English Study Group

Estudy English Group: A Fun and Engaging Learning Adventure

This vacation, I wanted to do something different and truly enjoyable, so I decided to volunteer as a tutor for an English study group. My goal was to create a fun and engaging environment for students eager to improve their English skills.

 

Why I'm Doing This

 

A Desire to Give Back: This experience was all about finding ways to serve others. Even though it started during my vacation (talk about dedication!),I was excited to volunteer my time to help students improve their English — for free! There were no grades.

The Initial Challenge: When I first pitched the idea, I teamed up with Alex from the School of Language Education. We reached out to students, but I think many were too shy to say "no," so they said they would come to class but on the next when I was about to start the class they didn't show up. It was a bit disappointing, and I did cancel that first group. But as you may have guessed I wasn't ready to give up just yet!

A New Approach: I regrouped and tried a different strategy. I told students, "You don't have to join this project, but if you do, all I ask is your commitment to show up and participate. It's free, no grades, just a fun and serious learning experience." This time, I got around five students — a small group, but a very dedicated one!

The Dedicated Few: The university was almost deserted, with most students on vacation. However, those who stayed were preparing for their post-graduation entrance exams. Despite having no classes, many claimed they didn't have time. I could have argued that they had plenty of time, but I didn't. I wanted only those genuinely interested in being part of the project.

The Power of Volunteering: The group you will see in the video from the online course I made from this experience was small but mighty. These students were incredibly dedicated, showing up consistently and engaging with all the class assignments. It reminded me of the spirit of volunteering—being there because you want to, not because you have to. It's like going to church: you attend not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to be there.

In the end, this experience has been incredibly rewarding, and as of today the classes are still going on. Volunteering has a unique power—it brings together people who genuinely want to be there, creating a positive and productive environment. And also I am under the impression those students will accomplish great things in the future. They are the kind of students I love, they want to learn.

And who knew? Teaching English could be so much fun!

YouTube / YouKu

This is how we ended our English study group today (picture above) - eating this delicious barbecue together. My last assignment to students were to write something about this experience, here are their posts:

https://weibo.com/6576602091/5063033040146707 

https://www.bilibili.com/opus/961088027347648531

Wechat does not provide a link, so I am sharing a picture above

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1p8igeSEM9

 

 

 

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 25 Jul 2024

Embracing Rejection: A Path to Better Social Connections

 

Rejected again ?

 

Embracing Rejection: A Path to Better Social Connections

Introduction

Rejection is a common fear that many of us face, especially when it comes to social interactions. However, embracing rejection can be a powerful way to build better social connections, which in turn can open doors to numerous opportunities, from landing a great job to finding a romantic partner. This article is designed to help you navigate this journey, just as I would guide my own children, and as I do with my students here in China.

The Importance of Social Connections

Social connections are at the heart of many positive outcomes in life. They provide support, opportunities, and enrich our lives in countless ways. Whether it's networking for a job or meeting a potential life partner, the ability to connect with others is invaluable. I discuss this often with my kids—one more outgoing and the other more reserved—emphasizing that developing social skills is essential for a fulfilling life.

A Personal Approach to Connection

If you're reading this on my teaching website, it's likely you're one of my students. I want to share a method that has helped me, and could help you, become more socially connected and confident. When I first came to China, I struggled to make friends. I decided to change that by pushing myself out of my comfort zone, a strategy I now propose to you through a simple but effective exercise.

The WeChat Group Challenge

Here's what I suggest: let's form a WeChat group with you and your friends who are interested in improving their social skills. Our goal will be to engage in a fun, yet challenging activity that will help you overcome shyness and make more friends.

here is another challenge that may help you - Power Posing Challenge.

The Canteen Game

The game is straightforward: go to the canteen and try to sit with someone you don't know. If they agree and you eat together, take a picture and post it in our WeChat group. If they say "no," you earn one point. The rationale is to seek out rejections, thus removing the fear of hearing "no." You'll be surprised at how often people will say "yes," and you'll end up making new friends.

