Pearson ALC English 12 Students: Something New; Something Memorable

Friday, June 1, 2012

Something New; Something Memorable

Please post your comment here before next Friday's class. Remember to bring me a paper copy as usual for me to mark and comment. Thanks everyone for a great term (though long) and look for my comment below as well.

17 comments:

Lisa Leung said...: Something New:

Most teachers I’ve previously had would follow the guidelines that mainly consist of: novel studies, boring poetry, and essays after essays. However, on my first day of class, Brad (an interesting and amusing teacher) said, “No Shakespeare!” To my delight, I was ecstatic. Being out of school for a good few years (more like 9); this was a big change--in a good way. After a few cheers and introductions, he also mentioned about a blog. I have never done anything on a blog before, although I have heard and read lots about it. Posting my first homework on the blog was not easy since your work is viewed by everyone in class. After a few posts, it becomes second nature. I have found the new teaching techniques to be enjoyable and fun. I also loved our group works. It created a chance for me to meet new individuals and become great friends with whom we can enjoy each other's company.

-164 words

Something Memorable:

There were many memorable moments in class, but only a few really sunk into my mind. The main important ones were: movie scene analysis; poetry writing; and presentations. I’ve done poetry before in high school, but not poetry like in Brad’s class. After creating our own poems, we would have to present it in front of class (with most of us scared and nervous) and explain how we ended up writing the poem the way we had. I must admit -- it was a valuable learning experience and great practice for me. The winner of the most memorable moment would have to go to movie scene analysis. It sparked an interest in me that I didn’t think I had. I was intrigued by the filming process and how certain scenes were put together. After seeing the other side of filming, it has indeed embedded an unforgettable memory and interest that I may have to pursue film directing one day. THANK YOU!

-159 words; June 4, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Sangeeta said...: Something New

In English 12 class, the first new thing was “The Blog”. The Blog – A place to post our homework and read others comments. During the whole semester, this blog helped me a lot with my confusions because by reading the comments posted by others you can learn how to do your homework; others comments worked for me as examples. It makes your work easy, and it’s also challenging to share. Another new and scary thing was to give a presentation (including process) in front of the whole class. When I gave my first presentation ‘Here I Am’, I felt confident and happy although I could hear my pounding heart very clearly. I also noticed that on my second presentation my hands were steady no more shaking. In short , in Brad’s class whenever I go through “Something New” It gave me different feelings: scary, tension, relaxation , excitement ,and delightful, but it was full of fun and knowledge.

Word-159

Something Memorable

I already had group discussions in communication 12 classes, but the ones in English 12 were more memorable. In Brad’s class group discussions were mandatory; after every group discussion we share our ideas with the whole class. In one group discussion, we learned about people’s different cultures that gave us chance to know about each other’s: ideas, cultures, communities and made us more social. It was entirely knowledgeable and helped me to solve my puzzle. On the other side video clips were also an impressive way of study in Brad’s class. I would like to mention here about a video clip by Sir Ken Robinson – an animated lecture – was really remarkable. We also saw movies (or movie clips), and Brad taught us a different way to analyze those. In short English 12 was a kind of unforgettable journey for me, and I will remember it the rest of my life.

Word-150; June 6, 2012 at 8:45 AM
Bogdan said...: Something New

To write an essay of thousand words in English language was definitely something new for me. In the beginning, I thought, that writing an academic essay would be an easy thing for me to do. I used to write this type of essay in my previous high-school finished in Romania long time ago – approximately fifteen years ago. What I realized instead, was that while I was going along with my essay, I was quite often getting stuck; it wasn’t as easy as I thought previously. There were a couple of problems that I miscalculated them: one problem was the English language itself, not so easy, and the other problem was the lack of practice. To come back to school after for so long (more than a decade) and to write an academic essay in a second language, it was not something that I ever planned to do. Although I have encountered many problems with my academic essay, I like to believe that it was a great challenge and for the first time in my life I managed to explore my thoughts in the universe of the vast English language, a language that I very often called it, The Universal Language.
--200 words

