Latest news with #TESOL
SoraNews24
3 days ago
- SoraNews24
Five tips for hosting a college-age Japanese student in your country
From planning what to do to supporting their language development, we share some advice for making your student's stay go as smoothly as possible. Have you been thinking about hosting an international student, especially one from Japan, at some point? Largely as a result of my experiences teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) as well as teaching Japanese as a foreign language in the U.S., I've hosted a dozen students at various times at my home in rural northeastern U.S. Some have been my own former students from teaching in Japan, some have been Japanese students I've met in the U.S. at the university where I work, and others have been former students of my Japanese teacher friends, whom I'd never met until they were at my doorstep. They've also stayed for various lengths of time, ranging from one night to over a month, but most for the span of 1-2 weeks. While hosting can take lots of time and energy, it's also a mutually beneficial opportunity for cultural exchange and a chance to make a lifelong, meaningful connection. The following are five little tricks that I've picked up over the years for hosting a successful visit with a particular lens towards Japanese college-age student guests. Of course, it goes without saying that individuals in an even widely uniform country like Japan differ widely from one another, so it's important to take into account your student's own unique personality and interests. Also, while the thoughts and examples expressed here are geared towards my own experiences living in the U.S., I certainly hope that you can apply some of these ideas to your local area. Let's get hosting now! 1. Planning your itinerary As a resident of a fairly rural area, I like to factor in a mix of both rural and urban experiences as well as on-the-go time and time to rest. If we're visiting a big city one day (in my case, Boston is the usual choice), I try to stay closer to home the next, then go out a bit farther again on the following day. Closer to home doesn't mean doing nothing, though. There's always plenty to do, from walking around town to cooking a meal together. In fact, some of my visitors' self-proclaimed favorite memories have been the times when I invite them to experience seemingly mundane elements of daily life such as going to the post office to walking my dog at the local park. My family still laughs about how my former Student A always eagerly joined us on trips to the local transfer station during her stay! ▼ Student A also loved checking out the local flora and fauna–here's one of her squirrel montages. Another great idea is to factor in any upcoming holidays or cultural festivals in your country that students would not likely be able to experience authentically in Japan. For instance, while Halloween has picked up steam in Japan in terms of decorations and costumes, the concept of trick-or-treating still isn't really a thing. It's always fun when I bring a Japanese student with me to go trick-or-treating with my friend's children for the very first time. ▼ Student T during her first time trick-or-treating Meanwhile, Easter is even less visible in Japan. When Student M stayed with me in April of this year, coincidentally the week of Easter, I knew I wanted to build some holiday-related activities into her stay. On the day of the actual holiday, she showcased her artistic skills by dyeing some beautiful eggs, experienced an Easter egg hunt with a few more friends (I even threw a small Starbucks gift card into one of the eggs for a special 'grown-up' surprise!) and enjoyed dessert at my parents' house in the evening. ▼ Student M during her first Easter egg hunt All in all, you'll definitely want to gauge your student's energy levels throughout their stay, especially if they've just arrived from Japan and may have jet lag. As anyone who's spent significant time abroad in a non-English-speaking country can attest, once the initial excitement of being in a new and different place wears off, it can be exhausting to navigate new ways of doing things and speaking non-stop in a different language. Keep an open mind and be flexible depending on how they're feeling. BONUS TIPS: Check with your student if they're OK riding in a car for long periods of time. Many urban Japanese dwellers don't need a car to get by in daily life and may not be accustomed to the kinds of long rides that are completely normal for people like me. As a result, I have a couple of Japanese friends who routinely get a little carsick. Unlike many Americans I know that prefer to shower early in the morning, my Japanese guests almost always prefer to shower at night, as is the typical Japanese bathing culture. Therefore, I always try to keep that in mind when planning things out. 2. You can(not) decide Now, I've met some very decisive Japanese people (as well as some very indecisive Americans), but in my experience, college-age Japanese adults tend to want to cling more closely to the cultural ideal of harmony and not impose on anyone when it comes to expressing their personal opinions or wishes. In their mind, they might even think that staying at your house is imposing on you enough already. Therefore, whenever opinion questions are involved, I've learned that it's usually much more effective to present them with limited choices rather than to ask wide-open questions such