Thursday, January 6, 2011

Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable

Your words to us and to the class that follows you. Remember what Kurt Vonnegut advised: "Sound like yourself" and "Say what you mean." Oh, and "Keep it simple" too.

I look forward to hearing from you.
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9 comments:

Brad said...

Something New

This term marks a new record for “just-in-time” delivery of a reading. Our work on “Growing up Digital; Wired for Distraction” took place only three days after its publication. It seems important to me that we address the astounding changes around us. How we communicate has changed, but how we deal with how it changes us hasn’t. We live in interesting times but sometimes I’m reminded of Plato’s cave analogy, where people are fascinated by their illusions, observing life second hand. All the better reason for us to spend time discussing the digital world and deciding how to proceed. —99 words


Something Different

My classes this term delayed their responses to blog posts more than I’ve experienced in the past. With a few notable exceptions, the posts poured in well after I’d retired for the night on the day before due. I have mixed feelings about this trend: on one hand, I think that taking time to think things is healthy; on the other, I miss the leadership of stronger students who post early. But then, although it isn’t a huge problem, there is the valid concern that later students will only provide a different version of something already said by others. —99 words


Something Memorable

I remember walking down the hallway one morning, hearing the class deeply engaged in conversation. It was like a radio tuned to multiple stations. You sounded so, for want of a better word, happy. Don’t ask me what you were discussing—probably “The Woman of the House.” A blogger argued that one should note the silence of the characters in William Trevor’s story. Because of it, we don’t know, truly, what happens at the end. And so it is with much of life, which despite all our advances, retains its mystery. That was a satisfying moment: a class full of students talking loudly about a mysterious silence! —107 words

January 6, 2011 at 10:43 PM
dylan said...

Something New
The new things to me are many, but the most impressed one is the Blog Assignment which I had never practiced before, even though I used software such as Microsoft Word often. With blog, I can read other students’ writings at home in detail, through it I can learn the other students’ point of view - the aspects they concerned, the events they were interested, and the writing techniques they used. The other advantage is that we can review our blogs together in the class with a projector. Brad not only browsed students’ blogs one by one, but often chose an interesting one to discuss in the class. And teacher can revise the writing to remind us to avoid the same mistakes. Blog Assignment is a good and benefit teaching method in the internet era, I like it.
138 words

Something Different
Compared with other courses I had taken before, in the English 11 we spent more time to study actively - more class discussion. At the beginning, I was not used to this method, later on I found its advantages. First we were asked to write our own ideas on a subject, and then we discussed them in groups – expressing your opinions and listening to other students’ points of view. One time when we were discussing the movie “Groundhog Day”, a student said he did not like the old beggar, but he liked the old beggar to be treated well by the film hero. We were all surprised to hear that, and he expressed his reason for his disliking beggars since they should try to find a job rather than begging in street. Yes, I agreed with him.
137 words

Something Memorable
I like poetry, and I believe the poem is the essence of the language, just like the wine from grape – they are both abstracted and condensed. In the English 11 study I had written my English poem the fist time in my life, through the procedure I began to sense the language’s special meaning in poem when I read Brad’s poem “Here I Am”. It said: “Love eating a cherry tomato still hot from an August sun”. In here, the cherry tomato was hot, but was heated by the sun not any man made equipments, which was just picked up from the wild field, hot, and fresh, and it might still have some scent of wild grass. Simple sentence, but it was rich in meaning, and be felt by the reader. This is the poem.
135 words

January 10, 2011 at 9:31 AM
Gladys said...

Something New

Watching and responding the talks from Ted blog was new for me in this term. This method of teaching that Brad shows us was useful, not just because I improved my listening skill, but I was able to share my points of view from these conferences to everybody in my class. I have to mention that sometimes I got frustrated because I did not get the complete meaning of these talks, so I had to watch them few times to get a better comprehension. This new technique made me work harder in order to improve my English skills. – 97 words

Something Different:

The way that I learned English this term was something different that happened to me. My previous course, communication 12 self paced, was boring and uninteresting because I did not have any motivation studying by myself, but since I enjoyed English 11 in a classroom was different experience in learning English. I found that to be part of a class, where I enjoyed Brad’s teaching and worked in groups with my classmates, was beneficial. I learned a lot of interesting things from them. Also, to be part of a class made me do my homework on time and finished this term in the time established. – 105 words

Something Memorable

I remember the day that I had to stand up in front of my classmates to share the “Here I am” poem that I wrote. Before my turn, I was completely nervous and afraid to be the center of attention. But I thought positively and tried to follow all the requirements that Brad gave us to get a good mark. At the end I conquered my fears and read my poem without a problem. Now, I feel proud of myself and my accomplishments. Finishing this course has prepared me to take the next level of education to approach my goal of grade 12 graduation. – 104 words

January 10, 2011 at 8:23 PM
Huda said...

