Maze Madness

PS: This postscript is presented first as it holds significant importance. A few years ago, I began encouraging my children to invest their time in activities that could develop into valuable skills for the future, potentially skills that might enhance their employability. Ideally, when presented with the luxury of choice and ample time, one should opt for an activity they genuinely enjoy, making the investment of time a gratifying pursuit rather than a sacrifice.

Several months later, the results manifested – my eldest child, Bernando, successfully published his first game. I vividly recall the countless hours he dedicated to programming and various other tasks. Today, he possesses employable experience that would have been unattainable otherwise. I am proud to present this advertisement for his accomplishment, and at the conclusion of this post, you can find the link to his game.

🌟 Introducing "Maze!" - A Thrilling Adventure for Kids of All Ages! 🌟

Hey there, gaming enthusiasts! 🎮 Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey through twisting corridors and mind-bending puzzles? Look no further than "Maze!" – a captivating 2D indie game that promises endless fun for kids and the young at heart.

🌈 Explore a World of Minimalist Marvels: "Maze!" takes you on an immersive adventure with its charming minimalist visuals. The simplicity of the design allows players to focus on the thrill of navigating through ever-changing mazes. 

🔄 Endless Variety with Procedurally Generated Mazes: No two adventures are alike! "Maze!" features procedurally generated mazes, ensuring that every playthrough is a unique challenge. Get ready to test your skills as you navigate through twists, turns, and dead ends, making each maze a fresh and exciting puzzle waiting to be solved.

🔍 Choose Your Challenge: Customize your gaming experience by selecting from four different algorithms, each offering a distinct maze-solving experience. Whether you prefer the thrill of unpredictability or the strategic planning of a well-structured maze, "Maze!" has something for everyone.

⏰ Race Against Time for High Scores: Feel the adrenaline rush as you race against the clock to achieve high scores! "Maze!" challenges players to navigate the maze as quickly as possible, adding an element of competition and encouraging friendly rivalry among players. Who will emerge as the ultimate maze master?

🎉 Perfect for Kids and the Young at Heart: "Maze!" is designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages. Its simple yet engaging gameplay makes it an ideal choice for kids, while the procedural generation and algorithmic challenges provide depth and enjoyment for players of any age group.

🌐 Share Your Achievements: Connect with fellow maze explorers! Share your high scores, achievements, and strategies on social media platforms. Challenge your friends to beat your best times and create a community of maze enthusiasts.

🚀 Get Ready for an Adventure: Are you up for the challenge? Dive into the captivating world of "Maze!" and experience the joy of exploration, strategy, and competition. Download the game today and embark on an adventure that will keep you coming back for more!

🔗 [https://store.steampowered.com/app/2718560/Maze/]

Let the maze madness begin! 🏁 #MazeGame #GamingAdventure #IndieGameFun

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 06 Dec 2023

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October 20 - Halloween in 11 days

 

October 20

A few household items for the end of October:

1) Fist of all - You have noticed already that HOMEWORK is always to be done in group with one report per group and also to be deliver next class on PAPER (NOT on wechat) and if you don’t deliver when I ask, don’t even bother to deliver later because I will not accept it.

2) today is October 20 – it means you have only more 11 days to deliver the 2 assignments (the book test and book review). Please notice that this not homework, this is the ASSIGNMENTS and it supposed to be deliver online in wechat. Also pay attention to the instructions below

Even if you do the assignments in my website or Manually you have to send me the picture of your score in wechat anyway

 

here is the link to my website: https://mgameirollc.uteach.io

 

3) October 31 is HALLOWEEN day. Do you want to celebrate ? if so let me know. When I was in zhuzhou we did a English corner halloween party and it was fun, below are some of the pictures of that occasion.

 

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 20 Oct 2023

 

Mastering English Speech Contests

Excelling in English Speech Contests: A Guide for Chinese Students

Introduction:

English speech contests in China provide students with a unique opportunity to showcase their language skills and communication prowess. To help you succeed in this challenging yet rewarding endeavor, here is a comprehensive guide with valuable advice on preparing and delivering an impressive speech.

Choose a Compelling Topic: Start by selecting a topic that genuinely interests you. Your passion for the subject will shine through in your delivery, capturing the attention of the audience. Ensure the topic is relevant and aligns with the theme of the speech contest.

Structure Your Speech: Organize your thoughts into a clear and coherent structure. A well-structured speech typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Clearly define your main points, supporting them with examples, anecdotes, or relevant data.

Language and Vocabulary: Focus on using a diverse range of vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency. Avoid overly complex sentences that may lead to confusion. Strike a balance between clarity and sophistication, and practice enunciating words clearly.