as 'What do you want to do today?' or 'What would you like to eat for dinner?' In response to the those questions, I might receive a non-committal 'Anything is OK' type of response. Instead, if I ask, 'What sounds better this afternoon–going for a short hike, or going shopping?' and 'Do you feel like trying some local pizza or burgers tonight?' the question is much less overwhelming and they can usually choose one without problem. As the host, you might even try to find out some of their interests ahead of time in order to brainstorm potential options to present. A good trick may be to ask which club activity they were involved with in high school as an indication if they like a particular sport or prefer artistic endeavors. For some reason, a good number of students I've hosted have been part of their schools' basketball clubs in the past (and love the classic sports manga/anime Slam Dunk ), so I've often taken them to see American collegiate basketball games. ▼ They often comment on how American spectators are much louder and crazier than their Japanese counterparts! Another fun option I've given to several students is to go ice skating, which they may or may not have tried before depending on where they're from in Japan. With the mega-celebrity status of figure skaters such as Yuzuru Hanyu and Kaori Sakamoto in Japan, it can be a fun experience for the students and something they can excitedly talk about with family back home. ▼ Student K doing pretty well on her first skate in several years BONUS TIPS: Along the same lines as above, I find that my Japanese student guests will rarely admit when they're tired. If I notice that their eyelids are drooping but they insist they're OK, I stop giving them choices and instead say that I need to go take a short rest myself. That often gives them permission to go take a little nap without feeling like they're disturbing anything. If you're planning to build any museum or tour options into your plans, it may be helpful to ask in advance if there are any Japanese-language pamphlets, audio guides, etc. available. It may be hard for college-age students to comprehend more niche historical or artistic terminology in English. 3. Gastronomic choices One thing your student will likely already have on their to-do list is to try certain kinds of foods while they're in your country. As an American, I've learned to anticipate that burgers will more than likely be one of those things, and I plan accordingly. While it might be tempting to bring them to every chain restaurant that you can, I find that a balance of eating out and eating in–as time allows–often makes for the best strategy. The longer they're staying with you, the more important it is to be conscious of building in healthy meals, especially if you're from a place where restaurant-bought foods tend to be heavy in nature and large in portion sizes like in the U.S. ▼ Student A delighted in seeking out American sweets that were the size of her face, but she certainly couldn't eat them every day. My usual rule of thumb is to preemptively stock up on a variety of western-style breakfast foods for the first morning that a student is with me, including a few different kinds of yogurt, breads, cereals (yes, cereal outside of Japan is more than just corn flakes!), and orange juice. Then, on our first day together, we go to one or more supermarkets for them to explore and pick out more things they want to eat for simple meals at home. In fact, Student K I've hosted could easily spend over an hour in the supermarket checking out all of the new foods and brands. She also fell in love with Chobani Greek-style yogurt during her stay and sometimes messages me out of the blue saying how much she misses trying a different flavor every day. ▼ American Greek-style yogurt brand Chobani ended up being the unexpected MVP for one of my students. Another idea, especially if your student will be in the country for an extended period of study, is to potentially stock up on some basic Japanese ingredients such as miso and Japanese-style white rice. As a special treat for any natto lovers I'm hosting, I often buy a few packs of the fermented soy beans at a local Asian grocery store (where they're often located in a freezer, and not in the refrigerated section like in Japan). It's not an exaggeration to say that one student almost cried after eating natto over a bed of Japanese rice after living off of American university food for a couple of months–that's how happy she was for a little authentic taste of home. To the extent possible, also try to build in regional or seasonal dishes. For instance, when I visit Boston with students, we almost always stop somewhere for New England clam chowder. When I host students in autumn, we seek out ubiquitous pumpkin spice-flavored things, which are much harder to find in Japan. We may even go apple-picking at an orchard and then bake a regional dessert called apple crisp using those very apples, along with mulling apple cider with spices. It also makes the whole house smell heavenly. ▼ Clam chowder in a cup and in a sourdough bread bowl at the Boston Public Market Finally, it might be intriguing for your student to sample a localized version of Japanese food in your country at some point. According to Student T who's currently living in the U.S., she's actually grown to enjoy American 'authentic fake sushi.' It tastes much better to her if she doesn't think of it as Japanese sushi in the first place. ▼ 