English corner of December 2, 2013

Theme of the English corner: "A Simple Murder"

The movie by Howard Hawks "The Big Sleep" was featured in clip form.

Discussion of American culture as depicted in the detective movie.

Approximately 20 minutes of the movie was shown.

Slang English

History of the murder mystery.

Q&A about American culture and clothing.

My thought was to have an English Corner where Cultural and Advanced

Learning Topics would be discussed. This did not seem to be working

as I had planned.

Demonstrations of:

Forms of Story

Advanced Writing Skills

Public Speaking

Speed Reading

Harry Lorayne and Tony Buzan Techniques

Were canceled as:

1. Computer was not able to run

the various software packages I use.

2. I felt the interest level was lacking.

3. Student expectations are in variance with the intent

of The various themes I wished to present.

In Place of my original format.

I switched formats to:

Open discussion about various topics

in an attempt to feel out what topics the students wished to have

in future English Corners.

Results: there were two high level English speakers in the group.

Their comments were that black and white movies were not appropriate

for today's audiences.

They preferred a more interactive English corner with group

discussion on various topics. Being taught skills was not what

they wanted.

However, when queried about which topics they wanted.

They did not give any constructive answers.

The other students seemed interested in the subject

and asked questions.

The shyness factor was involved so many students were reluctent

to participate. They seemed to prefer to listen.

My observation and sugestions going forward

would be a simpler structure for the English Corner.

Games.

Simpler topics.

Short cultural videos.

Examples of music.

Slide shows of various scenic parts of the world.

I think these types of activities would be more entertaining

and useful to the students.

The topics I had initially chosen were for more advanced students

in mind then the ones who were there.

I looked at Yvonne's recomendations and she knows the students here better than I.

I agree her ideas have merit.

With that in mind my "self run" English corner does not seem a viable

project. In Points 1, 2, and 3 above show I can not justify the continued

use of a computer room.