his presence. He is studying in the US, far away from us.

Thank You, Annie

This noon I invited Annie (詹麗馨老師) to have lunch to show my gratitude for her timely help with my test item writing.

Friends Often Have You on Their Minds

Yesterday around 6pm, I got a phone call from Po-ching (朱博清), a junior high schoolmate who I just got acquainted with in late April this year. He asked me if I was free because he would like to invite me to eat beef noodles at a schoolmate's restaurant with him and his wife. I said yes and he suggested picking me up between 6:30 and 7pm.

Teach Students How to Cope with Breakups--公民沒教的「分手」課

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI1/8955703.shtml

公民沒教的「分手」課

【聯合報╱黑白集】

2014.09.24 09:48 am

公民課講授四維八德，教大家尊敬長上、友愛兄弟、照顧弱小、當守法國民，卻從未教人們如何好好分手。「台大宅王」張彥文當街將女友亂刀刺死，就是把談戀愛當成了征服情海的戰爭，不知道分手其實也可以很文明。

My comments: School doesn't even offer courses about love. 

Positive Thinking Makes a Big Difference--分手之痛 何不發憤圖強

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/8953186.shtml

高材生情殺／分手之痛 何不發憤圖強

【聯合報╱鄧煌發／中華民國犯罪學學會理事長（新北市）】

2014.09.23 02:02 am

我有一個要好的朋友，是一個科技新貴。現今自信十足、能言善道的他，很難想像當初大學畢業時，竟被嫌木訥，被愛得死去活來的女友拋棄，但他並沒有把怒火發洩在殺害女友或縱火牽連其他無辜等消極作為上，反而把氣憤逆轉為力爭上游的動力，他說：「一定要讓女友後悔，後悔沒有嫁給我！」

My comments: When we think differently, we act differently. As a teaccher, I told my students, "When you are in anger, you'd better not do anything, because

d(o)+ anger = danger."

A Letter from Nobel-Winning Playwright Eugene O’Neill to His Son

How many parents would write a letter like this to their children?

http://www.brainpickings.org/2014/09/15/eugene-oneill-hard-work-letter-to-son/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Nobel-Winning Playwright Eugene O’Neill on Happiness, Hard Work, and Success in a Letter to His Unmotivated Young Son

by Maria Popova

“Any fool knows that to work hard at something you want to accomplish is the only way to be happy.”

My comments: What about helping others? What about seeing a thing of beauty? 

Children's Picture Books at Gutenberg Project

This is another good website for reading, also recommended by the professor mentioned in my yesterday's entry.  You can find the famous stories by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Dickens, Beatrix Potter, who wrote the Tale of Peter Rabbit, Mother Goose, etc. It's a pity that among all the books, only Great Big Treasury of Beatrix Potter and the Tale of Peter Rabbit come in an audio version. Nonetheless, it is a great treasure trove of children's picture books. Just admiring those pictures is an absolute joy.

Children's Literature at Gutenberg Project--a Good Reading Website

This website was recommended to me by a professor who read and gave modification suggestions about an article I had written for Secondary Education, a quarterly journal for secondary school teachers in Taiwan. The website contained a lot of literary works mainly for children, which have been read and loved by adults too, such as Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol," etc. A few of the stories have the audio version. Check it out and you'll be delighted by what is presented to you.

Master at Least One Language--"王正方／總得掌握一種語言吧！"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI4/8945409.shtml

王正方／總得掌握一種語言吧！

【聯合報╱王正方】

2014.09.19 02:13 am

讀到消息一則，教育當局計畫在中小學每周增加一堂語文課，但未決定是英語還是母語。對本地的母語教育所知不多，英語教育嘛，就一言難盡了。

My comments: Language is the foundation of knowledge.

現在台灣的小學一年級生，書包裡就帶著英語課本。不讓孩子輸在起跑點上的父母們，早就送小孩上雙語幼稚園，個個都有英文名字。數十年來台灣舉國上下立志學好英語的決心感人，但是成績如何呢？

Less Is More--"殺警、餿油、吸毒／給孩子愈多愈害他"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/%E6%AE%BA%E8%AD%A6%E3%80%81%E9%A4%BF%E6%B2%B9%E3%80%81%E5%90%B8%E6%AF%92%EF%BC%8F%E7%B5%A6%E5%AD%A9%E5%AD%90%E6%84%88%E5%A4%9A%E6%84%88%E5%AE%B3%E4%BB%96-8943006.shtml