'Authentic fake sushi' BONUS TIPS: While common in many places in the U.S., Mexican food is fairly rare in Japan, and when you do find it, it's usually not much more than tacos. Consider taking your student to get some authentic Mexican cuisine if you've got a good place near you! Mint-flavored desserts may be polarizing! I have a few Japanese friends who think that they're OK but even more that can't stand the flavor in food ('it tastes like toothpaste'). Proceed with caution if you were thinking of buying a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream. 4. Fishing for souvenirs Don't be surprised if your student arrives and one of the first things they do is present you with a gift from Japan. Omiyage ('souvenir') culture is so ingrained in Japanese culture that shops selling omiyage are ubiquitous in stations, airports, and cities throughout Japan for everyone's souvenir needs. However, while I might think of a typical souvenir in the U.S. as some kind of tchotchke like a magnet or a T-shirt, omiyage in Japan are typically boxes of small, individually wrapped foodstuffs that can be easily distributed to family, friends, and coworkers. Those kinds of items may be harder to find abroad. ▼ During my last trip to Japan, I brought an entire suitcase of American omiyage for friends based on their personal preferences. Your guests may appreciate you building in opportunities to pick up some souvenirs for family and friends back home. In general, snack packs and bags of candy that can be bought in bulk at the supermarket make for cheap and easily shareable options along with a few specialty items. Consider what foodstuffs are decently famous in your city or region and take your student to get a few. Here are a few of my usual go-to souvenir ideas representative of the northeastern region of the U.S. based on what my Japanese guests have enjoyed in the past: Local chocolatery assortments: Munson's Chocolates, Lake Champlain Chocolates Vermont maple syrup in tiny bottles Stonewall Kitchen mini-size jams Dunkin' ground coffee Cape Cod Potato Chips Tea: Bigelow Tea Company, Harney & Sons In addition, the following are typical American souvenirs that my Japanese friends often stock up on when they visit the U.S.: Snacks: Goldfish crackers, Cheez-It crackers, Lay's potato chips Candy/cookies: Unusual flavors of M&M's, Oreos Betty Crocker brownie and cookie mixes Microwavable kettle corn packs Burt's Bees lip balm Sephora cosmetics Also, the more limited-edition or seasonal varieties of certain foods that you can find, the better. BONUS TIPS: American university swag is great for an extra special gift for someone. Anything with a university mascot on it is also a big hit since uni mascots aren't usually a thing in Japan. Plus, many of them are cute (like my local university mascot of a husky)! Trader Joe's reusable shopping bags, especially the standard cloth tote bags, are all the rage in Japan right now ('torejo' is the store's trendy abbreviated name in Japanese). No, the chain doesn't exist there, but the bags have become a symbol of 'casual American style.' They make for a super cheap souvenir that my Japanese friends continue to request when I visit Japan. ▼ Collecting state-specific versions of Trader Joe's bags, such as this Massachusetts one, has also been popular among friends. 5. Language development This final tip is geared towards readers who live in primarily English-speaking countries, but even if you don't, you can adapt the following advice for your own local tongue. Especially if it's their first time abroad, your Japanese student may be nervous to use their skills with native English speakers since speaking is generally not emphasized in English language instruction in Japan. Simple, everyday tasks can suddenly become frustrating for them, followed by the strong urge to just give up. Conversely, I remember how nervous I was the first time that I ordered a delivery pizza over the phone in Japan–and subsequently, how relieved I felt when it was done. I find that providing opportunities to college-age students to practice their English in a safe, supportive environment is key. Especially for their first few one-on-one interactions with locals, stand near them as a friendly support but let them do the talking. Don't interject unless they specifically ask you. The goal is to slowly build their speaking confidence, and the more they can have a meaningful exchange of information, the more they'll be motivated to begin conversations on their own. Another great thing to do with them for a few minutes every day is to anticipate actual situations that they may encounter and practice helpful language forms for navigating them. For example, if you know that your student will be taking a bus on their own, practice some handy phrases like 'Does this bus go to XX?' and 'How much longer to XX?' before they leave. ▼ 'Does the Orange Line go to my stop?' ▼ When I'm in Japan, I frequently rehearse what I'm going to say in Japanese in my head before speaking to someone, like that time when I didn't know how to use the newly installed smoothie machine at my local 7-Eleven and needed to ask for help. Finally, assuming that your student is most likely in your country to participate in some kind of short-term or long-term study abroad program, you may want to try creating additional opportunities for them to connect with local university students if those aren't readily available (especially if the student