Why This Works

For many, especially boys who are shy or looking to talk to girls, this game can be particularly beneficial. The more you practice, the more confident and relaxed you'll become, increasing the chances of a positive response. Some students who have already played this game have shared that it wasn't as difficult as they thought, it was fun, and it boosted their confidence. Remember, this isn't a one-time exercise; the more you do it, the better you'll become.

My Experience

When I arrived in China, I wasn't making many friends. This exercise changed my life. Now, I can't eat in the canteen without making a new friend. If you see me alone in the canteen, it's likely because someone said "no" or left quickly due to shyness about conversing in English with me.

A Message to My Kids and Students

What I want my kids—and you—to understand is that developing your social skills and building a broad network (both professional and personal) gives you options. If you're shy and have few contacts, you might end up in a relationship with the first person who shows interest, without exploring other possibilities. This approach limits your ability to make well-informed decisions. By expanding your social circle, you give yourself more options and better chances to make choices that truly align with your desires and goals.

Conclusion

Rejection can be daunting, but it's also a pathway to growth and better social connections. By embracing the possibility of rejection, you can build confidence, make new friends, and open doors to new opportunities. Join our WeChat group, participate in the canteen game, and let's transform our social lives together. Remember, the more you practice, the better you'll become. Let's have fun and grow together!

YouTube Link

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 06 Jun 2024

A Delightful Day on Campus - Mahojong

 

Mahojong

A Delightful Day on Campus

Today was another wonderful day spent wandering around the university campus. The weather was perfect for a leisurely stroll through the lush, green areas. As I walked, I noticed many students taking their graduation pictures. Naturally, I couldn't resist joining in the fun, chatting with them, and even participating in a few photoshoots. It's always a joy to capture these moments and share in their excitement.

I also had the chance to reconnect with some old friends. We spent the afternoon walking among the trees, reminiscing about our past adventures and catching up on each other's lives. Our reunion culminated in a delightful dinner together, filled with laughter and good conversation.

Later in the evening, I headed to the playground to wrap up my day with a game of Mahjong. It was my first time playing, but the other students were incredibly helpful, guiding me through the rules and strategies. To my surprise, I won! Beginner's luck, perhaps, but it was thrilling nonetheless.

Experiences like these make life on campus so enriching and enjoyable. This past week, I decided to renew my contract for another year. With days like today, how could I resist?

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 24 May 2024

Me, a Professional Photographer???

 

Professional Photographer

Me, a Professional Photographer???

So, today I had no classes, but instead of lounging around at home all day, I decided to head to the university campus for some student interaction. Sometimes, it's a hit-or-miss situation—finding willing conversation partners can be like finding a needle in a haystack. But today? Today was my lucky day. I became a professional photographer! Well, sort of. I mean, I'm far from being a pro, but it was a blast.

It all started when I noticed a group of girls struggling with a tripod. Naturally, I swooped in to offer my expert assistance. Before I knew it, I was trailing them around campus, snapping photos to commemorate their graduation days. This time of year, the campus is teeming with students, especially girls, dressed in their graduation outfits, capturing memories. Normally, I'd just stumble upon these scenes and join in for some spontaneous fun, but today, I was the designated photographer.

After our impromptu photo shoot, we headed to the canteen for dinner, followed by some lively card games. It was a fantastic day—I made new friends and had a genuinely good time.

A big shout-out to the girls for letting me tag along and have so much fun. In my humble opinion, we captured some amazing photos. Not because of my newfound "photography skills," but because the girls looked absolutely stunning and adorable in their matching graduation attire. Thanks for a memorable day, ladies!

YouKu / YouTube

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 17 May 2024

 

Burger

Indulging in a burger every single day might not earn you a gold star in the health department, but let's face it, resisting the temptation is like trying to dodge a speeding train of flavor. Picture this: it's Saturday, and I'm on a mission. Two chicken burgers from the joint in the snapshot. Why? Because not only are they finger-licking good, but they also come with a side of friendship. 

Enter John, the English aficionado. He's not just flipping patties; he's flipping through textbooks, determined to master the language. And guess what? Our weekly burger rendezvous has transformed us into buddies. Sure, the burgers are scrumptious, but the real meat of the matter is the delightful banter we share. So, if you're on the hunt for a top-notch burger joint inside university campus, trust me, this place is the real deal.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 04 May 2024

Why You Should Follow Teachers' Advice.

