This year, I decided not to participate in the sports competition. Instead, I opted to attend as a spectator. Last year, despite enjoying being part of the competition, my performance actually led my team to lose. This year, I felt even less prepared than before.
Attending sports events is always enjoyable. They provide a great opportunity to capture moments through photographs and reminisce about university life. Although I'm no longer a student, I still cherish these events as they remind me of my time teaching at a university in China.
My experience here has been filled with enjoyment, valuable job experiences, and many friendships. These two-day events offer a relaxed atmosphere to catch up with students and see how they're doing. This year, I particularly enjoyed watching the cheerleaders perform during breaks.
I brought my camera along and captured many moments, but the best pictures are always those available on the university website, which I downloaded to add to my collection.
Unlocking Your Reading Potential: The Proof is in the Pudding
Unlocking Your Reading Potential: The Proof is in the Pudding
If you've ever found yourself stumbling through a reading assignment or struggling to pronounce words in class, fear not. What I'm about to reveal isn't about pointing fingers, but rather offering a solution that can transform your reading skills, pronunciation, spelling, and more.
Picture this: a side-by-side comparison of students reading aloud during class sessions versus the intensity of a final exam. Surprisingly, the latter showcases a marked improvement in pronunciation and clarity (in most cases). But why the stark contrast? In class, despite my best efforts with a microphone, students often mumble through passages, seemingly aiming to keep their voices at a whisper. It's a defense mechanism, I suspect, shielding them from potential embarrassment among peers.
Now, here's the crux of the matter. During exams, students likely prepare meticulously. They practice reading their assigned texts multiple times, perhaps enlisting the help of a more proficient classmate or leveraging technology to refine their pronunciation. The result? A polished performance aimed at securing better grades.
But here's the kicker: if they can muster this level of dedication for exams, why not apply it consistently to enhance their skills overall?
Last semester, I provided students with a treasure trove of books, each accompanied by an audio version. The task was simple yet effective: listen to the audio while following along with the text, then practice reading aloud. It's a two-pronged approach—first, learning correct pronunciation, then honing it through practice. Imagine the progress achievable with just a few minutes of this routine each day.
This method isn't merely about improving pronunciation and spelling; it's about expanding vocabulary and deepening comprehension. And guess what? It can actually be enjoyable! Learning shouldn't feel like a chore but rather a rewarding journey—one that's best embarked upon regularly, with enthusiasm.
Mastering a new language isn't about cramming for hours on end; it's about consistent, smart practice infused with enjoyment. Trust me, learning is far more effective when it's fun.
So, to all the students out there striving for improvement, consider this your wake-up call. The path to enhancing your English skills is simpler than you think—and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
And guess what? You can kickstart this journey for FREE. I've made the first book of my collection available to anyone eager to dive in. Simply click the links below to access the book and audio, and let the adventure begin.
Hey folks, guess what? I had a hilarious blunder today while checking my class schedule for the week. Turns out, I somehow managed to teach the same class twice for same group os students! 🤦♂️ So, I did what any confused teacher would do – I messaged my class group to see if I was losing my mind. And you know what they said? They confirmed my goof-up! But here's the kicker: they thought I was doing a double feature on purpose, like some kind of teaching genius revision. 🤣 Can you believe it?
Anyway, I was scratching my head wondering why they didn't give me a heads-up during class. Their excuse? They thought I was just doing a super sneaky review session as I said before. Fair enough, but couldn't they have asked? So, here I am, folks, reminding everyone of the golden rule: Nobody's perfect! Let's all learn from this mishap and promise to speak up if something seems off, deal? 🤓📚
I just returned from the most delightful presentation! I must admit, I wasn't expecting to be swept off my feet, especially since I'm not particularly keen on fashion. But oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised! It was an explosion of color, elegance, and sheer creativity. The attention to detail was simply mesmerizing.
Sadly, my schedule is packed with classes tomorrow and Wednesday, so I'll have to miss out on those days. But fear not, if the stars align and my calendar permits, I'll definitely make a comeback on Thursday or Friday. Although, I must confess, there's a slight dilemma looming over my head. You see, the university has organized a sports meeting on those very days, and I'm torn between the allure of fashion and the thrill of sports. Decisions, decisions!
Enhancing Speech Performance: An Analysis of Key Factors and Evaluation Criteria
Introduction: In this discourse, I aim to elucidate fundamental aspects contributing to effective speech delivery, particularly targeting students who seek improvement in their speech performances. By dissecting the speech context and elucidating key elements, students can gain insights into areas for enhancement, thereby augmenting their scores in speech contexts. This discourse not only benefits students academically but also has broader implications for professional and interpersonal communication skills development.
The Significance of First Impressions: Underestimating the potency of first impressions in speech contexts can be detrimental to overall presentation effectiveness. Initiating a presentation with confidence, maintaining appropriate body language such as upright posture, eye contact, and genuine smiles, significantly contributes to shaping initial perceptions. Research indicates that first impressions are often formed swiftly, underscoring the importance of meticulous attention to non-verbal cues from the outset. Consequently, leveraging the power of positive first impressions can be advantageous in establishing rapport with the audience, thereby setting a favorable tone for the ensuing discourse.
Please notice my Evaluation Notation on the picture below, The evaluation process entails a simplistic yet comprehensive categorization system focusing on Gesture, Volume, Reading, and Pronunciation. Omitting the total score from immediate view prevents undue influence, fostering impartial assessment. Each category holds pivotal significance in assessing speech effectiveness and warrants detailed explanation for optimal comprehension.