is enrolled in an intensive English program, they might have less direct contact with locals than you think!). A good starting place could be to see if your local university offers any Japanese-language classes. If so, try to get in touch with the course instructors to ask whether any of their students would be interested in taking your student to an on-campus dining hall, event, or other opportunity. Presumably, both sides will be very invested in the language and cultural exchange. This strategy has worked very well for me in the past, and my students have been able to get a glimpse of many facets of American university student life such as living in a dorm, attending a spring weekend concert, and even a good old-fashioned slumber party with sleeping bags as a result of these newly forged friendships. Even better, the students usually stay in touch with each other, and sometimes reunite in Japan at a later time. BONUS TIPS: When you're eating out for the first time, show your student how to calculate the tip if that's customary in your country. Tipping restaurant servers or other kinds of workers is not a common practice in Japan and the concept may be new to them. If you have close family or friends nearby, see if you can introduce your student to as many of them as possible to broaden their cultural and linguistic horizons. My former Student A developed a close relationship with my grandparents and still sends them snail mail at holidays from Japan. They always comment on how impressive her written English is. Thanks for sticking with me to the end. I hope this piece has given you the confidence to successfully host a Japanese college-age student at some point–and forge a lifelong connection in the process. All images © SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
What's your Plan B?
What are the career opportunities for someone who has finished B.A. Functional English? Rishal Dear Rishal, Options include content writing, proof reading, editing, technical writing, social media management, public relations, corporate communications, journalism, blogging, proofreading, teaching, customer service, and administrative roles. Master grammar, develop your vocabulary and writing skills, become proficient in word processing, editing software, online communication tools and digital tools and platforms. Also, consider a Master's degree in English, Journalism, or Communication for specialised roles. Gain certifications in areas like Digital Marketing, or TEFL/TESOL. I have a Applied Electronics and Instrumentation, but don't have any related skills. I want to attempt the government exams, but am afraid I will be a waste of time given the competition. What can I do? Arathi Dear Arathi, Government exams test general knowledge, aptitude, and reasoning, which are skills you can develop. Competition is intense, but not insurmountable. Success depends on your preparation strategy, dedication, and consistency. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and identify the subjects you are comfortable with and those you need to focus on. Take mock tests to evaluate your current level of preparation. Research various exams and choose one that aligns with your interests and abilities. Develop a structured study schedule, break down the syllabus into manageable chunks and set realistic daily and weekly goals. Refer to standard textbooks, past question papers, and online resources and join a reputable coaching institute or an online platform if needed. Practise regularly to write essays and answer questions clearly to improve your speed and accuracy. Celebrate small victories. Take regular breaks and engage in activities you enjoy. Connect with other aspirants for support and motivation. Also, identify a Plan B in case this does not work out. I am in Class 11 and thinking of becoming a dietician. What should I do for this? Aiswarya Dear Aiswarya, Becoming a dietician is a great choice if you are interested in nutrition, health, and helping people lead better lifestyles. I hope you have a Science background now with Biology, Chemistry, and Home science. If you don't have Biology, you can still become a nutritionist, with some specialised dietetics courses and certifications. Pursue a in Nutrition and Dietetics or Food Science and Nutrition or Clinical Nutrition or Home Science (with specialisation in Nutrition and Dietetics). Colleges like Lady Irwin College (Delhi University) and AIIMS (for clinical nutrition) in Delhi; SNDT University in Mumbai; Mount Carmel College in Bengaluru; Manipal University, and NIN in Hyderabad are well known institutes. An in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics or Public Health Nutrition or Food and Nutrition will help you progress in your career. To become a Registered Dietician (RD) in India, you will need to complete your Master's in Dietetics/Nutrition, complete a six-month internship from an IDA-approved hospital, and pass the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) RD Exam. Other options are being a clinical dietician, sports nutritionist, public health dietician, corporate wellness coach, among others. I am working in engineering but planning to switch my career. I have a strong interest in neurology, human evolution, and biology. I am considering pursuing an open Anthropology or B.A. Psychology. How should I approach this? Hasanul Dear Hasanul, What are your specific interest*? Which aspect of neurology, human evolution, or biology excites