Study English 10 Minutes Everyday

2008-05-21

Study English 10 Minutes Everyday


By William Roger JonesThe New York Times recently ran an article by Jan Hoffman entitled "I Know What You Did Last Math Class.'' It mentioned online software programs like Edline, ParentConnect, Pinnacle Internet Viewer, and PowerSchool that allowed parents to track their child's daily progress, "including class attendance, missed assignments and grades on homework, and quizzes and tests.''

I thought that would be great for our schools and an excellent reporting method to the parents of those children who do not mind their p's and q's.Originally, I had in mind video cameras something like PC Cams for my classrooms so that parents could tune in during any class, but perhaps that would be a bit like invasion of privacy let alone very costly to install in each classroom.

Anyway, my idea was to show the parents why their children were not doing too well in English or any other subject for that matter. I teach English conversation. I think language is one of the greatest defining characteristics of a culture, thus, we cannot separate out the culture from one's language.

Therefore, I attempt to run my classes in the same way that they are run in America.

I created five basic classroom rules as follows: No MP3 player, no cell phone use with the exception of checking dictionary, no other homework or reading other materials, no sleeping, no talking when the teacher is talking or when a student is responding.

I think these are rather international standards and reasonably acceptable. Most of my students agree, however, obedience is another story. There must be class discipline for learning to occur. There also must be responsibility. That is, the student must take responsibility for the learning; I am there to guide. If a student knows he or she is going to pass that course whether work is done or not done, then the easy way out of English is not to worry about it. Of course, I do not say prevent the students from going on to the next grade.

Permit them that, however, let them know that they shall be taking the same level of English in the next grade. What is desirable is that they will be innately motivated not to repeat the same course material.

This system was in place at my high school, Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va. In the senior year a pre-test placed me in Level III English Language and Literature. However, one could as well have been placed in Level I or Level II by the pre-test and still graduate timely with a grade of "A'' in that class.

I think this kind of system would benefit every student and keep every student interested in English. I see my students once a week for one hour.
They need more exposure. I tell them that they must invest personal time.
I encourage them to study English 10 minutes everyday, including weekends and holidays … 365 days a year. I encourage them to use the method that works best for them.

Above all, I encourage them to buy a dictionary, my favorite book.