Focus on the Learner Essay Example for Free

Focus on the Learner Essay Student Background Veronica is a 31 year old elementary level student. She is originally from Ecuador and is currently residing in Birmingham and has been for the past 3 months. She is University level educated, as a graduate in Dentistry, and a native speaker of Spanish and is also fluent in Italian. Veronica has worked as a dentist in her families practice; she has learned English at a basic level and is able to converse in English at an elementary level. Her motivation for studying English is to increase her level of English language so that she may work as a dentist in England. She has been encouraged by her sister to move to the United Kingdom as the rate of pay in her home country she could not earn enough money. She is very motivated to learn English as she will be able to provide a better life for herself financially and will also be able to better communicate and therefore socialise with her friends from different cultures. Linguistic and Skills: Strengths and Weaknesses 1. Listening It is difficult to grade listening skills without actually setting a listening task. For the purpose of this report I will analyse the understanding of questions set in the interview as well as class observation of the learner. Veronica seems to understand what is said and did not stall in answering the questions. She is able to understand most task set in class with the teacher’s explanation, without requiring further help. However when she doesn’t understand an exercise, she will not respond to the task set and will check with classmates in order to complete the task. 2. Speaking Strengths Veronica is able to present her message in a relatively clear manner. She is a fast speaker, often the case with Spanish native speakers. She uses simple short sentences mainly in the present tense. (Lines 10/14). Weaknesses Veronica has difficulty with pronunciation, often not using stresses. She pronounces the word noisy as nosy as seen in line 13-14. However when I repeated the word in the correct manner, she quickly adopted the correct pronunciation. She uses the past simple to explain future plans as seen in line 20 and line 25.This is a grammar error also noted in her writing and reading task. Veronica uses ‘is’ instead of it ‘it is’ and makes the error of using in instead of at (as seen in line 20) to state future plan of studying at University, she also made the error of putting the before the lexical verb university Grammar Tense Veronica struggles with the future tenses. She uses ‘is’ to explain future plans as seen in line 20. Vocabulary Veronica displays a relatively good level of vocabulary, illustrated by words such a professional, principle and University (lines8/20/21). However at times she struggles to find the words she wants to explain which results in her mumbling ’inaudible’. Pronunciation Veronica struggles with pronunciation. This may be seen in words such as noisy, seen in line 13-14, and principle, line 8/20 Reading Strengths Veronica was able to complete the reading task without any prompt, in other words independently. She was able to read for the specific information, and seemed to be familiar with have and haven’t. She showed particular strength in writing full sentences with correct capital letters as well as an ability to recognise the correct punctuation and contractions making only a few errors. Weaknesses Veronica has made a few errors in the reading exercise. This may be seen through her answering, ‘it is’ instead of ‘it has’, when asked whether an individual has internet on their mobile phone. This perhaps illustrate that she may struggle with grammar. Veronica has also made a few mistakes in writing the correct punctuation, often rewriting the wrong sentence instead of correcting it as well as failing to put a full stop at the end of the sentence, as well as not using enough commas. This illustrates that Veronica who is although familiar with capital letters, punctuation, and contractions needs more support in this area. Writing Strengths Veronica is able to present her message relatively well; she is able to spell most word correctly. She illustrates a variety of words, therefore can be seen to have a good vocabulary for a learner at elementary level. She presents her ideas in logical manner, she states for example that her life in England is interesting and is able explain in more detail why she has written this. Her handwriting is very legible. She is able to use correct punctuation such as full stops and comma’s as well as contractions. Weaknesses Veronica has made a few spelling mistakes, often when words are difficult to spell such as profession which even native speaker struggle with. However even more importantly Veronica has struggled to use the capital letters in the correct manner, for example she writes Favourite instead of favourite and uses full stops to frequently instead of commas. She also struggles with the difference between is, has are and often makes errors in word order. Some of these mistakes such as wrong use of capital letter could also seen in reading task. Rationale for choice of Language area I have chosen to focus on grammar, most specifically on future tenses and future plans. In order to help improve Veronica’s improve her language skills in the area of tenses, as this is an area which is problematic for Veronica. Rationale for chosen skills area I have chosen to focus on speaking as this is an area which Veronica displays difficulty in as illustrated through the recording and may be seen in the transcript.