you most? Do you want to focus on research, clinical applications, or a combination? As far as your long term goals go, B.A. Psychology, (particularly Neuropsychology or Biological Psychology) will provide an understanding of the brain and its functions. Anthropology, especially Biological Anthropology, would be the ideal choice to study human evolution, primate behaviour, and the biological origins of humans. Both Biological Anthropology and Biological Psychology provide a strong foundation in human biology, evolution and explore the biological basis of behaviour, from a different perspective of course. If your primary interest is in the biological and evolutionary aspects of humans, choose Anthropology. Anthropology will focus on the study of humans, past and present. Its subfields would be Physical or Biological Anthropology, Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, which teach human evolution and biological aspects of humans. If your primary interest is in the brain and behaviour, choose Psychology. B.A. Psychology will focus on the study of the human mind and behaviour. It would include Neuropsychology (relationship between the brain and behaviour), Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology (physiological basis of behaviour), which align with your interest in neurology and human behaviour. If you are interested in both, consider a Liberal Arts programme with one as major and the other as minor. Research universities and curriculums carefully. Also study career paths that align with your interests. Consider roles in research, academia, healthcare, or other related areas and then shortlist the educational requirements for your desired career. Examine the course curriculum and descriptions for programmes that fit your requirements. Reach out to professors, researchers, and professionals in these fields and ask them about their experiences and career paths.
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Qualifications from this prestigious Scots university could boost your career –pick from short, online courses
Supplied You can access top-quality education, from Scotland's University of the Year, from the comfort of your own home. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, continuous learning is essential to stay ahead. The University of St Andrews, renowned for its academic excellence, offers a diverse range of online short courses designed to enhance your skills and knowledge to help you achieve your personal or professional goals. Why choose online short courses at St Andrews? St Andrews has a longstanding tradition of delivering high-quality education and is Scottish University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025. The University was also named top in the UK for Student Experience in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025 and The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025. Their online short courses are crafted by world-leading academics, ensuring that you receive the same education as on-campus students. These courses are self-paced, providing the flexibility to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments. Supplied Diverse course offerings St Andrews offers a wide array of online short courses that are designed to cater to professionals seeking to upskill, individuals contemplating a career change, or enthusiasts eager to delve into a new subject area. Current available courses include: - The History of Scottish Design in Six Objects: In partnership with V&A Dundee, discover the Scottish Design Gallery by exploring the fascinating history of the objects on display. - Studying Terrorism and Political Violence: Develop a critical understanding of how and why political violence occurs. Led by expert academics at the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence. - Transition to Studying in the UK: This course will introduce you to some of the language skills, cultural and practical aspects of life and study in the UK. - The Modernist Artist: From Europe to Latin America: Embark on a journey through the rich history of Modernist art across continents. - Accredited Mediation Training: Equip yourself with the skills to resolve conflicts effectively, a valuable asset in today's collaborative work environments. Accredited by Scottish Mediation. - End-to-End Machine Learning (Introduction/Intermediate/Advanced): Delve into the concepts and technologies underpinning modern deep learning using artificial neural networks. - Introduction to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): Gain a comprehensive introduction to TESOL principles and practices, an ideal course if you're starting your educational journey. - Introduction to Programming in Python: Receive hands-on experience of the core features of Python and how to apply these to real-world problems. - FinTech Frontiers: Blockchain, Generative AI, and Digital Finance: Begin a fascinating journey into the world of financial technology. - Python for Data Analysis and Visualisation: Learn to harness Python's capabilities to improve your workflow and data interpretation skills. Supplied Flexibility and support Understanding the demands of modern life, St Andrews' online short courses are self-paced, allowing you to fit study around your own schedule at a time that suits you best. Throughout the courses, you will have access to a wealth of resources and support from the University's world-leading academics and practitioners, ensuring