殺警、餿油、吸毒／給孩子愈多愈害他

【聯合報╱張一民／退休人士（高雄市）】

2014.09.18 01:20 am

殺警案主嫌曾威豪是靠爸族，母誇很乖，其父母「看電視才知道」兒子涉嫌教唆打死警察。

家境富裕，坐擁豪宅、跑車，一般年輕人的財力，根本辦不到！給孩子越多，不是愛他，而是害他。從小衣食無缺，長輩疼愛有加，也因為缺乏困頓、挫折，不懂感恩惜福；因家境富裕，又喜愛炫耀；在涉世未深歷練不足下，易被周遭利用，他想出風頭的個性，更易被牽著鼻子走！此案發生是不幸，但我們社會又學到什麼教訓？

Character Building--"殺警、餿油、吸毒／救救品格教育"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/8943005.shtml

殺警、餿油、吸毒／救救品格教育

【聯合報╱李振清／大學退休教授（台北市）】

2014.09.18 01:20 am

聯合報十七日「從殺警案看富二代被金錢腐壞的人生」的社論，不但暴露當前不少台灣富家子弟價值觀的扭曲、社會風氣的丕變，更凸顯全民教育的亟需反思與強化。加上餿油風暴、北捷凶殺、年輕名人吸毒等負面新聞不斷浮現國內外媒體，我們亟應檢討，並設法回歸台灣原以自豪的台灣精神，與開創現代化發展奇蹟的品德教育和倫理素養。

"Evernote: For Organizing Your Digital Life"--from TESOL Blog

Evernote was recommended to me long time ago by my former student Joel (簡喬). But I never checked it out. Shame on me! Yesterday while browsing the Net on my smartphone, I came across this TESOL Blog article on this app . Perhaps I should give it a try. Getting organized should also be an important lesson for students to learn.

http://blog.tesol.org/evernote-for-organizing-your-digital-life/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=evernote-for-organizing-your-digital-life&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Evernote: For Organizing Your Digital Life

Posted on 16 September 2014 by Tara Arntsen

Education in Finland--"少即是多！ 芬蘭教育世界教育之冠"

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=532233

少即是多！ 芬蘭教育世界教育之冠

【文／希平方提供】2014/09/02

在芬蘭，中小學每週上課時數不超過三十小時，但卻能利用最短時間達到最大成效，躋身為世界教育之冠。相較於其餘歐美國家以競爭為基礎的理念，芬蘭教育篤信「少即是多」，不外加壓力，讓孩子在輕鬆的學習環境成長。

My comments: I also believe that kids can learn better in a relaxing atmosphere. When I taught at school, I seldom gave students pressure.

"5 TED Talks Teachers Should Watch With Students"--from Edudemic

TED is one of my favorite websites to recommend to students. During the last few years in my teaching career, I presented some to my senior students once in a while, including Ken Robinson's "How Schools Kill Creativity," Adora Svitak's "What Adults Can Learn from Kids," etc. The five talks listed here were not on my list. I'll watch them in the coming days.

http://www.edudemic.com/ted-talks-teachers-students/

5 TED Talks Teachers Should Watch With Students

By Katie Lepi on May 9, 2014

Topics of Past National English Speech and Writing Contests

This is a webpage at the website of Taichung Municipal Hui-Wen High School. On this page you can find topics of national English speech and writing contests in recent years. What's better, it offers links to the winning essays on "Being a Good Writer" in the 2010 writing contest.

http://www5.hwsh.tc.edu.tw/web/359631/forum/-/message_boards/message/459929#_19_message_459929

"8 Uplifting Quotes For Discouraged Students"--from Edudemic

http://www.edudemic.com/discouraged-students/

8 Uplifting Quotes For Discouraged Students

My comments: In fact, there are 9, Einstein's included.

By nicolettemorrison on September 9, 2014

There are many reasons a student can lose focus in school.

Surprise from a Good Friend

My good friend Annie (詹麗馨老師) is good at giving. Yesterday late afternoon, when I got home from the trip, before leaving for the date with my students, I got a gift package from Annie. I didn't have time to thank her until very late, when I came back from the gathering.

Dating with Our Sweet Girls

(Photo from Lily)

Yesterday, after the trip to nature, I hurried to the date with 6 girls from Class 314, who graduated from NHSH in 2012 and are going on their junior year in college, and their homeroom teacher Lily (張俐俐老師) at one of the girl Yu-ching's home before they go back to school next Monday. Although I sprained my left ankle and left arm a little during the outing in Yangmingshan, eager to see the students, I still went as I promised the day before.

Making Friends with Nature

Yesterday morning I drove four old colleagues and friends to Yangmingshan. According to Mei-chen, Yangmingshan is the coolest place in Taipei in summer. At the restaurant, we came across an old colleague who is also retired. She went there with her reading club members.

Is Teaching an Easy Job?

An old colleague expressed on FB her anger over the remarks made by a graduate to her former teacher sitting next to her.  The student said she'd like to be a teacher because it is an easy job.

