Sunday, November 16, 2008

Natalia's last post

I would like to visit Egypt,(PP) because is a beautiful place with an interesting history in the past and in the present this country have different things to show at the people of others (WF)countries and others(WF) cultures.

I think that(X) Egypt is the best place in the world for travel(T) because is my favourite place and if I can go to the Egypt I would go with my boyfriend for enjoy(T) the travel with a important person for me. In this place I would visit the pyramids, desert and the museum because I love the history of Egypt (^)I think that is very interesting and exciting.

In Egypt, You(S) can visit many places as the Giza pyramids, Nile river, white desert, desert of Nubia, the temple of karnak, temple of Dendera and others (WF)temples because there are many temples in Egypt to visit and I believe that missing (WW)time me.

I chose Egypt because from(WW) girl I liked the history of the great pharaohs and the mystery of the pyramids;(PP) I feel that it should be fascinating to be in front of a pyramid by(P) both its size and grandeur (^)it is amazing to think as in antiquity(WW) did these large constructions.

S=spelling

^ =missing

X=no necessary

T=tense

P=preposition

PP= punctuation

WF=word form

WW=wrong word

Sebastian's last blog

Well, I would like to visit Venezuela, mainly,(PP) because I like the lifestyle of this country. Personally, I would like to taste the Venezuelan food because it is a fusion with other style of foods, for example, the Venezuelan food has a little of Indian food, French food, Italian food and Spanish food and all this(WW) with Latin American ingredients. This combination makes meals full of different mystical flavours. Other reason, (PP)for that I would like to go to Venezuela is because the geography is very intense, moreover, I like the tropical climate(WW), like the full rain with warm temperatures, for example. About the natural resources in Venezuela you can find beautiful beaches, wonderful rainforests and precious mountains and rivers, one of them is the waterfall “El Angel” with 500 meters of height, which makes this waterfall unique in his kind. Venezuela has many types (species) of animals too. Other reason why I would like to go to Venezuela is because the cities have a precious architecture with wonderful colonial and vanguard buildings. In Venezuela, what I would like to do is: fishing and go(T) to the beach to relax. Also, I would like to fly in helicopter over a rainforest.

^ =missing

T=tense

PP= punctuation

WW=wrong word

Jaime's last post


Hello

This is a good moments in my life

I remember that i (S) have(T) 13 years old, and the photo was took(T) in the house of my best friend Manuel.

In(P) this moment I was in 7(^) grade in the school and my principal(WW) hobby was listen(^) music, also in this époque(WW) i(S) shared(WW) more time with my oldies friends.

(^)Is in this moment of my life when I beginning(T) to play guitar and also I think(T) in former(WW) a punk rock band and met pretty girls. Hahahaha.

This picture means a lot of things for me, (^)is very important for the context and the situation that happened. I remember the separation of my fathers, also the birth of my second niece.

In(P) this time my life was different, i(S) don't had (T)responsibilities, problems or big obligations, only the school.

I still remember that moment, this picture was saved in my closet more than ten years ago and only two weeks ago was scanned in my PC.

Well, this is a little part of my history(WW), I hope you liked it.

good bye!

S=spelling

T=tense

P=preposition

^=missing

WW=wrong word

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Error Correction II

This video is so funny. I believe there are many ways to learn English, (P)especially(X)as a second language, but I've never imagine that this would be one of these ways.I've met a lot of people that remember things by saying it many times(WE), singing it or relate them with another thing or situation.(WE)It is always important to know that people have different forms(WW) to add new knowledge to the things they already know.So, we can think in this video as a way to include new vocabulary or phrases to be used in a context. If this(WW) Japanese girls mixed songs and exercises with English, we can do some creative activities for our students.Never forget, students must learn with things they know(WE) use and feel comfortable with.


This video is so funny. I believe there are many ways to learn English as a second language, but I've never imagine that this would be one of these ways.I've met a lot of people that remember things by repeating, singing it or associate them with another thing or situation.It is always important to know that people have different styles and strategies to add new knowledge to the things they already know.So, we can think in this video as a way to include new vocabulary or phrases to be used in a context. If these Japanese girls mixed songs and exercises with English, we can do some creative activities for our students.Never forget, students must learn with meaningful things that they use and feel comfortable with.