a seamless online learning experience. Enhance your professional profile Completing an online short course from the University of St Andrews not only broadens your knowledge but also enhances your professional profile. Employers value candidates who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. A certification from a world-renowned institution like St Andrews can set you apart in a competitive job market. Once you complete a course, you will receive a digital badge to showcase your achievement and skills that you've gained. Join a global learning community Enrolling in these courses connects you with a diverse, global community of learners. Throughout your studies, you'll have the chance to engage in enriching discussions, share insights, and build connections with fellow learners across the world. How to enrol Online short courses are offered four times a year in January, April, July, and October. The next cohort begins on Monday 7 July. Each course includes approximately 50 hours of learning, spread over 6 – 8 weeks, allowing for a flexible and manageable study schedule.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Children's Development Expert Wang Hongzhe Appointed as Brand Consultant for TutorABC Junior to Ignite Children's "English Brain"
TAIPEI, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TutorABC, a global leader in online language education, proudly announces the appointment of renowned children's development expert Wang Hongzhe as Brand Consultant and Ambassador for TutorABC Junior. Drawing on decades of trusted expertise, Wang will help refine TutorABC Junior's scientifically driven, highly effective approach to English instruction—enhancing a platform already endorsed by Oxford and Cambridge Universities and trusted by over 100 million learners across 100 countries. This strategic partnership sets a new industry benchmark and offers parents a reliable seal of quality. 【Activate the "English Brain" for More Effective Learning】 "In my 20 years in education, I've repeatedly seen children lose motivation, struggle to find sound study methods, and score well on tests yet fail to communicate in real-world scenarios," Wang explains. "I encountered these same obstacles as a parent—until I discovered TutorABC Junior, which tackles all these issues through a remarkably holistic approach." Wang credits the platform's AI-powered matching system, which adapts lessons to each child's interests and current proficiency, igniting genuine engagement. His own son, a basketball fan, was paired with a native-speaking teacher who shares his passion for sports. "That personal connection keeps my son excited and immersed in English," Wang says. "Every lesson is guided by inquiry-based learning (Big Question) that aligns with a child's cognitive development, prompting active thinking and expression. The spiral teaching method provides continuous review to reinforce what's been learned, and CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) introduces science, culture, and other diverse topics. This blend not only refines language skills but also broadens a child's overall learning horizon." 【Premium Quality Teaching and Robust Curriculum as the Foundation】 "As a children's development expert, I believe high-quality instruction is the foundation of effective learning," Wang emphasizes. "TutorABC Junior's teacher training is the most rigorous I've encountered: each of its 35,000 global native-speaking educators is fully trained under the Cambridge English Teaching Framework, holds TESOL/TEFL certification, and has more than five years of experience teaching children." Beyond that, the platform's AI-personalized courses, Oxford-based curriculum, alignment with Taiwan's 108 Curriculum Guidelines, and GEPT exam prep ensure that students not only excel on tests but also gain the confidence to use English in real-life settings." 【Why TutorABC Junior?】 Four-Teacher Premium SupportAn industry-first model featuring a native-speaking teacher, a bilingual teacher, a tutor for post-class reinforcement, and a learning advisor—ensuring comprehensive, personalized guidance. Internationally Accredited InstructorsAll teachers are fully trained under the Cambridge English Teaching Framework, TESOL/TEFL-certified, and have at least five years of experience using TPR (Total Physical Response) methods. kidSAFE & COPPA CertifiedThe only platform in the industry with both kidSAFE and COPPA approvals, guaranteeing online safety, privacy protection, 24/7 flexible scheduling, and a dedicated parent monitoring app. Synchronized British and American CurriculaHigh-quality UK and US materials help children seamlessly integrate into global education systems, focusing on practical language skills and international perspectives. Aligned with the 108 Curriculum GuidelinesCovers all key competencies with structured preview and review sessions, boosting classroom confidence and engagement through regularly updated content. Noticeable Progress in Just Seven WeeksInquiry-based, spiral, and CLIL methodologies drive a 21% average proficiency boost—often propelling students to high school–level English before they finish elementary school. 