Something New

Honestly all English 11 lessons with Brad are something new. After Brad’s necklace had finished, we got a unique one not like others in our English language learning journey. In this course, you will learn how to sound like yourself to respond towards different life issues, no matter what you believe or feel, you will get an admiration for your response. In reality, you will see English 11 curriculum is like a sample of life’s subjects. We spent lovely times sharing in conversations, thoughts, ideas, reading other writings and watching films or lectures. Prepare to be yourself in your writings and follow Brad’s advices both will energize your works.
Words: 109



Something Different

Studying film techniques in English 11 course is something different; knowing how to extract what exactly film’s maker wants from the film. It is something different when your English class teacher asks you to remember one scene from a film specifying the techniques are used and why you choose it. The amusing part is how to connect this scene to your personality experience in life. You will consider that scene is like an open door to any subject you want to write in because a film is like our life and it contains on variety scenes, so you will decide which subject you eager to talk.
Words : 106



Something Memorable

In English 11 with Brad you will see your teacher prepares to do homework just like you. Before he asks to do homework, he gives his paragraph to read and enjoy with his artistic way in using words. This is a memorable thing to me not in Pearson Adult Learning Center but in my all educational journey. Many times I asked myself and have suspicious towards my teacher if he can answer the question that he had asked his students. Brad will motivate you by this soul; he sounded you out to get your feelings and thoughts in English language.
Words : 97

January 11, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Annie W said...

Something New

The thing that was new and became enthralling to me was the use of "Blog" in our homework assignments. Never have I had any teachers in my many years of learning use such interesting technique to help us practice and improve our writing and reading skills. In the beginning when Brad introduce the Blog, I was definitely not thrilled that other students will also be able to read my writing. Truth is, I’m easily embarrassed by what other's will think. But as time went by, the Blog’s became quite helpful. Having to share and discuss it with the class and getting their opinions really helped me improve my writing.
~109 words~

Something Different

My English class was definitely a different experience from my previous crowded classes. Since our class only consisted eleven people, it was easier to get acquainted with one another. And when we needed more help on a subject, we discussed it comfortably as a class and not have it turn into some kind of class debate/argument. It was the total opposite of my Accounting class, which was crowded, loud and people would scream if the answer was incorrect on the board assignment. Therefore; I’m very grateful and lucky that our class turned out to be small. Everyone is very nice and helpful, which created a very welcoming environment from one that wasn't.
~116 words~

Something Memorable

The day Brad made us all stand up in front of the class and read out our poem. It was my most unforgettable moment because the minute I stood up there, everything I remembered had been forgotten. I knew what was expected. The fact that I was so nervous, everything became a blur. Although I did not do that well, I know I gave it my best shot and I manage to get through the entire poem without fainting. So that is something I am proud of and in the future I will work hard on overcoming my fear of stage freight!
~104 words~

January 11, 2011 at 7:00 PM
jenny said...

Something New

When I registered English 11, I already missed classes 3 times.I had a dilemma when the teacher, Brad, required us to build the Blog Assignment and shared my worse writing with my classmate which was never happened before. Writing is my weakness and I hate writing. I felt I can't agree, I thought I want to give up.But Brad encouraged me "Don't worry",he is very patient. I decided to keep it up. I learned English skill not only from Brad, but also from my classmate. Every time before we did our homework, Brade gave ue a sample which was wrote by himself. In the Blog I can share other classmate’s opinions, it was helpful and useful.I like this new method to do homework. (123 words)

Something Different

This term I learned English from original film, poem and popular lecturer in English 11 class. It
was very closing lifestyle topic than before course. The original material was forced me to spent more time understanding the background and main ideas. Although it made me exhausted, I still was fascinating. Brad encouraged us to write freely opinion, and required us to stirict adherence the writing with style. The other different was more discuss than past. Every one can practise speaking and communication. I found my classmates changed so imaginative in the end term. I hope we can continue to study together and followed Brad’s education. (105 words)

Something Memorable


Something Memorable
As a second language student, I was not confident in my writing. I did not forgot my first poem in English forever because I have been got the best remark since I learned writing in English. I remembered I did not make sure what percentage of list poem to understand. I felt nervouse to hand in my first poem to teacher. I found a lot of correct mark in my poem when Brad returned it in the next class, but I was still very strilling. I saw “nice”,”also strong”, “A good poem jenny with strong idears”. Although the poem has many errors, I thanks teacher for giving me positive remark.(112words)

January 12, 2011 at 12:09 AM
breanna said...