Practice Pronunciation and Intonation: Pay careful attention to pronunciation and intonation. Practice with native speakers or language exchange partners to refine your accent. Correct pronunciation enhances comprehension, while varied intonation keeps your speech engaging.

Master Non-Verbal Communication: Your body language, facial expressions, and gestures contribute significantly to your overall communication. Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures, and be mindful of your posture. Non-verbal cues reinforce your message and help establish a connection with the audience.

Capture Attention with a Strong Opening: The beginning of your speech sets the tone. Start with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. Consider using a relevant quote, a thought-provoking question, or a captivating anecdote to draw your listeners in.

Engage Your Audience: Actively involve your audience by asking rhetorical questions, encouraging participation, or incorporating relatable examples. A speech that engages the audience is more likely to be memorable and impactful.

Be Mindful of Time Constraints: Respect the allocated time for your speech. Practice delivering your speech within the time limit to ensure you cover all essential points without rushing. Timing is crucial, and an effectively managed speech demonstrates professionalism.

Receive Feedback: Seek constructive feedback from teachers, peers, or language experts. Incorporate their suggestions to improve both content and delivery. A fresh perspective can help you identify areas for enhancement that you might have overlooked.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural nuances when delivering an English speech in China. Consider the diverse background of your audience and avoid topics that may be sensitive. Tailor your language and examples to be culturally appropriate.

Record and Review: Record yourself delivering the speech and review the footage. Analyze your body language, tone, and overall presentation. This self-reflection will help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence.

Conclusion:

Participating in English speech contests is a commendable pursuit that not only hones your language skills but also builds confidence in public speaking. By following these guidelines and incorporating feedback, you'll be well-prepared to deliver an exceptional speech that leaves a lasting impression on your audience and judges alike. Good luck!

Watch my video talking about the tips and after that see some of the speech on the activity (YouKu / YouTube)

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 03 Dec 2023

 

Lost in Faces (Names)

Embracing the Art of Forgetfulness: Navigating Names in a Foreign Land

Ah, the saga of name amnesia continues, and here I am, proudly embracing my talent for forgetting names, especially in a language as captivatingly complex as Chinese. Now, I confess, name recall has never been my forte, not even in the comfort of my native tongue. There's this one cringe-worthy incident from years past when I completely blanked on my brother-in-law's name. Trust me, the embarrassment was palpable, and I became the unwitting star of jokes, with whispers suggesting early-onset Alzheimer's. Ridiculous, I know – it's just names that play hide-and-seek with my memory.

Fast forward to the present, and I find myself in the heart of China, sharing the gift of English education. Lo and behold, my struggle with names has taken a peculiar turn, and let me tell you, it's gotten worse.

Sure, I could wallow in frustration and self-directed anger – after all, it's undeniably awkward to engage with students, share meals, and conduct English corners, all while they effortlessly recall my name while I grapple with theirs. And let's not even talk about the mispronunciations; that's a cringe-fest of its own.

But, dear reader, there's a twist in this tale. In China, much like elsewhere, social media and text messages are our communication lifelines. However, here's the plot twist: no one, and I mean no one, uses their actual picture in their profile. Picture this – it's not a profile picture but a random avatar or some artwork. Now, I might not remember names, but I've got a knack for faces. I can recognize if I've interacted with a student before. The catch? When a message pops up without a face to put to the name, it's a guessing game.

So, I resort to tactics. I've turned my chat backgrounds into a collage of photos with students. It's like a memory aid, and it works wonders. But, let's be real – snapping pics with everyone is not always feasible. In those instances, I've learned to let go, not allowing a name lapse to hinder new connections. After all, life is too short to stifle the blossoming of friendships just because names slip through the cracks.

backgrond with the student picture

Now, I'm penning down this piece not just as a therapeutic release but also as a response to the perpetual queries I face about this peculiar habit here in China. I find myself explaining it repeatedly, and perhaps, through this article, I can spark a conversation or gather some fresh insights. And hey, while I'm at it, let's unravel the mystery of the avatars – why do Chinese folks avoid using their real pictures in profiles?

The top three explanations I've received so far are:

1. Shyness – a common reason everywhere.
2. Modesty – a claim that beauty isn't a prerequisite.
3. Privacy – a shield to guard their personal lives from prying eyes.

If you've got another angle on this or a unique take, drop it in the comments. Let's turn this forgetful journey into a collective exploration!

