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Most recently published stories in Education.
Teaching and usage of “articles” in English grammar
Before embarking on a journey to “discover meaning of articles” in English grammar, it is very important to understand the meaning of grammar and its relationship with the language itself. Thornbury (1999) defines grammar as “a description of the rules for forming sentences, including an account of the meanings that these forms convey”. He says that grammar enables us to use language in terms of how, where and when things happen, and it also facilitates the way we interact with each other. However, not only grammar but contextual information also plays an important role in the interpretation and understanding of various forms of communication. He discusses strong arguments both in the favour of and against teaching grammar.
By Arun Kumar Ph. D.5 years ago in Education
Profile of an effective ESL teacher
This article investigates the profile of an effective teacher of English as second language (ESL). An effective teacher is one who can teach a course successfully. Successful teaching begins with designing a suitable syllabus for a course. Sometimes the syllabus for a course is already available. In that case, a teacher must plan lessons in a manner to complete the designed course work within the prescribed time. In case the syllabus is not available, it becomes a challenge for a teacher to decide what to teach in the course. Under these circumstances, a teacher must consider the students’ academic background, level of knowledge in the subject, scope of the course and then design it accordingly. Sometimes government sponsored language benchmarks are available as a guide that define the syllabus and lesson plans for different levels of teaching, for example, Holmes et al. (2001) and Pawlikowska-Smith (2002). This essay examines the characteristics of an effective language teacher including how he/she develops a syllabus, uses various teaching methods, plans lessons, manages the classroom, uses various technologies, evaluates learners, and finally uses his/her personality for effective teaching.
By Arun Kumar Ph. D.5 years ago in Education
Linguistic characteristics of Indian English
Indian English is a collective phrase for the dialects or varieties of English spoken widely in India. Variations in the pronunciation of several phonemes are affected by the regional tongues across India, the greatest distinction being that between South India and North India. Several idiomatic forms from Indian languages have made their way into the English of the masses. Despite India’s diversity, however, there is indeed a general homogeneity in syntax and vocabulary that can be found among speakers across India. The form of English that Indians are taught in schools is essentially British English. However, the influence of American English, due to the burgeoning influence of American pop culture on the rest of the world, has begun challenging traditional British English as the premier brand of English spoken in India, though this is largely limited to the youth in the last three decades (CIIL website).
By Arun Kumar Ph. D.5 years ago in Education
Enrichment of English through globalization
The linguistic and cultural diversity among Homo sapiens is remarkable and difficult to fathom. Socio-linguistic identities are also very strong. At present there are thousands of languages and dialects spoken around the world. Languages are like biological species, they originate, evolve, and constantly change for a certain period and finally become extinct. We will never know how many languages existed in the past, how long they existed, how many people spoke to them, and in what part of the world where they used. Such questions fall under the realm of proto linguistics. The answers to these questions are investigated by anthropologists and archaeologists. Even though mankind had a quest for a universal language, unfortunately they never had one. Traditionally people have lived in communities that were spread over limited geographical boundaries and had their own language for communication. The problem of inter-communal communication must have been quite severe in the past due to lack of a common language, and most probably was the source of misunderstandings, mistrust, and conflicts.
By Arun Kumar Ph. D.5 years ago in Education
The Motif of Comparing Characters to Animals to show the impact of generational racial trauma in “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
In nature, it is survival of the fittest. Only the strongest beasts will make it out alive, and the most vulnerable will die in the wild. Humans are believed to be better than animals; they have self restraint and control over their choices and fates. Therefore, when people are compared to and treated as nothing more than animals, it strips away their humanity and disregards their inherent worth. In the novel Beloved, Toni Morrison includes the motif of comparing the characters to animals to show how being dehumanized consistently can alter one’s core beliefs and their actions, and how dehumanizing people can cause them severe emotional trauma.
By Angie Seminara5 years ago in Education
Why Learn Fashion Designing, and How is it Beneficial for You?
Learning fashion design can lead to an exciting and engaging profession, but the thought of getting started in the field can be intimidating. Perhaps you are thinking to yourself, "What do fashion designers do?" Or perhaps, what is fashion design?
By Mark Levine5 years ago in Education
7 Reasons Why Edinburgh is the Best Student City in the UK
Deciding where to spend the next few years of your life as a student is an important one. This will be where you will make some of the best memories as you enter the next stage of your education. At university, you will meet new friends, visit new places, evolve new skills, and grow as a person. To make the most out of your course of choice, you should be in a city that will help you flourish.
By Caitlin Purvis5 years ago in Education
A Guide to School Management System
The dynamic technological advancement has touched every educational institution. Traditionally, schools used to keep the record manually, requiring a lot of effort and resources. But, in this digital era, as technology evolves, schools can automatically manage everyday school operations.
By David jones5 years ago in Education