Ongoing Injustice: The American Indians Essay examples -- essays resea

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the modern world we are bombarded by others’ teachings. Being constantly surrounded by the ideas of computers, televisions and books we are influenced, we are shaped. We accept what we’ve been told and avoid discovering the truth because we know no better, and it’s safer. Too often â€Å"We fail to step outside of that safe sanctuary defined by what other’s wish us to know.†1 If the general population of the United States of America were asked what they knew of the Indians, common replies would be of romantic visions of the once free roaming, free spirited peoples of the nine-teenth century, the melodrama of the conflicts between the pioneers and the Indians, the scalpings, painted bodies decorated with feathers, reservations, and other familiarities of their past. Many would speak of the Indians as if their legacy was simply a chapter in the history books. Therefore when â€Å"...they occasionally hear a word or two about the descendants of Sitting Bull and Pocahontas protesting for casino or against Chief Wahoo, in the name of those same arcane treaties, then it is a little saddening to them to see the final deterioration of the memory of the once glorious and romantic and tragic old Chiefs, who were the last real Indians.†2 Many think along the lines of their past being simply an old and unpleasant chapter in the history book that is over and done. They feel it is time to move on. The problem is that they cannot, for the very simple reason being that what is considered to be the past and history, is not really over--it continues. Like salt on an open wound, the revealed horrors replace the horror stories of the past. The injustices that continue throughout this hemisphere, and in the remaining places in the world where indigenous peoples survive are for the most part, unknown. Over and over again the Indians have been forced to struggle with the evil to preserve their rights, culture, environment and people. One question arises-why are there still conflicts concerning the indigenous people still a threat in today’s’ highly â€Å"advanced† society? Unfortunately, the scars of these injustices are ever present and are reopened again and again through more betrayal by the government(s). The memories of the wrong done builds onto one another, and every new injustice creates more distrust and aversion. It’s an ongoing picture of cause and e... ...the immense problems aboriginals confront in trying to assert their rights, particularly when those rights clash with the development objectives of industry.†29   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, the governments’ hand in the massacres of the Indians, the many broken treaties, a disregard for the land and people, the effects of wage labor, education, the effects of Christianity, and the crooked politics that took place are all injustices done to the Indigenous Peoples. Their effects are everlasting and the continuation of injustices builds more and more distrust and aversion. The Indians are simply trying to survive but are overshadowed with the remembrance of their heritage, the atrocities of long past, recently past and today. Chief Abel Bosum of the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Nation states:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"...Today many indigenous peoples are endangered...Respect for   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  our rights does not threaten existing states, but failure to protect   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  our rights will have disastrous consequences for many indigenous   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  people.†30   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Why You Shouldn’t Drop Out of High School

Why Does High School Fail So Many? Majority of students decide to drop out because of not having the support they need from their parents or the fact that school is uninteresting to them. Once the students’ self-esteem goes down, the thought of them doing well in school is impossible. When their self-esteem drops the students may to think â€Å"why even attend school† or â€Å"what is the point of going to class†. Students find it hard to pay attention in class while learning when the material given out is boring.If students start to lose interest in the subject or topic they are learning about, it may lead them falling asleep in class, staring at the clock waiting until class is over, or disturbing another person in class to communicate about something else. Once a student has lost interest in school its highly expected students will not start to show up for class. High school students drop out of school because the teachers don’t make the class more inte resting.Students would go in to class and ones it starts the students would start starring into space thinking and using their imagination. Teachers sometimes don’t have that ability to try and get the students more motivated in what the whole class is about. Mr. Brownlee class is a perfect example of why students don’t learn and achieve in school. For my 10th grade geometry class, he would go in class give us a minute to sit down have a seat and then he starts lecturing.Students would go into class late because of how boring it would be, or not making it interesting. Math was a subject to teach students how to work the numbers and how to use them, but he never really made any sense to what he was saying or doing. For the rest of the semester it would just be ditching his class, playing around or slacking on his work because there was never homework. Mr. Bownlee ended up passing the kids without trying on their own and making their grade easier. In my opinion teachers should always make an attempt†¦