Something New:

I got to be in a class with people not my own age. Being the youngest in my class, really made me feel like i would'nt do as good. I kept thinking i didnt know as much as all the other adults, so they wouldnt really understand my point of views. After i got to know them they started to grow on me. I could understand and relate to them on a level i never thought possible. This class made me experience something i'll never forget, and take with me in the future.-91 words

Something Different:

In all my classes i never once had to write blog assignments. It was a very new experience, i felt shy. In the fact that other students would be reading my work, it felt nerve racking. I didnt want them to judge my writing skills. It made me feel better about letting students read my work. Motivated me to work harder because other students had to read it. Now thats how i can learn to try harder in all my classes by thinking im writing for the benefit of other people.-89

Something Memorable:

I remember going to class and thinking, great whos going to be the boring old english teacher.english was nver my forte, so coming in was no fun deal. Started going to a few classesthinking this teacher talks to much, made me not want to really listen. After i started to listen to Brad, he made feel like english was easy and fun. The way he teaches is like no other, like Frank Smith said "The best teachers are the best storytellers, we learn in the form of stories". Brad would always give us some peice of his own work to look at then let us go from there. It wasvery halepful for me, he made me like english and want to be good at it!-118

January 12, 2011 at 1:58 AM
Johnny Choudhury said...

Something new

I remember being a student for multiple years. It has always been boring-dissatisfying but always for the greater cause.” Expand my knowledge as knowledge is power”. Something new was the profound acquaintance of the cultural mosaic of people not only of race but of age as well. With open discussion and the tasteful words coming from each individuals mouth. I’ve learned to open my mind, think beyond boundaries. An exempt example for me being is that not only the essence of teaching is to make learning contagious but to have one idea spark another. This is the benefits I’ve gained from Brad’s grade 11 class.
106-Words

Something Different

After attending and being involved in the first few classes, I’ve found this class not like any ordinary class but more extra-ordinary in a good way. The way Brad was able to intertwine updated technology and English undoubtedly made studying in a class exciting again. Introducing the blog had much colloquy of emotions. It was different.
As I was able to access students input and view others opinions and posts, it help me have a bizarre yet deeper appreciation for writing. As classmates and such posted, I felt their bare hearts on their sleeves. As everyone wrote not behind a persona but a simple assignment on the blog.
109-Words


Something Memorable

All in all, one would not expect much over a period of time walking through a open door thinking they new everything. After-all English is my first language. However nearing the end of semester I value and treasure all the opinions of my peers as well my teacher. One thing that is memorable to me is the way when we discussed issues, we went on a deeper note: To analyze; To question; Then to understand.
Thus helping me figure out something from nothing for example, “Temple Grandin”, “The Woman Of The House” and “Gold Boy, Emerald Girl”. These stories Brad presented us taught me to look past at what is because behind the door it can be something beautiful or mysterious.
122-Words

January 12, 2011 at 3:13 AM
harjie said...

This term marks a new experience for me to have Brad as our English 11 teacher who delivered an interesting and outstanding method of teaching . The first thing he does in class is to put his students into groups then follow a conversation between students , sharing ideas and giving out your point of views. After a while each group are expected to come out with ideas then share with the class.At the end of each class , he give us homework and always make sure that he provide an example for it. Each homework will be review in class next class. This technique was very helpful for our English language.


Something Different :

Studying film in English 11 class is something actually different ; it was very interesting to know how to extract the dominant characters in a film, the main idea of the film and know exactly what film directors want in a film . We were taught by watching some films in class in which each scene were explained to us so at the end of film we will know everything about that film. It was worth knowing this method of learning English because it has help improve my English skills . There is no doubt to recommend this method to my fellow students .

Something memorable :

I will never forget that day when I was the very first student to stand in front of the whole class to read out loud " here I am " poem that I wrote . First I was so shy and very nervous standing up in front of everyone but after few seconds I was back to myself in which I was able to combat my fears and I slowly stay calm throughout the reading of my poem. I end up doing well in the presentation . The things I learn from the presentation is to be yourself, stay calm, make eye contact and speak out loud and clear.

January 12, 2011 at 9:29 AM

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