Something Memorable

One memorable day was when I had my presentation in poetry class and my cell phone rang unexpectedly. It has never ever happened to be called on my mobile phone during my English classes before that day. I have always been aware of the requirements of my English teacher; to have the phone turned off or to have it on silence mode during his classes was one of his (mandatory) policies and, I always respected that. In order to present successfully one of our teacher’s favorite poems, of his favorite poet called, Wislawa Szymborska, you better be ready. And, I was until my mobile phone started to ring. Firstly, I thought it was somebody else’s cell phone because it started at a low volume, but the longer was ringing, the volume was increasing too. It didn’t take me too long to realize that was actually “my” cell phone. “My cell phone!? Oh my!” I was called by one of my classmates named, Edna, -- present in the classroom otherwise – that found very amusing disturbing my presentation. She could’ve called so many other classmates such as: Lisa, Sandra or Nelson; they are better friends of hers than mine. “Why me, Edna?”
200 words; June 6, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Sandra Lee said...: Something New

In English 12 under Brad’s class I experienced a new, modern, yet challenging way of teaching method. These experienced include: the convenience of posting homework on the blog, writing and reciting my own poem in class (which was definitely a nerve-racking experience for me), the animated lecture and the media lesson that provides current information to students like me. All the lessons I learned in this semester was very helpful and informative in so many ways. My student advice; be aware and follow the directions given by Brad in every homework and test to ensure higher marks. On the other hand, the key and the most essential factors in students progress and success comes from--attendance and group work. For sure, the future English 12 students will enjoy to study in a very challenging learning environment with great fun and motivation under a dedicated English teacher Brad.

-152 words

Something Memorable

The group work was the first thing memorable for me in the class simply because I made a lot of friends. The bond made students feel comfortable and attached to each other, which provided everyone confidence as learning students. Another worth remembering moment was the poem “ A Note.” The poem proved: students like us were poets in our own especial way ( even though my heart was pounding so fast presenting it). The warm support of my classmates and my teacher was overwhelming. In addition to that, it was truly remarkable writing our own narrative essay; it made me feel like a writer--writing my own story. Brad homework samples were something memorable too, with his blog postings made our life easier and more inspired to do our best every time. From poetries, movies, short stories and essays, English 12 is a worth trying subject that will surely mark your memory.

-153 words; June 6, 2012 at 2:09 PM
Michael Zhao said...: Something New

Having studied English 11 and 12 with Brad for a year, I noticed two things that were unique. The first thing was his teaching method. In Brad's class, he seldom takes a long time to teach students some of the less commonly used literary works, such as Shakespeare’s sonnets. Instead, he focuses on improving the practical language ability of the students. For example, he chooses many contemporary literary works, such as stories, poetry and movies, and he usually asks students to write a short paragraph explaining our first reaction to these works. Then students go to group work ― to discuss their comments and opinions. After group work, students then need to do their assignments. This process not only helps us to improve our communication ability, but also to improve our writing and analytical skills. Another unique aspect of Brad's course is that he uses various materials: blogs, stories and articles (from contemporary media), movies, modern poetry, etc.. Different materials have different purposes. For example, by using Blogs, students may share their various opinions on the website; or, by writing a poem and then making a presentation, students can improve their speaking ability in the public. Meanwhile, these various materials also help to develop a strong interest in studying so that our classes were always lively.
-216 words

Something Memorable

As I look back on our whole course, there were two things which left a deep impression on me. The first was to write the poem “A Note”. Although I had the same assignment last term, when I reviewed it, I found that I had used many abstract words in my poem: dream, health and happiness, which did not allow readers to imagine pictures. Through this term’s study, I now understand how to use sensory language to give readers a strong picture. This time, when I used sensory words when presenting my poem, I could hear students’ laughter, so I knew that they could imagine the pictures; I am also very happy that I can now grasp this literary technique. The second memorable impression was group work. Since the students in our class are from different cultural backgrounds, we are able to appreciate many different opinions and perspectives. For instance, reading the story “The Woman of the House”, my first reaction is that the protagonist, Martina, was not worth pitying because she was so weak. But during discussion, one student pointed out ―sometimes a person in difficult circumstances needs to accept his or her fate (that makes sense). After reading the story again, I quite agree with this opinion. Indeed we can learn from each other.
- 217 words; June 6, 2012 at 11:56 PM
harjie said...: Something New