 

Teacher advice

Why You Should Follow Teachers' Advice.

Teachers offer advice with the intention of helping their students succeed. However, not all students heed this advice, often leading to disappointment in their academic performance. Let me explain further.

At the beginning of the semester, I assigned two tasks to be completed by the end of April 2024. I emphasized the importance of not procrastinating, as submitting assignments early would allow for feedback and corrections, ultimately maximizing grades.

Despite the warning, many students waited until the last day to submit their work. Yesterday, amidst a full day of classes, I received numerous submissions to assess. Due to time constraints, I couldn't provide feedback as promised. This scenario highlights common issues encountered:

1. Broken links within submissions.
2. Missing or incorrect links to the original sources.
3. Failure to meet the minimum word count requirement.
4. Submission of screenshots instead of the required content.
5. Minimal effort from last-minute submitters compared to those who completed the task earlier and produced well-structured reviews.

In essence, the assignment was straightforward, and with effort, students could have achieved high scores. My grading was fair, not penalizing for minor errors.

Upon closing submissions, I anticipate inquiries from students dissatisfied with their grades. Hence, I'm writing this to direct them here.

There's no excuse for subpar performance. Those truly dedicated to learning English will find ways to practice and improve. The disparity between committed and indifferent students is evident in class participation and engagement.

Monthly reports highlight exceptional students who actively participate, engage in exercises, and seek additional learning opportunities. They are the reason for my passion in teaching. However, there are also those who show little interest, as observed in today's classes, here show at the following pictures:

 

Delivery time finished April 30 2024 at 11:59 pm, this article was Published 2 minutes after that (May 01 2024 at 0:01 am - China time) on https://mgameirollc.uteach.io/blog

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 30 Apr 2024

The Perils of Procrastination

Deadline

The Perils of Procrastination: A Comedy of Errors with a Serious Twist

Ah, the sweet melody of procrastination, where deadlines are merely suggestions and the adrenaline rush of last-minute panic becomes our closest companion. But hold on, dear students, for I come bearing tales of caution and a plea for your timely action!

Picture this: you've been warned, admonished, and practically begged not to leave your assignments to the eleventh hour. Yet, like moths to a flame, you find yourselves dancing dangerously close to disaster, armed only with the feeble excuse that "accidents happen."

Now, I'm not here to rain on your procrastination parade with a dull lecture about responsibility and time management. No, no, no! Instead, let's embark on a whimsical journey through the land of academic mishaps and the consequences of your procrastination prowess.

Imagine, if you will, a grand spectacle of chaos unfolding before your very eyes. It's the night before the deadline, and you're frantically typing away, fueled by caffeine and sheer desperation. Suddenly, disaster strikes! Your internet connection decides to take an impromptu vacation, leaving you stranded in a digital wasteland. Oh, the horror! But wait, there's more.

As you scramble to find a solution, fate throws another curveball your way. Your laptop, faithful companion in times of academic turmoil, chooses this precise moment to stage a rebellion of its own. Blue screen of death, anyone? It's like a tragic comedy unfolding in real-time, with you playing the role of the hapless protagonist.

But here's the punchline, my dear students: while accidents may indeed happen, they're often the unfortunate byproduct of our own procrastination. You see, by leaving things to the last minute, we're essentially playing a dangerous game of academic roulette, where the odds are never in our favor.

So, the next time you find yourself tempted by the siren song of procrastination, remember this cautionary tale. Think of it as your friendly neighborhood reminder that while accidents may be inevitable, they're far less likely to occur when you plan ahead and heed the warnings of your wise academic advisors.

In conclusion, let us bid farewell to the land of procrastination and embrace the sweet serenity of timely action. For in doing so, we not only safeguard ourselves against the perils of last-minute chaos but also pave the way for a brighter, more successful academic future.

Now, go forth, dear students, and conquer those deadlines with the fervor of a thousand scholars! And remember, the only accidents we should be embracing are happy accidents in the realm of creativity, not the avoidable calamities of procrastination gone awry.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 30 Apr 2024