Error Correction I

I didn’t have enough time to look out for all the topics and tips that this web page has but I can tell you that it is very helpful.It is a very interesting web page because it’s always very useful to have some activities already designed –(like the ones)(X) like cartoons- so you need to put it in(P) practice with your students in any(WW) way they would like to (change it.)(X)Also, the grammar part has a lot of information with enough examples for explaining the way they use the language.(WO) So you can give some examples and look some more closer to the reality of your students.(WO)(WW)In terms of Phonetics, you can also find all the sounds –being explained(WE) and audio- so they can be used inside the classroom.Students usually feel more comfortable when they have the example(WW) and then they can do their activities, in any kind of exercises. So, this web page can help us now as students and later as future teachers.(WO)


I didn’t have enough time to look out for all the topics and tips that this web page has but I can tell you that it is very helpful.It is a very interesting web page because it’s always very useful to have some activities already designed –like cartoons- so you need to put it into practice with your students in a way they would like to.
Also, the grammar part has enough examples and information needed for explaining the way people use the language. So you can give some examples, look and adapt them to a reality closer to your students.
In terms of Phonetics, you can also find all the sounds –audio and explanations- so they can be used inside the classroom.
In any kind of exercises students usually feel more comfortable when they have a model which they can follow to do their activities, So, this web page can help us now as students and later as future teachers.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Jaime's penultimate post

In the last field trip, we (make)(T) a lot of things.With my partners ^ work hard, met the district of Alhué in the South of Santiago.We work(T) in the Alhué River, look(T) the water and identified problems of pollution. The principle cause was the mining "La Florida" whit(S) toxic substances for the health.These substances contain high levels of metals that fall in the river all days. This field trip will extend to two weekends more, and the study also includes interviews with local people.Other group of partners explores(T) the life in(PP) the environment; wake(T) up very early in the morning (5:30 am).In the finish of course we deliver(T) a report whit(S) all the results, also explain(T) the causes and the possible solutions in a conversation with the community.This is the challenge, and I hope ^ find good information.This is all for now…Bye!

^=missing word
X=not needed
(P) punctuation
(T) tense
(PP) preposition
(S) spelling

Sebastian's Last post

Well, I remember specially a field trip. It was (the)(X) last year when we went to San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta region. I remember this field trip because I like mountains and all the special meaning about the culture of the mountains, like the music and the native people. In this case(P) we went to a house of atacameñan people,(P) the leader (The Boss) of the house, called Carlos, (who)(X) was very friendly when he opened the house for us. He told us about his life style and usually he cooked typical atacameñan food. Also we have ^long time to talk with Carlos about his people and their stories, generally old stories, about his mom or his family. But (in the)(PP) nights we went to the town to drink something and talk, and that was very (funny)(WW). Well, generally we had a few field trips to other places around the Salar de Atacama and we visited other people who live there to talk about their problems. Finally, we travelled all the way long by car and it was so long, but I never get(T) bored, because we heard lots of music or we have(T) long talks too. Sometimes, we smoked some cigarettes and other green things and it was so nice, because the people who I travelled with are wonderful guys.


^=missing word
X=not needed
(P) punctuation
(T) tense
(WW) wrong word
(WO) word order
(PP) preposition

Natalia's Last post

^Is very difficult to choose only one movie as my favourite because there are many good movies,(P) but this year I saw a movie that surprised me, this movie is “Martian Child”, for this reason it is now my favourite.The movie is interesting because shows through the story of an abandoned child the reality of our present society.(WO) The first time that I saw this film it was (in)(X) this year with my boyfriend in his house(P) I don’t saw this movie in the cinema because this movie was available only in (the)(X) blockbuster.The story is about the life of an abandoned child and a man who (months)(WW) before lost his wife because she died and he adopts a (this)(X) child,(P) the actors in this movie are Joan Cusack, Sophie Okonedo, John Cusack, Amanda Peet and Oliver Platt. This movie has a beautiful dramatic story but a (solid content social)(WW-WO) and emotional that suggests that we are limited the persons for create and think beginning child. Denis in the movie teaches John Cusack to return to live and feel no limitation. Only learn to live together in their own way without thinking about what others say (of)(PP) them and their behavior, only being happy together.