In English 12 class, with a unique teacher like Brad, lots of things have been new for me.For the first time,I had to experienced writing homework on the class’s blog.Posting on the blog and being aware that all your classmates can read your work; is nerve wracking.It wasn’t easy for me at all--i would always reread my work over and over before posting it.Group discussion is also something that was new for me.English 12 class was mixture of different cultures,experiences,and personalities.Every group discussion was full of great ideas.Despite some disagreements(or better to say-different opinions) within groups, all group presentations ended with a unique conclusions.Brad encouged us to be free to express our different opinions, because there are many answer to one question.

Something Memorable:

The most memorable class time, that i will always remember, is the day when we were reading”life is the only way “ poem, in front of the class.Even though some of us were not comfortable with writing poem, every poem was exceptional and interesting to hear.Standing in front of the class is something that is nerve wracking for me but I tried my best that day and my presentation came out good .In every poem that day, I could find words that touched my soul.Some of the wonderful examples are:Alexey ,“to get lulled by sea breeze”,Lisa,”to get smothered in kisses”,Michael,”bath in sunshine”,Sandra,“to scooch on a couch”,and Sangeeta”to squeeze into memories”,and I can go on and on.Each student shared beautiful poem that day;their creativity and their uniqueness came with each poem.; June 7, 2012 at 11:58 AM
S.Alexey said...: Something New.
I have had a great opportunity to study in Brad’s class for the third time. I prefer Brad as an English teacher not because he gives a little homework (that’s not true) but because he forces my mind to work. His unpredictable style of teaching opens new horizons for students. So, routine homework becomes publishing comments in the blog, and monotonous class work transforms in hot discussions in groups. Unfortunately, I disliked poetry; however, I had to write my own poem and recited it in front of the class. After that, I slightly changed my mind towards poetry. Most of the topics, stories, and video lectures taught in the class were not the boring stuff that are usually associated with English 12, but subjects are based on real life: global warming, change of education paradigm, new communications opportunities and loneliness, inequality of modern life, and so on. Each time, I had to use all my English language and brain abilities to meet Brad’s expectations. – 164 words

Something Memorable.
The most memorable aspect about our class is the students themselves. Sharing posts in the blog, giving in class presentations, and discussing in groups have allowed the classmates to understand one another better and establish close connections. I have randomly met a similar feature in other classes. I liked working in a group because we always had an effective discussion - sometimes emotional. We argued with each other but without a struggle trying to appreciate the other’s points of view. Another remarkable event was a narrative essay. Writing it, I came back in my childhood. I recalled people whom I love and who love me. A warm feeling of nostalgia has kept in my heart till now. Also, I remember as it was burden to write the poem, “Life is only way,” and I did it only switching my attitude towards the poem from negative to positive. I envy students who are going to take Brad’s class next term. You will have an extraordinary teacher. – 165 words; June 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Farhad. R said...: Something New

Brad’s unique style of teaching, made it really easy for me to learn lots of new things . To be honest with you--I was extremely nervous at the beginning of the course; I thought there was no way that I would be able to read and understand Shakespeare . However, on the first day of the semester, Brad made it very clear to us that this was not going to be another regular English 12 class. on the other hand, that didn’t mean that there were not going to be: essays, paragraphs, poems, presentations, analyzing, or summarizing , but what it meant was, he (Brad, the teacher) would use the things that we usually deal with everyday such as: the media; society; environment; politics, and so on, to teach us . Another thing that I found really unique and also convenient, was the blog. It is like being in class, without actually being there. you can find the homework assignments, students’ comments about it, and also a sample of Brad’s own to show you what it should look like. To conclude, there is no doubting the fact that learning new things requires new tools, and techniques; indeed, Brad is the person who will provide you those. 210 words

