Overcoming Challenges: A Personal Story and Lesson.
Let me share with you a story about my father, who was a successful entrepreneur in the computer industry. He had built his own company from scratch with a few more associates and together they were doing exceedingly well. Despite this, he received an unexpected invitation from a prestigious technology university in Londrina to teach a course in his field. Being the first expert in computer programming from outside the state capital, my father could refuse the offer because he did not need that job.
However, things took an unexpected turn when a student threw a paper at him while he was writing on the blackboard during the first semester. This incident left my father unable to identify the culprit, and as a result, he stopped writing on the board altogether. This led to students losing access to his notes, and it eventually led them learning every action has its consequences.
It's often said that "students have the teacher they deserve," implying that a teacher's effectiveness is a direct reflection of their students' attitudes and behavior. However, as a teacher myself, I know that this isn't always the case. Despite teaching in China for nearly five years and loving every minute of it, I've encountered a few classes that haven't quite lived up to my expectations. While these situations are few and far between, they can be just as challenging as the one my father faced years ago.
Here is some evidence of my challenge:
That's why I've decided to do something different for this class. I have a surprise planned for them in the next week class, and I'm hoping it will change their attitude towards learning. I'm excited to see the impact it will have on the class, and I'll definitely be sharing the results with you in a follow-up post. Stay tuned!
Join our English Corner to Improve Your Language Skills and Make New Friends.
Today marked the start of our inaugural English corner activities, and what an exciting time it was! It was the beginning of an exciting journey for all English language enthusiasts as our inaugural English Corner activities were held. It was an amazing experience filled with fun and excitement that left everyone with a smile on their faces.
If you are looking for opportunities to practice English, look no more! Our English Corner provides the perfect platform for anyone who wishes to improve their language skills. The activities are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing participants to practice their English skills in a relaxed and informal environment.
One of the most significant benefits of attending the English Corner is that you get to make new friends and expand your social circles. It is a great way to connect with people who share similar interests, make new acquaintances, and strengthen existing relationships. The English Corner offers a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is welcome.
It is often said that this is where boys meet girls, and this is where girls meet boys. The English Corner offers a comfortable setting where participants can interact and get to know each other. It is a perfect place for anyone who wants to socialize and improve their language skills at the same time.
Learning is fun and engaging at the English Corner. The activities are designed to be informative, educational, and enjoyable. Participants are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas, which promotes a healthy exchange of knowledge and fosters intellectual growth.
Attending the English Corner is going to be one of your best memories from your college years. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn, socialize, and have fun all at the same time. You will make lasting friendships, improve your English skills, and develop a sense of belonging.
Lastly, attending the English Corner is how smart students improve their English without studying. The activities are designed to be fun and engaging, allowing students to improve their language skills without feeling like they are studying. It is an excellent way to learn while having fun.
I am not the organizer of today's English Corner activities, but I am pleased to announce that I have formed a WeChat group with almost 100 students who participated in the event. This group will serve as a platform for students to stay connected and engage with each other as they continue to improve their English language skills. As part of this effort, I also shared my book "The Key to Learn English" in the group to help students have access to valuable insights and practical tips that can aid them in their language learning journey. I believe that by sharing resources like this book, we can make the learning process more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
In conclusion, our inaugural English Corner activities were a resounding success. It was an exciting experience filled with fun, laughter, and learning. If you are looking for opportunities to improve your English language skills, make new friends, and have fun, the English Corner is the perfect place for you. Join us, and you won't be disappointed!
Do Grades Really Matter in Job Interviews? What Employers Actually Look for
When it comes to job interviews, many candidates worry about being asked to show their grades or transcripts. It's understandable to feel anxious about this, especially if you didn't perform as well as you would have liked in school. However, the truth is that grades are rarely a significant factor in the hiring decision. What really matters to employers is whether you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the job.
Think about it: if an employer is hiring someone to speak English, they're not going to ask to see your grades in English class. Instead, they'll want to see if you can actually speak the language fluently. They may conduct the interview in English to assess your proficiency or ask you to demonstrate your skills through a conversation or presentation. The same principle applies to other skills and qualifications required for the job. Employers want to know that you can do the job, not just that you got good grades in school.