^=missing word
X=not needed
(P) punctuation
(T) tense
(WW) wrong word
(WO) word order
(PP) preposition

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Kes... a new life


Billy buried Kes and felt his world tearing apart. Her mother didn’t support him when he needed her; his brother made him feel the strongest pain a child could feel, so Billy didn’t have anything else to look for at home.

He walked aimless for a mile or two to overcome his pain. While he was wandering downtown, Mr. Farthing saw him from across the street. He approached Billy and asked him what happened. Billy told him about Kes and that he didn’t want to go home.

Billy didn’t know that this talking would it be the beginning of a new life. Mr. Farthing took him home and introduced him to his wife and daughter. He told them that Billy was going to stay with them and that he would be treated as part of their family.

Before realizing, Billy found himself sitting on a comfortable couch, drinking a cup of tea and forgetting what he thought was the most awful day of his life. He didn’t realize that this man could see the sweet kid he had inside, a kid who didn’t have the chance to be loved until now.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Wordle...






This is my first Wordle

I hope you like it!!!


Error correction activities


I think working on error corrections has allow me to understand some of the English rules that we have internalized and we don’t think about when we write. At the same time, this has been a useful activity for U Chile students, I believe. They have used our corrections to see their mistakes and at the same time improve their English writing skills.


I think it was a good idea to change the way we have been working in this class. I have enjoyed changing the previous way, but I believe we could do so much during this class. We are finishing the semester, so maybe next time.

Post (error corrections)


I love ths(S) beach!!!

Even though I didn't have time this summer to go to the beach I love summer and hot weather. Well, this weekend I had the opportunity to go with my ex classmates from Social Work, so I spent these two days there. (P)Feeling the breeze, playing with the sand and having a good talk with my friends. So, I would be glad to know where did you go or what did you do this weekend?


S=spelling

P=punctuation

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Jaime's Post

Well, I don't have a favourite movie but there are many goods^. When I was 15 years old I remember that with a group of friends we obtained this film in VHS format. Principally the interest was ^ its name “suburbia…the punks revolt”.
Other reason for(PP) saw(T) it was the interpretation of flea ( he plays bass on red hot chili peppers band) as a person(WW) more in the movie.
I don’t believe that this movie delivers some learning, but at that moment was very shocking for me, and I remember that was very renamed between(WW) young’s(WW) of the time.
This film talks about the life of a group of teenagers whit(S) problems in his lives, and united for a (WW) ideology a little wrong, but shared situations like a real family.
However(P) the tragedy always are(T) present, drugs, violence and dead.
The end of the movie was horrible, because a child (a little brother of one of them) was murder(T), and the group of teenagers dissolves(T).
I think that this film was a reference of the problems in the society today, showing problems, discrimination, racism, Consumerism and drug addiction.
I recommend that the next to see??? their friends and then comment.
Good Bye!

F= form
T=tense
NN=no needed
X=this shouldn’t be here!!!
WW=wrong word
WO=word order
^=missing word
PP=preposition
S=spelling
P=punctuation

Natalia's Post

In this semester the new idea of using blog as form to learn English was very funny. I liked(T) this form to learn because is most simple (WW)and all entire(X) classmate(F) can written(T) in my blog and I too. Any(WW) things that I didn’t like were the bad computer or the hour because en(WW) this hour I was sleepy…I think that using the blog helped me in the vocabulary, grammatical(WW) and helped me to have more confidence for talk in English, because this language is very difficult for me.
In among all post(F) my favorite post was “The best blog”, because I had that (WW)saw(T) all the blog(F) to my classmate(F) and to know a part of them and exchange ideas.
My least favorite post was “Song”, because I don’t listen to music in English and was complicated search^ songs that I liked in English language, because I don’t understand it(WW) content…. bye
The end....

