Authentic Conversations vs Crazed Crowds in Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler
February 22, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
Further, both award-winning films show how individuals need to connect and overcome isolation. Authentic, private conversations offer a chance for characters to find solace, friendship,…
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Do you match? How do you know? Bringing Realism to Relationship discussions in ESL Classrooms
February 14, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
1. Why do (did) you want to get married? 2. Do (did) you have a checklist of qualities for a potential spouse? 3. What are…
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Do You Feel Rich Enough? What’s the Standard?
January 4, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
Talking about money remains problematic, but this conversation topic is more for self-reflection than classroom application. But please bear with me. How rich are you?…
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Reading Pleasures and Tastes Adapted for Easy English Times Column
November 12, 2008
compellingconversations-admin
Easy English Times, an adult education newspaper for English language learners published in California, adapts a chapter from Compelling Conversations each month. The editors selected…
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How democratic is your ESL classroom?
October 27, 2008
compellingconversations-admin
Who gets to speak in class? Whose ideas count? Who chooses the assignments? How do students receive feedback? Do students have a chance to conference…
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Who ranks English language programs and ESL schools?
September 20, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
How would you choose an English language school? What if you lived in Korea, Spain, China, Brazil, Turkey, or Vietnam? What factors would influence your…
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How many languages did you hear today?
September 14, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
Sometimes living in Los Angeles feels fantastic. Beauty – in many forms – pervades. You look around, and you smile. The sun shines, the scene…
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School boards, education problems, and a new $350 million dollar high school!
September 6, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
Teaching remains an art, and excellence remains rare – especially in a bureaucratic age. The ancient Socratic methods and modern enlightenment ideals have increasingly fallen…
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What is the electoral college? Why does it matter?
August 14, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
How did George W. Bush actually become President of the United States? After all, he received fewer popular votes for President than Al Gore, didn’t…
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Conversation tip #14: Ask a question
August 10, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
“Do you want to know how to start a conversation? Ask a question, and listen.” Robert Bly (1926- ), American poet and activist That’s not…
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