Abstract This paper sets out to analyse two sets of exercises in teaching various aspects of English language, from grammar, to vocabulary, to communication. The two texts are "Studying Strategies Students' Book" by B Abbs and I Freebairn and "Cutting Edge Pre-Intermediate" by S Cunningham and P Moor. It looks at how each book approaches the teaching of these areas in different manners, one following a more audio-lingual based method of teaching, and the other focusing more on tasks and communication.
From the Paper "Looking first at the extract from Studying Strategies, which includes such Audio-linguist teaching tools as drills role-plays, it is apparent that this is a method in which Kuwaiti students would feel comfortable as a result of the entirety of their education being based on rote learning. They would feel comfortable with the tight structure and teacher-led instruction that extract A offers, as the only demands made of them would be to learn and repeat. In general, Kuwaitis are excellent at mimicking languages, thus making them quite proficient in oral work, the area of language learning that they feel most comfortable. In fact, the majority of Kuwaiti students are able to hold a conversation in English quite easily, and yet their accuracy levels fall below par in comparison."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the content in the audio documentary which illustrates amongst other issues the death row process as it is carried out at the Walls Prison in Huntsville, Texas.
This paper analyzes the manner in which the audio content is depicted to the listening audience which the writer contends is both graphic and distressing. This paper also delves into and discusses the actual structure of the audio documentary.
From the Paper "Whether or not someone is for or against capital punishment listening to the audio documentary "Witness to an Execution" is a harrowing experience. The documentary focuses on the stories of the women and men involved with the execution of death row inmates at the Walls unit in Huntsville Texas. What is particularly emotionally grim is the minute-by-minute description of carrying out an execution by lethal injection. The listener is not the only one distressed by the description."
Abstract In order to assess the potential for Bose Audio Systems to succeed in the Brazilian market, this paper examines the Brazilian consumer habits. It begins with an overview of the country's economy and then discusses its consumer market. The market risks are assessed and the policy of trade liberalization is examined. The paper concludes with a focus on the radio consumer habits of the population.
From the Paper "Brazil is a promising market for Bose. Its economy has shrunk from approximately 800 billion to just over 500 billion over the last six years due to the falling Real. Although Bose's target audience has been hit by these economic woes, international diversification has softened the blow. Although Brazil is one of the five biggest countries in terms of physical size, money is concentrated in the hands of a small, influential number of people who live almost exclusively in the country's large urban centers and enjoy lifestyles comparable to those of northern Italians. This urban elite regularly listens to the radio and has a preference for FM music stations, tending to listen to classical music. Brazilian upper-middle class consumers are very brand conscious and tend to prefer foreign goods. Brazilians will purchase a foreign good over a domestic product of similar quality. Tariffs have steadily fallen over the last 50 years, slightly rising only since 1995 due to regional trade blocs. The buying habits of upper middle class consumers are largely determined by buying habits that are found in the United States. Brazil is less stable than the relatively more egalitarian northern hemisphere but its capitalist economy enjoys the active support of the United States and international lending and aide organizations. Brazil enjoys a longstanding tradition of having a privately owned media."
Abstract The paper examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the audio electronic industry, specifically portable products like MP3 players. The paper discusses the growing market, focusing on companies like Sony and Toshiba. The paper discusses brand awareness of these products and discusses development agreements between companies such as Nike and Apple, where iPods would be attached to running shoes to measure distances. The paper concludes that while the market is booming, with the average consumer spending $250 a year on music, this could be nearing saturation point.
From the Paper "Continual new product development - The dominant approach this industry generates new demand is through new product development. Apple's research and development spend dominates the industry today and has lead to the adoption of wireless and potentially cellular TV on the iPod platform. Growing international sales - The continued focus on growing global sales through the development of distribution channels, varying music and video formats, and a focus on bringing localized content to specific areas of the world where digitized music is not available today."
Abstract This paper explains that TESOL differs from English instruction for native speakers in that its primary foci are on language and cultural practices in English-speaking countries, as opposed to English literature.The author points out that of the many alternative methods now in use, most have common basic elements: The learning of phrases and sentences instead of single words, the infrequent use of the native tongue, and the emphasis on the spoken language, but all still rely on memory as the key to mastery and include a variety of tools to aid memory, including video and audio tapes, drills and exercises. The author recommends that the instructor yo-yo back and forth from the right brain of Total Physical Response Approach (TPR) to the left-brain of ALM; anything new is first internalized through the body with TPR, then switch to the other side of the brain for verbal exercises of speaking, reading, and writing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Various Approaches in TESOL
The Communicative Approach
The Natural Approach
The Task-Based Approach
The AudioLingual Approach
The Silent Way Approach
The Counseling-Learning Approach
The Accelerated Learning Approach
The Total Physical Response Approach (TPR)
Conclusion
From the Paper "The natural approach is based on a number of hypotheses about learning procedures and conditions for learning. Most of the hypotheses are based on one of the most influential models of Second Language Acquisition, called the Monitor Model, developed by the American Linguist, Stephen Krasher. The Monitor Model is closely linked to the distinction between learning and acquisition. The adult learner has two ways of attaining the ability to perform in English: tacit (or subconscious) acquisition and conscious learning. The monitor hypothesis states that in English performance, the subconscious knowledge of English attained through acquisition initiates an utterance plan, whereas the monitor checks and corrects the language output. The Monitor is explicit; it is the learned knowledge of rules of the language (Rosebery et al. 1992)."