F= form
T=tense
NN=no needed
X=this shouldn’t be here!!!
WW=wrong word
WO=word order
^=missing word

Sebastian's Post

My favourite film it’s a brazilian movie called ¨Central Station¨ from a brazilian director too. When I saw it for the first time I had 14 years old and I felt different kinds (F) of emotions because this film have(T) many different situations and it is a very realistic film of the ¨Brazilian situation¨.That first time when I saw the film I was in La Serena on my holidays with my family, but I saw it only with my cousin. I remember that this (moment) (NN) was a very moving moment because the story that the film tells (it’s) (X) an incredible sad story.Well, the story of the movie begins when a little boy arrived at the central station of Rio de Janeiro looking for his father. Then he decides to write a letter to find him, but he can’t write because he is^ illiterate boy, so he pays to a writer to do it. But the writer (an old woman) decides not to send the mail(WW) and the little boy (Joshua) discover(T) to the old woman and she decides to help him to find his father. But the old woman is apparently a wicked person and she decides to sell the boy to other(WW) bad people too, for some money (WO). But then she regrets herself for(X) what she did, and save the kid. Finally Joshua and the old woman discover that Joshua’s father is dead, however he finally finds his lost brother.


F= form
T=tense
NN=no needed
X=this shouldn’t be here!!!
WW=wrong word
WO=word order
^=missing word

Friday, September 12, 2008

Jaime's Post August, 25th

My experience learnig[11] English
HelloWell, my experience in the English language was from 12 years at the school. In this moment I began
learning, [12] in 8th grade I had a private class in the afternoons, but I didn’t take it seriously why[13] was very bored to me.In secondary school I don’t [14] had English classes, only French; and my previous learning was forgotten.However the English language ever [15] has been in my life, in the music, in the television, in the text and in my partners to the other sides of the world.Now in the Internet era is very important learn to speak English. I remember in the[16] 2000 came a band from Holland; his name was Cathode and only speaking[17] English. I was whit[18] them in their presentations here, and was[19] very difficult for me to talk whit [110] them.Now in the university, the English language is used for all[111] , but my learning is a little slow. I think that learn fine [112] the language because the class are good and my interest are[113] more than before.In the last time my preoccupation[114] for the language has been superior to the other years, I believe that my motivations are in the [115] following my studies out of my country.I hope when to [116] finish the course whit[117] good notes[118] and also have a greater knowledge of the language, maybe in the day of tomorrow I can visit other countries and win a grant for[119] study, this is my idea in this moment and I can get.Bye!

[11](S) Spelling
[12](DP) Deletion of pronoun
[13](WW) Wrong word
[14](T) Tense
[15](WW)
[16](not hended)
[17](T)
[18](S)
[19](DP)
[110](S)
[111](WW)
[112](WW)
[113](T)
[114](WW)
[115](not needed)
[116](DP)
[117](S)
[118](WW)
[119](PP) preposition

Jaime's Post September, 8th

18

hello

Well, in this moment of the year in my country are happening more things. But this month is full of contradictions, principle[11] for historical success.Fiestas patrias for me is not important, but is a good moment for[12] share whit[13] my friends and drink chicha (a typical drink made for grapes).The Chilean people in this date enjoy in family, go to the fondas (a typical place whit[14] traditional things), dancing[15] cueca (traditional dance) or cumbia, drink alcohol, and eat much meat. Also some go to the circus and the rodeo.All the houses fly flags (is a law...hahahaha) and the children’s fly a kite.When was[16] a child I remember that my favourite games were spining top and marbles, and we met with the family in the grandmother’s house; my father with my uncle’s fly[17] a kite.My vision is different today, 10 years ago that I am a vegetarian [18] and I do not like to abuse animals, I don’t believe in traditions, and the rodeo and the circus whit[19] animals are horrible for me, however I like seeing people happy on this date and the reunion of families.My best 18 was in 2002, when I went to a party that lasted 3 days!!! All night long hahahaha..Bye.

[11](WW) Wrong Word
[12](PP) Preposition
[13](S) Spelling
[14](S) Spelling
[15](T) Tense
[16](DP) Deletion of pronoun
[17](T) Tense
[18]Sentence and Tense
[19](S) Spelling

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Natalia's Post September, 8th

This is an important day for my country because it is the celebration of the first national government meeting in the year 1810.
In September 18, all Chileans enjoy the national celebration
whit [11] “chicha”, “empanadas”, barbecue and they dance the traditional dance that is the “cueca” in the “fonda” or “ramada”.