Something Memorable

I have many memorable memories from Brad’s grade 12 English class. Some of these memories will stay with me for sometime, and some I will remember for the rest of my life. The group discussions: disagreeing, and agreeing with my colleagues , is something that really dug into my mind. However, what I will remember for the rest of my life is the feeling that I had when I was presenting my first presentation: my face was burning; my palms were sweaty; my legs were shaking; my heart was beating so fast that I thought it was going to jump right out of my chest. I felt like all the eyes were on me, and that they were all here to judge me . Therefore, At that time I felt as though I didn’t have the necessary skills, but thanks to Brad‘s guidance and unique teaching techniques, I was able to overcome my fear. As we all know, time passes, what stays with us are the memories; indeed, I wish that all the memories which that would stay with me, be as pleasant, and educational, as the ones that I have gained from this class. 191 words; June 7, 2012 at 10:32 PM
Jessica said...: Something New

It's been a great experience being in Brad's class for this semester; the semester before that (English 11). I personally, think that there's a big similarity in English 11 and English 12. For example: "Here I am"; " A Note"; "Something New, Something Memorable". This would be my second time in his class so there are several techniques that I was not surprised with coming into this class such as: blogs, group works, watching lectures (TED). Apparently, there are some new things to watch out for in this course and those are: longer word count; a thousand words narative essay; different films. Another brand-new thing this term is the quantity of students. I think that the number of student last term was double the size of this term; that's something new! Therefore, it is a wonderful experience to take for the future.

-142 words

Something Memorable

The most memorable thing I found this term is diffinitely the group works where you can share: thoughts; emotions; ideas with all of your fellow students. There are always something to absorb in each group works. Group work is a great way to communicate with each person in the class. Small groups are better because you have more time to listen to each person in that group without leaving anyone. Personally, the first group work sticks the most. It's the very first time you will meet your classmates; there you are about to share something (personal). First time is always the ice breaker between students. In conclusion, by the end of the term higher knowledge won't be the only thing I'm taking with me--there's also the friendship that grew as the time passes by.

-135 words; June 7, 2012 at 11:33 PM
Betty said...: Something New

Learning English 12 at PALC was exiting and interesting. My English 12 teacher, Brad, teaches the course using advanced technology. For example: Blogging, watching movies, and group discussions are among some of the methods he uses. We have done quite a few activities in class - most of them very important. Blogging helps us to understand the course from a different perspective, and it gives us an idea to what we need to do to improve (especially on how we should do our home work). This term was my first time to have learned about filming movies. We never watched movies in classroom when I was in my hometown. We didn’t have a curriculum that emphasizes on visual learning. So, watching movies in classroom and learning from it was something new to me. Writing poem and a narrative essay following Brad’s writing style was another new thing that I learned this term. The structures of the poems was different and challenging, but following Brad’s examples step by step made it easier to write.

Word count: 176

Something Memorable

Some of the most memorable lessons in this class were presenting the poems “Here I Am” and “A Note”. Every student’s presentation was unique and diverse just like every individual’s background, culture, and personality. For me personally, the presentations built confidence on me to talk in front of students, which is something I wasn’t used to when I was in my home country. The other thing that was memorable from this semester was the group discussion. Group discussions create a good atmosphere of interaction in the classroom. It makes us communicate with each other better. Watching the movie, “Dark Night” and how movies are made was interesting and memorable moment. It thought me the different methods of filming movie and shooting in different angles and methods such as close captioning and crane shooting. At last this semester was fun and full of memories of amazing students and outstanding teacher.

Word count: 150; June 8, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Asad Rezai said...: Something new

We had fun and great memories in English 11 last term. This is my second term with Brad and has also been a great year so far. For me, something new was when I realized that people are able to see all of our homework, and writings that have been done on the blog. Moreover, there were new things in class that was new to me such as analyzing films and clips that had never been done before. I have learned a lot from my classmates this means that we had more chance to work with our classmates and share our ideas about various things and learn from each other. In this class I also got a chance to write a major essay with over 700 words and more important to improve my skills. Punctuations are considered important in grammar. Therefore, the teacher has also provided the chance to work and learn how to use them properly.(160)