Of course, this isn't to say that grades are completely irrelevant. In some fields, such as academia or research, grades and academic achievements may carry more weight. However, for most jobs, experience and skills matter more than academic performance. In fact, many successful people have achieved great things despite not having a perfect academic record.
Consider the example of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Jobs dropped out of college after just one semester and didn't have a degree or outstanding grades. However, he went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history. His success was based on his innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to create products that people loved - not his grades.
So, if you're worried about being asked to show your grades in a job interview, remember that employers are more interested in your skills and experience. Focus on highlighting your strengths and achievements, and be prepared to demonstrate your abilities through examples and anecdotes. And if you didn't perform as well as you would have liked in school, don't let that hold you back. Your future success is not determined by your past academic performance.
As an educator, I strongly believe in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for my students. That's why I'm not harsh on my students when it comes to grading. Instead, I like to reward effort and hard work, even if the student doesn't get everything right. My principle is that if a student is trying their best, they're likely to improve over time. I also like to provide opportunities for students to volunteer in class and keep trying. I believe that if they take advantage of these opportunities and keep working hard, they will ultimately succeed. By creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere in the classroom, I hope to help my students develop a growth mindset and the confidence they need to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, nobody ever asked me to see my grades in a job interview because what really matters is whether I can do the job. Employers want to see evidence of my skills and experience, not just my academic record. So, if you're worried about your grades, focus on developing your skills and showcasing your strengths - that's what will help you land your dream job.
In the post about Networking, I tell how I did find my job as a teacher in China, here is a clear example of what I just explain in this article, they ask me to teach a demonstrative lesson instead of asking me to see my grades.
Tips and Strategies for Learning Vocabulary Words in English
Learning vocabulary is a crucial part of learning any language, including English. Having a good vocabulary will help you communicate effectively and express yourself more precisely in English. In this post, we'll go over some tips and strategies to help you learn vocabulary words in English.
1) Read widely and regularly: Reading is an excellent way to learn new words and expand your vocabulary. Try to read a variety of materials in English, such as novels, newspapers, magazines, and online articles. This will expose you to different types of vocabulary, including formal and informal language, technical terms, and idiomatic expressions.
2) Use context clues: When you come across a word you don't know, try to understand its meaning based on the context. Look for clues in the surrounding words or sentences that can help you infer the word's meaning.
3) Keep a vocabulary journal: Create a notebook or use an app to record new words and their meanings. You can also include example sentences, synonyms, and antonyms. This will help you remember new words and review them regularly.
4) Use flashcards: Flashcards are a great way to practice vocabulary words. You can make your own flashcards with the words you want to learn or use an online tool. Review your flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory of the words.
5) Practice with exercises: There are many online resources that offer exercises and quizzes to help you practice and test your vocabulary. Some popular websites include Quizlet, Vocabulary.com, etc,
6) Listen to English: Listening to English is an excellent way to learn new vocabulary words and improve your pronunciation. You can watch English-language movies, TV shows, and documentaries, or listen to podcasts and radio programs. See my other post about using music to learn English and improve pronunciation.
7) Use apps: There are many apps available that can help you learn vocabulary words in English. Some popular apps include Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone.
8) Practice speaking: Practicing speaking is crucial to building your vocabulary. Try to use new words in conversations with native English speakers or with other learners. You can also record yourself speaking and listen to the recording to identify areas for improvement.
Combining the first two tips, reading widely and regularly and using context clues, can be a powerful combination when it comes to learning vocabulary words in English. By reading a variety of materials in English, you expose yourself to different types of vocabulary, including formal and informal language, technical terms, and idiomatic expressions. And by using context clues to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words, you avoid the need to look the dictionary all the time, making the process less boring and more engaging. Looking the dictionary all the time can interrupt your line of thinking and that is not good, you may want to finish the chapter or page before you go back and see all the words you could not figure it out the meaning by the context.
Furthermore, the same words often appear multiple times within a text, reinforcing what you have learned and increasing your chances of remembering those words. A few minutes of reading every day can do wonders for your improvement, especially if you focus on materials that interest you and challenge you just enough to learn new words but not feel overwhelmed.