Abstract This paper discusses ten traditional methods of language teaching in detail, describing the principles of each and how they help both teachers and students to teach, understand, learn, and practice all the skills they learn through these approaches.
From the Paper "Grammar Translation Method
This method involves the learner to spend a lot of time in understanding the language structure. Though both listening as well as speaking suffer because of it. However, grammar and vocabulary are being stressed throughout the teaching method.
The grammar translation method has been derived from traditional approaches to the teaching of Latin and Greek in the nineteenth century (Selected Lesson Plans). It was originally used to teach 'dead' languages as well as literatures for instance Latin and Greek, and was accounted for its heavy bias towards written work to the virtual leaving out of oral production. However, its main features are as follow (Kitao):
-A careful analysis of the target written language, particularly its grammar.
-The Grammar rules are presented and learned clearly
-From bilingual word lists, vocabulary is learned
-A paramount use of translation exercises
-The medium of instruction is mother tongue
-Less or no attention is paid to speaking and listening skills."
Abstract The paper discusses how integrating different language teaching methods will have the benefit of catering to a wide variety of student needs; something that a single approach will probably not accomplish. The paper explores the methods of teaching the Slavic language to students where the proficiency level is basically non-existent. The paper selects nine different language teaching methods and determines which are most appropriate for such a language teaching course and also how they can be integrated to achieve optimal results. The paper's information for all the teaching approaches is derived from Dr. Jill Kerper Mora.
Outline:
Total Physical Response
The Grammar Translation Method
The AudioLingual Method
The Communicative Approach
The Functional Notional Method
The Direct Approach
The Reading Approach
The Silent Way
The Community Language Learning Method
Conclusion
From the Paper "Globalization and the concept of the "global village", has brought about interesting developments in language teaching. It is currently recognized, for example, that contact with one or more natives from foreign countries during an average lifetime is more likely than not. Furthermore, the information age entails that knowledge from across the globe is integrated in the academic world. This implies that not all academic texts will be in English, and that some foreign language skills are necessary to access texts in certain fields. Finally, businesses generally offer expanded opportunities to those who are willing to relocate to foreign countries. The success of such ventures often depends upon an ability to communicate with the target country's native population. The question is therefore not so much whether foreign languages in a curriculum are important, but rather how they should be taught."
Abstract This paper describes the great benefits of the bi-lingual nature of the population of the United States today. The paper illustrates how historically American was a great immigrant melting pot with many languages from the colonial population's mother country. The author states that the United States is still the same immigrant nation, and that this quality of diversity and multi-cultural and multi-lingual society can only strengthen America. The paper states that the cultural paranoia of English as the only official language weakens the nation as a whole.
From the Paper "Just as languages, other than English have at all times been a part of our history and culture, debate over founding a national language dates back to the country's initial stages. John Adams proposed to the Continental Congress in 1780 that an official academy be shaped to "purify, develop, and dictate usage of," English. His suggestion was discarded as unjust and a danger to personal freedom. However, limiting language laws have been passed from time to time since the late 19th century, generally in an answer to new waves of immigration. These laws, in tradition if not in purpose, have punished immigrants for their foreignness and violated their rights."
Abstract This paper examines efforts by school districts to provide multi-lingual education, as required by the federal government. The paper focuses on special education services for migrant children and highlights shortcomings in the delivery of these services. The paper discusses identification of needy students and the process of inducting a student into the special education system. The paper concludes with recommendations for legislative and administrative change to dramatically improve the delivery of multi-lingual education. Thesis Statement A Brief Background and History Barriers in the System Identification of Students Conclusions and the Welfare Issue
From the Paper "Bilingual Education and the word Bilingual itself are nothing more than "political buzzwords," designed to ease expensive and expansive legislation through the Congress. The actual study of the factors in this field of Education, particularly of early childhood periods, is the term Multi-lingual due to the many variants involved in the processes of teaching not only this group but their families as well. For example, in Texas where the problems are being addressed most aggressively these educators are dealing with a variety of Spanish languages speaking individuals. This becomes a multi-lingual problem therefore because of the paradigms of dialectics, syntax, sentence structures, and many other factors. These problems likewise are not in any manner limited to Texas, as almost every State in the country must deal with it on some level. Texas, and their recent Educational Reforms just happens to be the model producing system for others too effectively follow. Moreover, Spanish and all its variants is not the only language Educators are forced to deal with."