Something memorable

There will be so many things in your mind as memories after leaving this class. When we all leave this class and graduate, the class and students will stay as a memory with some good or bad remembrances. Something memorable was, I remember the day we had to do a poem presentation (life is the only way) that some certain students were too shy to do so; including myself. I was too introverted that I couldn’t even look at student’s eyes; all I was thinking to read my poem quickly and get back to my seat. Other than that I have learned some good knowledge from my classmates too that will remain in my mind as a lesson such as, during group discussion since everybody has a different perspective about something. (140); June 8, 2012 at 2:55 AM
Li Chen said...: Something New

As an English 12 student, I experienced that my teacher, Brad, makes great efforts to bring us something new in his teaching. First, Brad pays attention to interact between students and the teacher, and student and student. So, the blog, writing first reaction and discussing in group, as the platform of helps students to understand the themes of those works, and different culture and different idea of us mutually. Second, Brad organizes diverse style of literature contents, such as movies, poetry and stories, which are always interesting and about some of real life. One of most impressive contents was the writing on "A New World of Communication" whereby "Is Facebook Making us Lonely?" Before the day (May 17, 2012) Facebook went to public. The other interesting themes, such as "The Woman of the House," "A Spoil Man," covered something about today's polarized society. In this way, Mr. Brad tries to arouse us to think more deeply than we learnt in the class. Finally, when I was writing "Something New," I browsed all handouts of this term. I have gotten insight that writing "something new" and "something memorable" are a chance to review what we have learnt. Actually, in Brad's class, he endeavors to deliver more practical language skills and thinking than his teaching contents--that is Brad's teaching style—there are always something new in Brad's teaching beyond the learning language itself.
[230 words]

Something Memorable

In this term, there were at least two of memorables. One was to find a favorite English poem. In most case, teaching and learning English poem are a challenge for both teachers and students whose native languages are not English. But, nothing is more interesting than to find your favor. Even though I rarely know English poem, "Invictus", written by William Ernest Henley, impressed me deeply because of a same name's movie, and its "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." Meanwhile, I had to admire that Brad’s ingeniously arouse our passion in the English poem. On the other hand, the group work was another memorables. Due to our classmates have diverse cultures and background, sharing or argument our own opinions always enlightened me something else. In Brad's class, the group work is distinct. Not only did we discuss our first reactions of the literature works, but also we should write down other's opinions in our writing. For instance, at first, the title of my narrative essay was "The Father's Bicycle," one of my classmates suggested me to change the title to "My Father's Bicycle." I appreciated my classmate's suggestion. The more we work group, the more inspiration we got.
[212 words]; June 8, 2012 at 7:04 AM
abeyl said...: Something New

English class with Brad was a lot different and new than any other English I have taken before. For starter, the use of blog is something completely new; using blog as an educational tool is extremely helpful in completing and getting a new perspective on assignments. If for what-ever reason get stack on assignment there is Brads and other classmates draft to look at. Second is presentation: The presentation was about our-self and not research material; this helped us understand our classmate better. Group work is an essential part of Brads every day classes. We discuss our ideas and get something completely new outlook on the subject. Group-work is very important because it made the class atmosphere (environment) pleasant fun to be part off. Another and main thing that makes Brad’s English class different is no Shakespeare! Finding out on the first day of class, we will not be doing any Shakespeare was a joyful experience.

Word count 156

Something Memorable

There are a lot of memorable moments in brads English class. Every-day before we begin our lessons brad talks about his life stories or some facts about what’s going on in this world, which I found enjoyable and eased (settled) my mind on what to be done in class. I have never been more connected with my class mates in and after class hours. This is evident in the pleasant conversation we before and after school and the time we spent celebrating one of our class mate birthday by going bowling. Our class is combined with different (age and culture background) group of people, meeting with them and getting to know them through our work was very joyful. The narrative essay was memorable experience, been able to look back in our life and examine our experience and people we meet along the way were pleasant.
Word count 147; June 8, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Brad said...: Something New

Students, in their infinite variety, are always something new. Every term I meet new students; every term I bid them farewell. Often, I will neither see nor hear from them again—as it should be. Like Elzéard Bouffier, I have faith. I hope that at least some of you have been changed by your experiences in my class and will blossom forth as do the trees in the animated film. Once, a middle-aged woman did write to me after finishing my English 12 one June. She would not be returning to school, she told me, because she had regained her confidence and found a new job. What more could a teacher wish for? At the end of a long career, it feels good to have made a little difference in someone’s life. But I will never know (it is hubris to think otherwise) most of the time, and that is fine with me. The new students will arrive soon enough. Thanks to all you former “new” ones for your kindness, your participation, your hard work and, not the least, for your comments here. Farewell!