Reading widely and regularly, and using context clues to understand unfamiliar words can be a powerful combination for learning vocabulary words in English. This approach allows you to learn new words in a more engaging way, while reinforcing your knowledge through repeated exposure to those words within a text. By making a habit of reading a few minutes every day, you can make significant progress in expanding your vocabulary and becoming a more effective communicator in English.
In summary, learning vocabulary words in English requires regular practice and exposure to different types of language. Using a variety of strategies, such as reading, using context clues, keeping a vocabulary journal, using flashcards and apps, and practicing speaking, will help you expand your vocabulary and become a more effective communicator in English.
Memories of University Life: Working on Projects in Agronomy Enginering with Wonderful Classmates
One particular memory that stands out was working on a project related to topography. It was a challenging assignment, but working together as a team made the task much easier and enjoyable. We spent many hours in the field, taking measurements and recording data, and then spent even more time analyzing the results and creating our final report. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot about teamwork and project management during that time.
Today , I came across a group of students working on a topography assignment (you can see the measure equipment on the picture),and it brought back memories of my university days. It was great to see the younger generation working together and learning, just as we did all those years ago. Although I do not have pictures of doing the assignment on those days, I do have some images from my topography notebook, which I often look at to remind myself of those wonderful times.
Lastly, I would like to add that my classmates from university remain my close friends until today. Even though we have all moved on with our lives, we still keep in touch and reminisce about our time together. Being a university student was an amazing experience, and I am grateful for the memories and friendships that came out of it.
Square Dancing Competition at Zhengzhou University: A Showcase of Skill and Energy
Square dancing has become a popular form of physical exercise and social activity among middle-aged and elderly Chinese people. However, it is also enjoyed by younger generations, as demonstrated by a recent square dancing competition held at Zhengzhou University, one of China's leading universities.
Teams of around fifty students from 15 different teams competed in the event, showcasing the beauty and elegance of square dancing. The dancers were all dressed in matching outfits, adding to the visual appeal of the performance.
As the music started, each team took their positions in the playground. The dancers then moved in perfect synchronization, their steps perfectly matching the rhythm of the music. The competition was intense, with each team trying to outdo the other with their dance moves and energy.
The audience was captivated by the performance, cheering and clapping as each team took their turn on the stage. The energy in the room was infectious, with everyone swept up in the excitement of the event.
Square dancing has become a beloved pastime in China, and competitions like this one showcase the skill and talent of the dancers. It is a testament to the power of dance to bring people together, regardless of age or background.
Playing in the snow is an experience like no other. The snow-covered landscape, the chilly air, and the sound of crunching snow underfoot all create a magical atmosphere that draws people outdoors to enjoy the beauty and fun of winter.
The moment you step outside and feel the crisp air hit your face, you know you're in for a treat. The landscape is transformed into a wonderland, with everything coated in a layer of pristine white snow. The trees look like they are wearing a white fluffy coat, and the ground is soft and cushiony underfoot. The world is quieter, and there is a sense of calm that comes with the snow.
Me and the students looking at the snow outside.
As you start to move around, you notice that everything is different. Walking in the snow requires a bit more effort than usual, but it is incredibly satisfying to see your footsteps left behind in the snow. You may start to feel a sense of freedom as you venture further away from the beaten path and explore new terrain.
Playing in the snow is not just for kids. Adults can enjoy a variety of winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating activities that take advantage of the snow's natural properties. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the wilderness and get some exercise while enjoying the winter scenery. Sledding down a hill is an age-old tradition that is just as fun today as it was when you were a child.
One of the best things about playing in the snow is the sense of camaraderie it creates. Snow activities are best enjoyed with friends and family. Whether you're building a snowman or having a snowball fight, there's nothing like laughing and having fun with others while surrounded by the snow's beauty.
Overall, playing in the snow is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once in their life. The snow's beauty and wonder are truly unique, and the memories you make while playing in it will stay with you forever. So, next time the snow falls, don't stay indoors, grab some friends and head outside for some winter fun.
Below it is when I saw snow for the first time in my life, I was living in USA (1998-2001)