A Happy Gathering with Mrs. Huang, a Former Student's Mother

This evening, Mrs. Huang invited me to dinner. Her son graduated from NHSH in 2011, now going on his senior year in college.

What Do We Live for--"洪蘭／做好平凡事 一生不平凡"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/OPI4/8921784.shtml

洪蘭／做好平凡事 一生不平凡

【聯合報╱洪蘭】

2014.09.08 02:20 am

羅賓威廉斯死訊傳來時，我正在馬來西亞演講，他的「早安越南」是我第一次發現自己的英文可以跟上同學，因為他講的笑話我竟然聽懂了。他是我那個時代的人，他的自殺使我難過好幾天，一直在想，人生的目的是什麼。

My comments: Albert Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worth while."

"In pictures: Mid-Autumn Festival"--from BBC

In today's BBC News in Picture, quite a few pictures related to the Moon Festival are displayed. Click the link and go over the pictures. You'll find some surprises! You'll even seen the giant "Moon Rabbit" in Taiwan, created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman.

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29106028

In pictures: Mid-Autumn Festival

Taiwan's Cooking Oil Scandal--"Polluted cooking oil in famous Taiwanese stores"--from asiaone news

http://news.asiaone.com/news/soshiok/polluted-cooking-oil-famous-taiwanese-stores

Polluted cooking oil in famous Taiwanese stores

The China Post/Asia News NetworkSaturday, Sep 06, 2014

TAIPEI, Taiwan -The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a list of 235 companies that bought polluted cooking oil products from Chung Guann Co., Ltd. (強冠公司), based on records the company provided yesterday morning. Some well-known traditional snack shops and restaurants are listed.

My comments: I'm really angry about this scandal. How can a company makes making as much money as it can its first priority, at the cost of the health of those who trust it?

Lee Wei's Wedding

This evening, I attended a former student Lee Wei's wedding at Palais de Chine Hotel. He graduated from NHSH around 13 years ago, in 2001.

A Play

Does this scene seem familiar to you? You attend a gathering, say, a class reunion, only to find almost everyone there staring at their smartphone screen. This is a scene in the play I watched this afternoon, at the invitation of Ruo-heng (陳若珩), a former student who graduated from NHSH two years ago.

Annie, Me, and Our Listening Exercise Book 6

In the afternoon, after the gathering with my junior high teacher and schoolmates, I hurried to the afternoon tea with my dear friend Annie and three ladies from Kangxuan.

Happy Gathering

This noon I ate lunch with my junior high schoolmates in Tienmu. In fact, none of them were my classmates in my senior year. This year's April reunion acquainted us with each other! Our chemistry teacher Ms. Lee (李和美老師) also joined us.

Young Explorer--a National Geographic Website for Children

This website was recommended by I Simply Love to Share on FB. It is intended for kids. Each e-storybook is an issue, for example, garden helpers, web weavers, move to live, etc. Each e-book comes with a page turner and recordings. By clicking the recording button before a sentence, the sentence will be read aloud.

http://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html

Young Explorer

20 English Phrases That Have Totally Different Meanings In Japan

An interesting article about "Japanese English."

http://www.businessinsider.com/20-english-phrases-only-used-in-japan-2014-8

20 English Phrases That Have Totally Different Meanings In Japan
Andrew Miller, RocketNews24

• Aug.  5, 2014,  2:00PM

How many of you have ever heard of the Japanese word ‘wasei eigo’?

A direct translation into English would be “Japanese-made English”, but put  more simply the word refers to English words that, after a little tampering,  have been adopted into the modern Japanese lexicon and used on an everyday  basis. Despite having their origins in English, wasei  eigo words often have quite different meanings to those on which they  are based.

Class 301 Reunion

 



 

This evening, I attended the reunion of Class 301, one of the three classes that I taught in the last year of my teaching career. I still remember the interaction between them and me in class. Whenever I asked a question, many of them shot their hands into the air, eager to answer the question to win points. They once told me it was due to their sense of honor. Haha! How can I forget them?

No Rush!--"百年樹人 不可能一次到位"--from UDN

http://udn.com/NEWS/OPINION/X1/8905388.shtml

百年樹人 不可能一次到位

【聯合報╱李枝桃／國中校長（南投市）】

2014.08.31 02:24 am

與幾位同學餐敘，大家話題圍繞著退休轉，同學阿良低著頭滑手機，他插不上嘴，因為晚婚孩子還小的他，根本沒有資格談退休。

突然他大聲且激動的說：「終於，終於改了」，大家轉頭看他。他拿著手機念著，原來是教育部揭曉明年十二年國教入學制度改革方案，大家矚目的特招考試，採用教育部版本，由各就學區自辦，以會考成績作錄取門檻，再加考一至三科學科測驗成績。

A Photo of the Logos Hope

A photo of the Logos Hope taken by Zhou Yen-yu, the former student who I had a gathering the day before yesterday.