—184 words

Something Memorable

I always remember the first day I find my students chatting together before class, the day it all seems to “gel.” Classes differ a great deal (this term, especially!) but there is always a common denominator: once we’ve attended classes for a month or so, we have finished building the trust needed to really discuss things together. Teaching literature and language in a public school is political and cultural; there is no denying that. The curriculum directs me to nurture your creative and critical instincts, to help you learn how to decide what is good, what is true, what a writer means to say. To do that, we need some things to react to, talk about, discuss. That’s where I come in as teacher—selecting the “things” that encourage conversation. English teaching allows for a lot of creativity, from students and teacher. If I’ve done my job, students will want to be heard and to hear from others. Your relaxed chats at the beginning of class act as a kind of warm up to the day’s activities. I hope you enjoyed the chance to listen, to disagree and, most importantly, to learn how to present and defend ideas.
—198 words; June 12, 2012 at 3:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Something New:
English can go two ways-being babied through everything and receiving high marks-or really having to exercise your brain and relate to topics to earn high marks. Depending on the teacher this can tend to be repetitive, and most times boring. Brad’s way of teaching English is effective. Group work was done almost every class to review topics we had discussed, as well as if we were having difficulties with something, it wouldn’t be intimidating to ask another student for help. He really values classmates getting to know each other, which I thought was refreshing. I also really liked the blog; being able to see other people’s remarks to short stories- to how they express themselves through poetry was really enjoyable. Be prepared to come to class and actually be put to work, at the end of the term you will
feel good for accomplishing a class you didn’t realize would be so challenging. – 158 words

Something Memorable:
I feel one of the most memorable things in this class was introducing ourselves through a poem. Even though we are “young adults” or “adults” when I found out we had to recite a poem listing personal attributes and things we use to love was nerve racking-at least for me. Oh, and don’t forget to end it with a quote about life! Starting off the term with an assignment like that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t like being picked at random to read aloud a certain paragraph. However, being out of school for quite some time made me rough around the edges on public speaking. The two assignments that we had to deliver in front of the class reminded me to keep eye contact, speak confidently, and connect to an audience is not something a lot of teachers do for adults anymore. This is just one of the many ways Brad shakes things up to keep you interested and on your toes! – 160 words; June 12, 2012 at 4:19 PM
edna said...: Something Memorable

Beginning a new course has always been an unsettling experience for me. I enter the classroom not knowing what to expect and I am anxious to get started off on the right foot. As I sit in class on that dreaded first day, there are many unnerving questions that run through my mind: What will this course be like? Will the teacher be easygoing or strict? All of these questions are on my mind and it makes for a very uncomfortable experience. When I started this English 12 class, those uneasy feelings overcame me once again. However, this class was different. The teacher, Brad, was laid-back; bringing a calming influence over the classroom (or at least just me). Right from the beginning, his approach was different from the previous teachers I had. My feelings of nervousness quickly became feelings of comfort after he asked each of us to introduce ourselves to the class. I will never forget how he made his classroom a welcome learning environment from day one. - 160 words

Something New

I have not enjoyed many of the English classes I have taken before. In the past, I stressed over reading stories then having to write essays about them. This feeling somewhat changed during this English class when I was asked to write about my own life experiences in an essay titled: “Valuable Life Lessons.” I had never written about myself before in an English class. Instead, I always had to write about some story that I had no interest in. It was still a challenging assignment for me, but I actually enjoyed doing it because it allowed me to look back and reflect on my childhood. Most importantly, I was not just writing this essay for Brad (teacher) I was writing it for myself – 123 words; June 13, 2012 at 8:51 AM
Unknown said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; October 2, 2012 at 3:10 PM

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Something New; Something Memorable

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