01- Gesture:
Effective utilization of hand gestures complements verbal communication, captivating audience attention and reinforcing key points. Strategic gestures enhance engagement and aid in conveying information succinctly. However, excessive gesturing detracts from the central message, necessitating moderation to maintain audience focus.
Let me say you should not be too much expansive, imagine a square around your chest, your hands should be inside that square otherwise it would be considered too expansive and withdraw the attention from your speech to your hands.
For example if you are going to give 3 points you can show one finger when talking about the first point, then 2 fingers and finally 3 fingers on the last point. This is a good way to make hand gestures and improve your overall speech.
02- Volume:
Adequate volume ensures auditory clarity, facilitating audience comprehension. Adjusting volume according to audience size and environment optimizes message delivery. Employing amplification tools like microphones aids in overcoming spatial constraints, ensuring seamless communication.
03- Reading:
Avoiding excessive reliance on written materials fosters direct engagement with the audience, fostering rapport and authenticity. Maintaining eye contact cultivates interpersonal connections, enhancing audience receptivity and participation. While referencing notes can alleviate nervousness, excessive reliance impedes spontaneity and detracts from overall fluency.
From my notes you can see that no one reads on the presentation today, that was very nice but also Notice (please watch the video) that the student 6 was so nervous that she had a “blank memory”, she had to pause for a moment, fortunately she was able to finish the speech, if she had brought the notes to look for, probably that would not have happened. If you are nervous, bringing the notes just in case can help you be more confident.
04- Pronunciation and Accent:
Effective pronunciation enhances message clarity, fostering audience comprehension and engagement. Accent, while inherent to individuals, should not compromise intelligibility. Engaging in vocal exercises and reading aloud facilitates pronunciation refinement, ensuring effective communication irrespective of accent diversity.
For more information on how to improve your accent and pronunciation click here.
05- Back to my notations
Now that you have read my explanation, have a second look of my notation. The only 2 students who have positive sign on every category was student 7 and 9. One of them win the first place in the context. Now you can also see that I am not covering the last column (total score). Those 2 students in my notation were even with 95 points, but again total score is not important, you could use different scale and the order of classification of the students would be same.
Analyzing the provided notation in conjunction with elucidated criteria facilitates nuanced assessment of speech performances. Identifying exemplary performances underscores the importance of holistic evaluation beyond numerical scores. Equipped with comprehensive evaluation criteria, individuals can discern areas for improvement and refine their speech delivery techniques accordingly.
Now you can watch the speech context presentation with my notes and see if you can spot the good and bad points from the students speech. I suppose now it will be easier because you know what to look for…
By dissecting the speech context and elucidating key evaluation criteria, individuals are empowered to enhance their speech performances systematically. Embracing the nuances of effective communication, from non-verbal cues to linguistic proficiency, facilitates transformative growth in both academic and professional spheres. Emphasizing continuous self-improvement and leveraging comprehensive evaluation frameworks augments speech delivery proficiency, thereby fostering impactful interpersonal communication endeavors.
Guess what? Last weekend (April 2024) We hit the century mark last weekend in Brazil! My Aunt turned a whopping 100 years old! Can you believe it? She's the trailblazer in our family, hitting the big 1-0-0. She's currently living with my mom, who's on duty as her personal caretaker.
I mentioned in my post about her 99th birthday bash that living far away, like abroad, can mean missing out on a ton of family shindigs. It's the price you pay for being an international jet-setter. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Thanks to today's tech, we can stay connected with free chats, video calls, and social media. The struggle ain't as real as it used to be!
As for me hitting the century mark? Well, let's just say I'll probably hit the "regressive count" instead. My life's been a rollercoaster, not perfect, but definitely a wild ride. My wish? That my kids, family, and even my students in China live it up and make the best choices so they don't end up looking back with regret.
My blog's chock-full of tips and opinions on navigating life's big decisions because, let's face it, where we end up is often a result of the choices we make. No pointing fingers here, folks!
Today was an absolute blast as we, the intrepid band of foreign teachers from Henan University of Engineering, embarked on a thrilling adventure to the whimsically named "Romance Park," all thanks to the indomitable spirit of our organizer extraordinaire, Amanda.
Our day was a kaleidoscope of wonder, starting with jaw-dropping shows that left us spellbound, followed by a delightful feast where camaraderie flourished over mouthwatering dishes. As we meandered through the park, we mingled with a plethora of Chinese visitors, swapping stories and laughter like old friends reunited.
But the real highlight? Interacting with the adorable students from elementary schools who peppered the park with their infectious energy. We chatted, we laughed, and we immortalized the moment with countless snapshots that will surely adorn our memory walls for years to come.
Now, let's talk about that grand finale – a mesmerizing spectacle that unfolded before our eyes. Although my grasp of Chinese is, let's say, a work in progress, the performance seemed to narrate China's epic journey through the ages. From ancient struggles to modern triumphs, it was a breathtaking saga of resilience and perseverance, punctuated by stirring dances, poignant scenes of war, and tales of families torn apart yet united in spirit. It's a timeless reminder that every nation has its own narrative of overcoming adversity to emerge stronger.
And oh, did I mention the costumes? Clad in traditional Chinese attire, we transformed into living embodiments of elegance and grace, capturing the essence of a culture steeped in history and allure.
As I reflect on this unforgettable day, one timeless lesson resonates loud and clear: the importance of learning from the past to shape a brighter tomorrow. After all, as the famous adage goes, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
With the click of my camera, I've captured not just moments, but memories to cherish forever. Hope to participate in more activities like this in the future.