When I was a girl
was[12] playing fly[13] a kite in the park whit[14] my family it was very funny, because all children out[15] of his houses to playing in different thing as spinning top, marbles or fly a kite. Nowadays, I go to the “fonda” in the O’Higgins Park for[16] dance and eat traditional food of Chile.I remember that my September 18 favourite was four years ago whit [17] my two cousins, sister and uncle, we were at the O’Higgins Park in the night for[18] eat “empanadas”, barbecue and dance, this was my favourite September 18 because, this day was the last that I saw at[19] my family complete.
The 18 of September is a special day, because all people think in others things and forget
his [110] problems for one day and they only amuse themselves meeting, dancing, conversing, eating and enjoying the national celebration whit[111] all people of the country.

[11](S)
[12](DP) Delition of pronoun
[13]Missing word
[14](S)
[15]Missing Word
[16](WW)
[17](S)
[18](WW)
[19]AT is not needed
[110](WW)
[111](S)

Natalia's Post August, 25th

I began to learn English language in my first year of university whit[11] the teacher Simon Higginson, this class is very difficult for me because all classmate have a base in English but I have learned very much in this[12] years.In the beginning of the course I not enjoy [13] to learn the English language because I not [14] understand nothing. I was unsuccessful in the first years to the class of English because it was scaring. I don’t know what kind of learner I am and not find nothing easy about learning English because this language have a structure different from the Spanish language in the logic.I find difficult the form of think in the English language for the communication with other people because the structure to speak is different..I don’t know about English culture but I think that is completely different of[15] my culture because I know some people from the English country and they think of different form.
The English language for me is useful in some occasions as in the university and when I was working of part-time in a restaurant but in my daily life is not useful because my family and the
people common [16] not speak English language and this people don’t have opportunity of to learn the English language.
In my opinion the English language is the tool of communication for some countries but is not necessary for all people. The people have his own language and culture and I feel that it is not necessary to
press [17] them.

[11](S) Spelling
[12](WF) Wrong Form
[13](T) Tense
[14](WW) Wrong Word
[15](WW)Wrong Word
[16](WO)Wrong Order
[17](WW) Wrong Word

Sebastian's Post September, 8th

The typical Fiestas patrias means nothing special for[11] me. Because, in Chile doesn't exist or haven’t great traditions. Because, for the common people in the country the Fiestas patrias just means[12] eat and drink a lot for two days, and the reflection or the true mean around this date is unknown for the common people. I think that the bad education it[13] 's guilty for the common people's disinformation about the real mean[14] of the fiestas patrias.Well, for the 18 September [15] Chileans celebrate the first government reunion and this is the base for that Chile can calls itself an independent country. Is[16] for that reason that this date the Chileans celebrate eating and drinking in excess, the typical food of Chile and other countries in sudamerican is the * Asado¨ and *empanadas* or *anticuchos¨ but you can to find [17] this foods in the other countries in the region. And the typical cocktail is the cola de mono and the more popular drink is the Chicha and wine with coke and when you drink in excess this drink you should sick.My best 18 september [18] was the last year, because my girlfriend leave[19] of the country and it was a great fare well.

[11](WW)
[12](T)
[13]Extra Word
[14](WW)
[15](WO)
[16](DP) Deletion of pronoun
[17](TO is not needed)
[18](WO) Word Order
[19](T)

Sebastian's Post August, 18th

My name is Sebastian Llantén and I live in ñuñoa. I have 23 years old and alive[11] in Santiago nine year ago and currently[12] I `m studying geography in the university of Chile and it is my last year in my career. Before I lived in Punta Arenas all my childhood and I think that is a great city for a boy, because I could play with the nature and this city is very safely for a kid, [13] moreover I could see wonderful landscape and I could play with snow and skate on ice and is [14] very funny for a little kid. My family is composed[15] for five persons my dad, my mom, my sister, my brother and me. But I live only with my mom and my sister, because my dad live in other place and my brother live with his wife and his little son. My nephew is very young, because he was born two days ago, and I `m very happy because is a beautiful boy and his name is Nicolas. Currently besides of study I `m working in the military geography institute for my professional practice and I think that is very funny[16] because you can read, talk for all building and the people are very friendly.