Abstract This paper focuses on the topic of video compression. It looks at how the combination of audio compression and video compression form the concept of digital compression and how these processes or techniques have literally revolutionized how audio and video data is stored and transmitted electronically or digitally. It examines the state of technology and how the process of video compression actually works. It also discusses some of the different vendors, as well as the current, significant research going on within the technology.
From the Paper "Technologies like the Internet, MP3 Players, DVD?s, HDTV, and digital cameras to name a few are all driving the demand for consistently new and improved ways of compressing audio and video data. The current state of the technology for Video compression revolves around the ideas like that of the MPEG or Moving Picture Experts Group. An MPEG (correctly pronounced M-peg), is actually a standard used to program or code both audio and visual data. Examples include movies, videos and digital music. The information once in an MPEG format is digital compressed so it is easier to send it or store it based on the fact that less room is needed."
Abstract This paper examines factors that affect the adoption rates of new products and analyzes the adoption rates of XM Satellite Radio, MP3 players, CD players, DVRs and DVD audio as shown on a chart.
From the Paper "One of the primary determinants of cell phone banking adoption in South Africa has been trial ability. Researchers compared Internet adoption rates with cell phone banking rates and found that the cell phone banking participants indicated a lower ..."
Tags: diffusion, product, audio products, XM Satellite Radio, MP3 players, CD players, DVR, TiVo, DVD audio
Abstract The paper states that the downloadable digital content market has grown remarkably, with millions of people going online each day to download audio and video files. The paper comments that Apple Inc.'s iTunes product has become a clear leader and pioneer in the market of organizing, playing and selling digital audio and video files. The paper discusses how iTunes was able to partner with content providers to offer copyright-protected digital files that became a significant source of revenue. The paper concludes that iTunes has been an incredibly successful and popular digital content product that will need to make changes to how it operates and what content it offers to retain its market strength in the future.
Outline:
How iTunes has Succeeded
iTunes Positions for Increased Competition
Bundling Controversy Spreading
Conclusion: Changes are Coming
From the Paper "Through iTunes, Apple's greatest legacy in the digital content market may be that it saw revenue opportunity where many other companies did not. Peer-sharing sites, such as Napster, which launched in 1999, had been offering music and other digital files for free to subscribers, and it seemed that consumers had become accustomed to not paying to download content ("Napster must stay shut down"). In the midst of this hostile market, where digital music had been completely devalued, Apple began developing the iTunes product to sell music files for a fee."
This paper discusses the advantages of learning English as the global languages to be used by all the world; however, this presents a danger to the native culture.
Abstract This paper argues that English is the most likely of all languages to create a useful global lingua franca (language of trade); therefore, teaching English globally is only logical. The author contends that, because of the strong link between language and culture, the globalization of the English language threatens other languages and cultures with extinction; therefore the method of teaching English as a second or foreign language is important. The paper relates that young students, who are most at risk of becoming indoctrinated into speaking English as their dominant language rather than their native language, should be taught in a bi-lingual program which stresses the values of the native language and culture, while teaching English as a useful second global lingua franca.
Table of Contents
Language Dominance and English-as-a-Second Language Education
The Relationship between Culture and Language
Can Teaching EFL be a Threat to Local Ways of Life and Languages?
The Importance and Advantages of Learning to Use English
Balancing between Globalism and Local Culture
From the Paper "There are several ways in which English is taught as a second language in other countries. Many nations include English education in primary schools. This is common not only in countries where English is a primary official or natural language, but also in countries that merely wish their educated youth to be able to communicate in English. Most European countries teach English as a second language to their young. Most people who learn English in school will not be likely to need EFL instruction later in life. Another form of English education involves teaching by non-native English teachers who instruct academically, much as one would learn a foreign language in America. These classes may be instructed both in English and the student''s native language and tend to focus more on aspects like appropriate grammar and spelling than on mere usage. EFL instruction, on the other hand, tends to be taught by native English speakers entirely in English."
Tags: native, bi-lingual, indians, adults, children
Abstract This paper demonstrates how videoconferencing works including the components, proper protocol and bandwidth. The author explores the uses, advantages and disadvantages of videoconferencing in business especially to eliminate the need for unnecessary business travel. The author also explores the educational uses of videoconferencing especially in rural and foreign communities. Included in the paper is a break-even table for converting meetings to videoconferencing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Video Conferencing
Components
Protocol
Bandwidth
Uses of Videoconferencing
Business Uses of Videoconferencing
Advantages of Videoconferencing in the Business Environment
Disadvantages of Videoconferencing in the Business Environment
Educational Uses of Video Conferencing
Challenges that Educators Face when Using Videoconferencing
Recent Problems Associated with Videoconferencing
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the academic environment videoconferencing is often used as a distance education technique. Videoconferencing often used to teach individuals in both urban and remote rural locations. There are several factors that influence the use of videoconferencing in an academic environment. Factors such as technology used, physical factors such as lighting and sound, as well as teaching strategies. It is widely accepted that presenting a successful module via videoconferencing requires a modified approach to teaching and learning ."