Is Discipline A Child Abuse - 969 Words

Is Discipline Child Abuse? What does the word child abuse mean in your own words? Some people believe child abuse includes neglect, punishment, physical or emotional maltreatment. Child abuse is all over the world. Every day a child is either abused or neglected. Since the late 1900’s child abuse was commonly used in the United States (Gale). Now it is slowly coming to its ending point. Since 1992, only two states, Delaware and Oklahoma, have experienced consistent increases today. Is discipline considered Child Abuse? In 1997, over 3,195,000 children were reported to child protective services (CPS) agencies (Lucinda Almond). Fifteen out of every 1,000 US children were substantiated as victims of child maltreatment (Lucinda Almond). Five categories were provided: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, emotional maltreatment and others (Lucinda Almond). In the US many families reported for child abuse often display a number of problems, which most likely contribute to their likelihood for engaging in abusive behavior (Lucinda Almond). Many behaviors of child abuse are alcohol abuse, dependency, threat of harm, and bizarre discipline (Lucinda Almond). Neglect is the most common type of reported child maltreatment. Neglect is any action on the part of a caregiver that causes physical or emotional harm. When a child is neglected he or she may soon become depressed or suicidal. Abandonment is another type of neglect (Lyness D’Arcy). This is when a child is left alone for aShow MoreRelatedIs It Child Abuse Or Discipline?1436 Words   |  6 PagesIs It Child Abuse or Discipline? Child abuse viewed in the form of discipline is a growing epidemic that affects both the child in the present and can also damage them emotionally or physically in the future. The line between child abuse and discipline may seem obvious to most people, but where is the line actually drawn? Child abuse is anything that emotionally or physically endangers/impairs a child’s well-being, whereas discipline is correcting a behavior in a manner that helps the child’s growthRead MoreChild Abuse And Child Discipline925 Words   |  4 Pagesbetween child abuse and child discipline. Abuse is any action that intentionally harms or injures another person. Discipline is punishment that is intended to correct or train. Some parents do not see the harm in their form of discipline, but others may view it as abuse. It may not be the parent’s intention to harm their child but it is something that occurs. â€Å"In 2012, state agencies found an estimate 686,000 of child maltreatme nt.† .*(*Kids Count) Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuseRead MoreParental Discipline And Child Abuse1809 Words   |  8 Pagespunishments as a child most likely became more disciplined earlier than everyone else and most likely still is. To be clear, the intended definition of punishments to be used is a penalization for committing an act that would be considered unacceptable in the eyes of the parent i.e. swearing, fighting, being disrespectful, etc. This is also known as parental discipline. Although it may not seem like it there is a clear boundary separating parental discipline from child abuse. Parental discipline is intendedRead MorePosition Paper- Child Abuse and Discipline1181 Words   |  5 PagesPARENTAL DISCIPLINE AND ABUSE Parental discipline and child abuse are among the most controversial topics currently, and they cause serious problems for children in the United States. Child abuse essentially focuses on the child’s bad behaviors and gives the child emotional and physical harms. Forms of abuse include spanking, hitting, saying negative things and corporal punishment. In fact, parental discipline is a much more appropriate way of dealing with negative behavior than using abusiveRead MoreThe Difference Between Child Abuse And Discipline1200 Words   |  5 Pages Do you know the difference between child abuse and discipline? Child Abuse is when someone physically and mentally hurts another person. Discipline is teaching someone or something to do the right thing. Child Abuse is very common in the United States. Many children suffer from bruising, swelling skin, and broken bones. Situations like this happen because of problems at home or personal problems. Parents at home abuse their children because of drinking and depression issues. In this crazy worldRead MoreWhen Does Discipline Cross the Line to Child Abuse?1486 Words   |  6 PagesWhen Does Discipline Cross the Line to Child Abuse? In this report, I concentrated my research on the fine line between physical discipline and child abuse, with emphasis on spanking vs. not spanking and its effects on children. Included are research from statistics, opposing views and arguments, advocates’ and Department of Children and Families’ position. The use of corporal punishment, or spanking, as a form of parental discipline is a controversial topic. Adults who remember being spankingRead MorePhysical Discipline with Children1100 Words   |  4 PagesSpanking a child is not against the law in most places. However, parents who use it in their homes are being accused of child abuse. The Chicago Tribune published an article that urged readers to report child abuse when they become aware of it. In the article â€Å"Child abuse in plain View† the author describes spanking as a type of abuse that happens behind closed doors (â€Å"Child abuse in plain View†). Like most critics of corporal punishment, the author is trying to link spanking to abuse. The author`sRead MoreMy Speech On Childhood Discipline1177 Words   |  5 PagesTopic: Childhood Discipline General Purpose: To inform my audience what childhood discipline is and why it is important to discipline your child. Specific Purpose: To identify what childhood discipline really is and how you should discipline a child. Thesis: Good parenting consist of many element when parenting you have to be stern. Could discipline your child lead to a lifetime disrespect? Or could discipline lead to a promising future for your child. Introduction I. Spanking, Popping, and WhoopingRead MoreSpanking a Child and Child Abuse1076 Words   |  5 PagesSpanking a child is not against the law in most places. However, parents who use it in their homes are being accused of child abuse. The Chicago Tribune published an article that urged readers to report child abuse when they become aware of it. In the article â€Å"Child abuse in plain View† the author describes spanking as a type of abuse that happens behind closed doors (â€Å"Child abuse in plain View†). Like most critics of corporal punishment, the author is trying to link spanking to abuse. The author`sRead MoreEffects Of Hearing Punishment On Children1563 Words   |  7 Pagesabout discipline? For numerous children they recall the abuse they have suffered. Meanwhile, others, more fortunate, will possibly recall time-outs or having a toy taken away. According to the Child Maltreatment 2014 report, â€Å"For 2014, a nationally estimated 1,580 children died of abus e and neglect at a rate of 2.13 per 100,000 children in the national population† (Child Maltreatment 2014). This rate is deplorable. More importantly, there is no reason children should suffer neglect or abuse. Many