Thank You for Your Love, My Dear Students

Yu-han, Yu-chi, Hsiao-chieh, and Yu-wei, four students from my homeroom class 314, who graduated in 2011 from NHSH, invited me to lunch today. We spent a great time together, chatting and laughing to our hearts' content all the way. They shared with me what had happened since we last saw each other.

A Picture Book by Zhou Yen-yu.

A picture book by Zhou Yen-yu, a former student who graduated from NHSH two years ago. He's had the book published. In it he put his favorite characters from cartoons and movies on the same stage.

"From janitor to teacher to principal, all at the same school"

A very inspiring story. It's education that makes this possible!

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-sideshow/man-goes-from-elementary-school-janitor-to-principal-201711543.html

From janitor to teacher to principal, all at the same school

By Mike Krumboltz, Yahoo News                                 February 11, 2014 3:17 PM

Port Barre Elementary principal Gabe Sonnier says, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish."

Listening Test & Admission to College--城鄉差距嚴重 台大不設英聽門檻

http://mag.udn.com/mag/edu/storypage.jsp?f_MAIN_ID=12&f_SUB_ID=1755&f_ART_ID=531990

城鄉差距嚴重 台大不設英聽門檻

【聯合報╱記者林秀姿／台北報導】2014/08/28

104學年度起，高中英語聽力測驗將列入大學入學檢定項目，大學可自行決定是否採計。但台大決定全部科系都不採計英聽成績，也不把英聽當繁星推薦或個人申請的門檻。台大表示，高中生英聽環境存在嚴重城鄉差距，在離島與偏鄉高中師資、設備未改善前，台大暫不考慮設英聽門檻。

My comments: This is quite reasonable.

"School Should Start Later So Teens Can Sleep, Urge Doctors"--from TIME

http://time.com/3162265/school-should-start-later-so-teens-can-sleep-urge-doctors/?utm_source=pulsenews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29

School Should Start Later So Teens Can Sleep, Urge Doctors

Alice Park               @aliceparkny                               Aug. 25, 2014

The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) says there’s strong scientific evidence to support later school start times for middle and high schoolers

When it comes to the importance of sleep, it’s all about the biology, say pediatric experts. And in a report released Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics supports pushing back start times for older kids, particularly teens, because it’s better for their mental and physical health.

Brush Up on English

This noon I had a gathering with a former student who graduated in 2012. We chatted until around 3pm.

During our chat, he mentioned he is preparing for the graduate school entrance exam in 2016, but hadn't started studying English and that his English is not as good now as two years ago, when he was in high school.

12 Classic Books That Will Change Your Life

While surfing the RD website, through links, I was led to this article presented at Lifespan.

http://www.lifespan.com/12-classic-books-will-change-life/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_campaign=lifespan1

12 Classic Books That Will Change Your Life

Reading can become a serious but positive addiction once you indulge into it. Many studies and experiments have proved that books can have a huge impact on your mind. They cause biological changes; researchers have found that a powerful story can create ‘muscle memory’ in the brain in the same way as if the events and facts had actually happened to the reader. It is interesting that a good book is usually universal, it can affect people of all ages, social status, nationality etc. Below you will find a list of 11 12 books that have changed lives of many bibliophiles; if you haven’t read them yet, do it now, because reading is one of the best pleasures of human being.

Happy Marriage, Charlie!

This noon I attended Charlie's wedding at South Garden Hotel in Taoyuan. Charlie graduated from NHSH in 2001. He invited some of his 305 classmates to the wedding, which made the wedding also a reunion. I remember once on a FB chat, he said, "You are always happy about our happiness." (By "our", he meant my students.) Yes, Charlie, I am, always. Wish you a very beautiful marriage! Thank you for inviting me to such an important occasion in your life.

 

"Mystery drive: Tour offers cab rides to who knows where"--from CNN

This is interesting! The foreign tourists could enjoy some unexpected fun!

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/13/travel/taiwan-taxi-tour/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

Mystery drive: Tour offers cab rides to who knows where

By Maggie Hiufu Wong, CNN

August 14, 2014 -- Updated 0349 GMT (1149 HKT)

(CNN) -- We've all heard the old adage that travel is about the journey, not the destination.

Now, a travel company in Taipei, Taiwan, is taking the concept so literally that it's not even bothering to list the destinations on its newest city tour.

Annie

This evening, my dear friend Annie (詹麗馨老師, the one on the right) called me. I thanked her for going so fast through the listening exercise items I'd written since yesterday and for giving me constructive suggestions. She is brilliantly efficient. Emailing her ten items this late afternoon, I thought she would send me her feedback tomorrow morning at the earliest. However, after dinner, when I checked my inbox, the feedback was already there. Amazing!