Having recently returned to the USA after  2 ½ years living in easternmost
Crimea, among ethnic Russians who are legally tied to Ukraine, I concur with
much of what Steve is saying.  While this forum is not about politics, I
find myself quite concerned on what is going on in Russia – sadly, the
history of Ukraine comprises is a  vivid lesson in the former Soviet Union’s
skill in controlling information, manipulating people and re-writing
history.  We should be mindful and wary of the current situation in Russia

Enough about politics


 

It is well worth noting that as we work with students, we can be more
successful if they are engaged by the topics or materials we work with.  A
degree of flexibility leads to greater success.  In preparing materials, we
are, in a sense, designing a map of the terrain. This helps us to be
familiar with our materials and to visualize the direction of our path.
But when we begin the journey, the map becomes simply a tool.  Something we
may consult or disregard when the events of the day intervene.  How often do
you, in the course of your travels, give in o the impulse to take a
different route?  I think in settings where people are learning and growing,
it is wise to keep a watchful eye on what engages and motivates the learner.
That may mean discarding the careful plan and taking a refreshing detour
down the road.   I know this from my own efforts to learn Russian and in my
efforts to encourage students to practice their English skills.   I also
know this from my work in instructional systems design – we sometimes called
deviations “opportune training” and those occasions were frequently among
the best learning experiences students had.  

 

And perhaps the students interests will wind down a more political or
controversial road
 if there is some passion, the student will learn far
more quickly
 and a skilled facilitator can use impromptu deviations quite
effectively


 

FYI: These are just my personal,  off the cuff thoughts
 and not a
reflection on the organization I am currently affiliated with.  

Life is good


 

“Ginn”

Virginia J. Pulver, AmeriCorps*VISTA

Recruiting Consultant, NM Coalition for Literacy

3209-B Mercantile Court, Santa Fe NM    87507

virginia at nmcl.org

 

YOU can become a volunteer adult literacy tutor or 

refer adult learners for FREE 1-1 tutoring!

1-800-233-7587  

Visit our Website:  <http://www.nmcl.org/> www.nmcl.org

 

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Steve
Kaufmann
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 11:06 AM
To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2535] Re: New Issue of Change Agent

 

I would argue that the topics to study should not be chosen carefully nor
polished. If the purpose is to learn the language, the more interested the
learner is, the better. Let the learners choose. Show them where to find
content and how to use if or their learning. Stop trying to control
students.

As part of my Russian learning, I listen to Echo Moskvi daily and hear a
variety of points of view on different subjects. Unfortunately Echo is just
about the last free voice in Russia, and the commentators at Echo regularly
lament the move towards a more nationalistic tone in education, in politics
etc.. The recent jingoism surrounding the war in Georgia is but the latest
example. President Medvedev suddenly has a popularity rating of 88% all
because of his hysterical statements on Georgia, such as calling the
Georgian President a political corpse, and referring to the Georgian
artillery attack in Ossetia (where 100 people died) as genocide, while
ignoring the ethnic cleansing of Georgian villages by Russian supported
militia, and referring to the Georgian crackdown on its own citizens,
'Russia's 9/11'. 

I fear that the Russian government is moving to control more and more of
what people think. So freedom is an important value that we take for granted
at our peril.

The less we control or try to influence what people think, the better.
Acquiring another language is a great way to gain an additional perspective
on our world. This is true for an immigrant to Canada or the USA and equally
true for the locals.

Steve




-- 
Steve Kaufmann
www.lingq.com
1-604-922-8514

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