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 25 Nov 2023

 

When Ethics goes beyond academics

From the Ethics course of professor George Siedel I found this very interesting story:

This tale isn't just a figment of imagination; it echoes a real-world scenario involving Qualcomm. In the heat of negotiations, a fateful fax divulging sensitive strategy accidentally found its way into Qualcomm's hands. The reaction was unexpected – rather than exploiting the advantage, Qualcomm's general counsel rushed to the CEO, Irwin Jacobs, with the document in hand. However, Jacobs' response wasn't what was anticipated; he questioned its intended recipient and promptly ordered its return. The general counsel left the encounter humbled but with a newfound admiration for Jacobs' unwavering ethics. Such integrity is rare in today's cutthroat business world, yet it's the cornerstone upon which reputations are built and sustained.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 29 Feb 2024

 

Financial literacy

In today's rapidly evolving world, financial literacy is more important than ever before. From managing personal finances to making strategic decisions in business, being financially literate is a crucial skill that empowers individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape effectively. Here's why finance literacy is indispensable in today's world:

1) Personal Financial Management: Financial literacy equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their personal finances responsibly. From budgeting and saving to understanding investment options and managing debt, being financially literate enables individuals to make informed decisions that support their long-term financial well-being.

2) Economic Participation: In an increasingly globalized economy, financial literacy is essential for full economic participation. Individuals who understand concepts like interest rates, inflation, and taxation are better equipped to make sound financial decisions, participate in the economy, and contribute to their own prosperity and that of society as a whole.

3) Entrepreneurship and Business: For entrepreneurs and small business owners, financial literacy is paramount. Understanding financial statements, cash flow management, and capital budgeting allows entrepreneurs to effectively manage their businesses, make informed investment decisions, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with confidence.

4) Career Advancement: In many industries, financial literacy is a valuable skill that can lead to career advancement opportunities. Professionals who understand financial concepts and can analyze financial data are highly sought after in fields such as banking, consulting, accounting, and corporate finance. Employers value employees who can contribute to strategic decision-making and financial planning.

5) Financial Stability and Security: Being financially literate is essential for achieving financial stability and security. Individuals who understand how to plan for the future, invest wisely, and protect themselves against financial risks are better positioned to weather economic downturns, unexpected expenses, and other financial challenges that may arise.

6) Consumer Protection: Financial literacy empowers consumers to make informed decisions when it comes to financial products and services. Understanding concepts like interest rates, fees, and terms and conditions allows individuals to compare options, avoid predatory financial practices, and protect themselves from fraud and exploitation.

In conclusion, financial literacy is a fundamental skill that is indispensable in today's world. Whether managing personal finances, starting a business, advancing

Take our Finance Quiz here.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 13 Feb 2024

It is Easy to deceive me.

Tricking a foreign English teacher who doesn't speak the local language seems like a breeze, especially when grappling with unfamiliar names. I, for one, am no name maestro, especially when dealing with languages I can't even pronounce properly. So, instead of risking linguistic acrobatics, I resort to the pragmatic approach of calling my students by their university numbers during roll call. Now, this might be a common practice in many of my classes, and I usually let it slide without much ado. But not today. Something caught my attention - a student seemed to be playing a double role in attendance, shuffling places and mysteriously vanishing from the class after a second response. 

Being the curious soul that I am, I decided to explore it further. In the picture above I did mark it in green the spot where the elusive student had initially settled. Fortunately, she didn't return, and let's be clear, I'm not here to shame anyone, I am glad she did not return because now she can remain anonymous while I am explaining my point. My goal is not to be the villain in their academic story; rather, it's about nudging them towards a better way of behaving and fostering a good character while learning. 

In my world, where images speak louder than words, take a gander at another picture detailing my grading system. Attendance, a humble 3 points per day, sums up to a whopping 30 points over 10 days, constituting 30% of the final grade. In short, a single day's absence translates to a mere 0.9 points deducted from the final grade. Yes, you heard it right - less than one point, and if the student give me a excuse paper from the office explaining why did they miss my class, they only going to loose 0.3 points, almost nothing at all.

It boggles my mind why students would compromise their integrity for less than a point. In my previous posts, I've emphasized the significance of integrity, both in life and within the classroom. This might seem like a minor infraction, but let me be clear - heading in the wrong direction, even in small matters, can lead to a dark place. 

YouTube

Allow me to drive the point home with a real-life example. There's a viral YouTube video where a judge reminisces about her former classmate, once a friend and considered one of the sweet kids. Now, she sits in judgment as he faces the consequences of his bad behavior, losing his freedom. So, here's my message: don't veer off in the wrong direction, no matter how trivial it may seem at the time.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 17 Nov 2023