【Limited-Time Offer: Personalized Consultation with Wang Hongzhe】 Widely celebrated for his pioneering educational philosophy and proven parenting strategies, Wang's appointment as TutorABC Junior's Brand Consultant underscores the platform's capacity to truly "activate the English brain." To commemorate this partnership, TutorABC Junior is offering a limited-time promotion: parents who register for a trial lesson before the end of this month will receive a one-on-one evaluation from Wang Hongzhe himself, along with complimentary online English lessons. This exclusive opportunity provides parents with a clear understanding of their child's learning needs and the most effective roadmap to English mastery. >Register Now for a Free One-on-One Trial Lesson and English Proficiency Analysis! About TutorABCTutorABC ( a global leader in online education, is authorized by Oxford and Cambridge and recognized as "The Only Premium and Professional Online Education, Powered by Oxford and Cambridge." Since 2004, it has also partnered with world-class institutions like Barron's, Kaplan, and over 400 leading international universities to offer English, Chinese, exam prep, and study abroad services. With AI-powered matching technology, certified teachers, and professional materials, TutorABC delivers personalized, high-quality learning. Over 100 million students, 3,000 corporations and 35,000 teachers worldwide trust TutorABC for language education. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TutorABC Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Waterford schools looking to add bilingual programs
Waterford — With its multilingual learners tripling over the past eight years, the school district will add a bilingual program at Oswegatchie Elementary School next school year, and likely another at Quaker Hill Elementary School the year after that. Multilingual learners are students who are becoming proficient in more than one language at a time, which most often refers to students who are learning English as a second language. Under state law, districts that have schools that house more than 20 multilingual learners who speak the same native language must provide that school with a bilingual program. Students receive both native language instruction and English language development time during the school day. Great Neck Elementary, which was the first school in town to be designated a bilingual school, began its program this school year. 'It continues to climb,' Great Neck Principal Billie Shea said. 'We're really working to ensure that every multilingual learner in Waterford has the resources, the strategies and the personalized plans and support to really thrive in our district.' Jill Bessette, an educational consultant with LEARN, the regional education service center, told the school board last week that the goal is recognize bilingualism and biliteracy starting with the youngest children. More multilingual learners in the region In the 2016-17 school year, 51 multilingual learners were enrolled here, but it has risen to 137 students, Shea said. About 70% of those are currently in elementary school. That increase is similar to what's been seen in city school districts nearby. Norwich Public Schools from 2021 to early 2024 had seen its multilingual population increase from 638 to 839. Norwich Free Academy recorded 181 multilingual learners in 2021, and that rose to 297 by January 2024. New London Public Schools for the 2020-21 school year had 790 multilingual learners, and that rose to 977 by February 2024. 'This trend is certainly not unique to Waterford,' Waterford Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard said Monday. As for the exact reason for the increase, Giard couldn't say. 'I don't have a root cause or analysis as to why,' Giard said. 'But I think our challenge, or opportunity, is how we best meet the needs of these students.' Great Neck leads the way Great Neck was the first school to implement the bilingual program, which it did this year. The 20 multilingual learners at the school are native Spanish speakers who are learning English. As mandated, they are being taught by certified Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, known as TESOL teachers, who specialize helping students slowly gain proficiency in English while still maintaining their home language. The three TESOL teachers and a tutor are shared among the schools. In addition, the school has instituted specific services to assist teachers, students and families communication, like LanguageLine, an on-demand, phone interpretation service. 'So you can literally pick up a phone, and over 240 languages are supported,' said LEARN Multilanguage Learner Coordinator Lisanne Kaplan. 'And you can get a live interpreter on the phone that can help assist a parent at the office, that can also be used for a PPT, parent conferences…' Kaplan said another software the school has implemented is TalkingPoints, an app that helps teachers of multilingual learners send messages to their families. The teacher can send the message in English, but the families will see it in their native language. When they respond, their message gets translated back to English. Students are tested yearly on their English proficiency and if they meet a certain standard they leave the program, Giard said. The 20 multilingual learners state rule is based on schools' Oct. 1 enrollment numbers, Giard said. This past Oct. 1, Oswegatchie had more than 20 learners whose native language is Spanish, and Quaker Hill is currently at 20, so if it maintains those numbers, it will need a program to add a program by fall 2026. Giard said he is certain his upcoming 2025-26 budget proposal will feature additional staffing for multilingual learners.