[11](WW)
[12](WW)
[13](P)
[14](T)
[15](WE) Wrong Expression
[16](WW)

Sebastian's Post August, 25th

My experience with learning English has had highs and lows,[11] because in the school I had good performance and I had a good teacher, but I think that I had a very few classes of English. When I sign[12] in university I had a bad experience, because I disapprove[13] the chance in English two and reprove[14] the class, because this time I not liked study English and I not went to all class, but now I like go to class, because my teacher is very motivating and he gives time to explain when I can’t understand in class, the major time I have problems with the vocabulary and my teacher explain of good form. Now, I enjoy with the English class and before I not enjoyed the English class. I think that learning English is not difficult but I feel that me study is very poor because with English I am very lazy. Personally when I find a web page in English I haven’t problems for read in English, but is[15] very difficult for me write or talk in English.
About the English culture, I feel very close because I hear[16] music in English and I have a sister that is English teacher but as the proverb says: “in house blacksmith, wooden knife”.
Finally, I know many people who speak English, for example my sister and me[17] girlfriend speak English. And I think that the learn English is very useful for[18] me, because I can read English text or see web site in English.

[11](P) Punctuation
[12](T) Tense
[13] (WW) Wrong Word
[14](WW) Wrong Word
[15](DP) Deletion of Pronouns
[16](WW) Wrong Word
[17](WW) Wrong Word
[18](PP) Preposition

Monday, September 8, 2008

Posts

Jaime has very interesting ideas. I can always follow what he wants to say even though sometimes he has some spelling mistakes which I believe it has something to do with writing too fast. He has some problems with mixing words but they can be improved. Good job!

Sebastian has some problems with mixing English and Spanish. You can notice this by the way he uses prepositions. However, I can still understanding most of his ideas and you can see he tries to do his best in some activities that are not that interesting for him. Keep working!!

Natalia has improved a lot and it shows in this last post. Maybe she was more committed to this topic or day after day she has improved. I couldn’t find big mistakes and after all, communication is the most important thing of learning a new language. Keep working!! Well done!!


This has been a very good experience. I hope I can help them to improve their English but what I would like more, to make them understand that communication is the main point of learning a new language. After all, we would have our own like to keep learning.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Common Mistakes


I can see the same type of mistakes in their writing. So, I believe it will be easier to identify those in their future piece of writing.

Most of Sebastian writing problems is wrong words. I believe this could happen because he is using a translator or bilingual dictionary that it is not giving them the right words. Also, this could happen because he wants to write more things about himself so he tries to use some words that he doesn’t know, what would be great.

In Natalia’s case, it is almost the same. She uses a lot of Spanglish, this mean she tries to express her ideas in Spanish using the same logic in English. This can be solved but I believe it is going to take more time to work it out. Anyways, I really like the idea of at least, try to do the blogs and improve her English.

Finally, Jaime understands better the idea of writing in English although he needs to improve his vocabulary. This means he also has problems with wrong words and expressions. Also, he needs to check better his writing because he has some spelling mistakes that I believe happen because he doesn’t read his blog after finishing it.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Diary: first impression

First day!!
I can feel how much I have improved my English in these years. I can remember when I was all alone in US without knowing any English and then how I could improve so much afeter a couple of months.
After entering to English Pedagogy I started to realize my learning and it is the same feeling that I had today.
I made some of the same mistakes these students did in their blogs and now I can realize the Spanish influence that we have to deal with.
So, I hope they receive my future comments in a good way and after all, they use them to improve their leven of English.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

we can use technology...


Nowadays, we live surrounded by technology that can be use for many things; computers and internet is part of our daily life. So, why don’t use it inside the classroom?

First of all, we can find that most of our students know at least a little bit about how to use a computer and internet, so we can take advantage of that and let them use their previous knowledge in this area. This will provide us a new tool to work with our students and at the same time, we can use new ways to develop students’ abilities as part of the interaction needed in the learning process.

In addition, teaching English has become more difficult everyday so, I believe using technology will approach students to new topics and interests. For instance, in April, 30th we use a video from youtube to talk about learning tools or April, 15th we discover the web page that BBC has about education. Most of these posts help us as students to talk about new things that we don’t discuss in the normal classroom and also, gave us a new perspective of what we can do with technology in the future when we become teachers.

On the other hand, we have to consider that in most of our schools there are not many computers to use for a class with 40 or 45 students. So, in this case I think it is going to be very difficult for teachers to include this aspect because they will not have enough resources for all students. However, these students are going to have the previous knowledge and interest in using computers as part of their learning tools.

There will always be new elements and resources to include in our role as students and future teachers. We must consider the context in which we are immerse and the students that are going to interact with us. Technology is very useful depending on the way and context we use it.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Commitments and Rumble Fish

People say that history is written by rich people but if we think about stories. Most of them take some lives experiences from people that all of us know and we feel represented in a book or script. This is the case of the two stories Rumble Fish and the Commitments, where you can feel your life or your neighbor’s being told as a part of the story.

Social class is a characteristic that was printed in the story. On one hand, we can see the commitments as a group of music that wants to represent all the working class people. If you have seen the movie you could tell in which part of the city most of the lived and the kind of places they visit and made part of them, when they started their musical group. All of this, you could see it through the book or the movie. On the contrary, in Rumble Fish you could see the social class represented by the places or parts of the city where you can include the gangs’ fights and the kind of living Rusty James and his brother had.

Also, social class is a characteristic that could be inferred from the story. On one hand, reading the book (The Commitments) you can feel in the air the issues that tell you about a group of people fighting and working hard to get a worthy life. On the other hand, in the other story (Rumble Fish), you didn’t have the same kind of information but using your imagination you could imagine in what kind of school Rusty James studied, in which part of the town was his house placed and what kind of hobbies Rusty and his friends had.

In conclusion, we can see that every story has something to tell and we can be represented or not for this but most of the time we are. Stories can be a resource to help us to see from outside our living and see ways we can change it, if we want to.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Art v/s Chemistry

I don’t remember when I first saw this painting but I can always remember it when I feel peaceful. I’ve never been closed to art even though I like it. However, I enjoy going to museums to see any kind of expositions.

Maybe, I haven’t had the opportunity to see classic art but I like this painting for what represents. It is a classic one, the one that represents the artist work of a life time. It can be any woman but this painting represent more than that. It is that kind of woman that can do whatever she wants and at the same time, she can enjoy to be quiet and in peace.


Chemistry was my least favourite school subject. When I was in school The sciences subjects were separeted in three different classes: chemistry, physics and biology. I didn’t hate the other subjects but chemistry I did. I’ve never understood anything and I feel it was because of my teacher.

He wasn’t very nice with us and he represented to much the authority inside that classroom, so if we failed we paid it.

I will always remember this: teachers can change your expectations about any subjects. So, as future teacher, I have to consider this because it can happen to me in the future: to become the English teacher or the English witch.


Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Rumble Fish!!


Rusty James: He was the main character in this book and who told the story. I think we, as readers and future teachers, discovered the importance of environment in someone’s life.


The Motorcycle Boy: Rusty’s brother was considered a weird boy. He just lived in a bubble where his mind could question everything without finding any answers. I think we have some of these boys around us and the problem is that we don’t see them and we don’t help them
.


Steve Hays: Rusty’s best friend at most part of the book. He was the one who showed Rusty the differences between his brother and him, even thoug, he didn’t believe it. He was that kind of friends that you want to have. Being there when you need them!

Patty: She was like any girl, only she started the book being Rusty’s girl. Then the story changed but if we think in two children love wasn’t what kept them together.

Cassandra: She was the weirdo in this place and of course her character was related to the motorcycle boy. She said she was in love with him but again I think love is much more than what they think of.

Patterson: If we were involved with these two boys and their story, the bad guy was the cop. He wanted them away from the streets and he did it. He was the responsible of the end of these boys.


Smokey: Rusty’s partner on the streets. This friend was second on board in every fight that Rusty was involved. After all, he was the new pimp in the house.


Rusty's parents: Mom was away because she decided to. Dad was a drunk who never was there. This lovely couple could think more before rising two children in this world.