Welcome to the ESL blog by the owner of www.esl-lab.com. Share ideas about learning English as a second or foreign language. Study abroad, ESL programs, accent reduction, ESL study Tips . . . Anything related to learning English and cultural understading!
I am always trying to think of new listening tasks to help English students expand and improve their language skills. One type of task is a combination of a PowerPoint slide and video into a mini-lecture on a particular topic.
Here is one example of this new project which I will continue to experiment throughout this year:
- http://esl-lab.com/phone/phone-videolecture.htm
Randall
Winter's grip on our state in Utah is slowing falling away as we now are entering spring. However, because we live in the mountains at a relatively high altitude, it isn't uncommon to see snow in the valleys well into April and perhaps May. Here is a video activity on the weather in my state and what you can expect.
- http://www.esl-lab.com/weat1/weather-video.htm
Randall
The types of jobs both men and women hold in different countries are not universal, and often cultural, social, and religious factors play a role in employment decisions. Even government policy and rules often determine how employment decisions can be made. What might be an acceptable hiring/employment practice in one place might not be true in another country.
In this listening activity, we discuss these issues in a somewhat humorous way. Give it a try.
Career Search
http://esl-lab.com/careersearch/careersearchrd1.htm
Randall
I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. May you be able to reach the goals that you set. You might enjoy my newest video activity that discusses how you can succeed in your resolutions for the new year:
http://www.esl-lab.com/seasons/newyear-video.htm
Feel free to share your own resolutions for the new year and the reasons why you want to make those changes in your life.
Best,
Randall
With every new day come new beginnings. Yes, a new year is quickly approaching, and it can allow us to rethink and make new commitments, but if we falter (which as humans we do), then we should see the coming of every new moment an opportunity to better ourselves and help those around us.
Happy New Year! --- Randall
One of the greatest challenges facing English students is the ability to understand, interpret, and, where appropriate, use idiomatic expressions and slang. This is often due to the face that slang usage is so dependent on the content, your relationship with your conversation partner, and other social cues. Because you can't avoid encountering such language, I created a Web site to help students understand slang more. Give EZSlang.com a try.
Randall
http://www.ezslang.com
Over the past 14 years of creating online
listening activities, there have only been a couple of times when I had
all of my children appear in the same recording. Here is an example that
goes along with the Christmas season and the meaning that it has in our
family and many others like ours.
http://esl-lab.com/tradition/traditionrd1.htm
For us, most activities center on our family and on those in need around us. When I speaking of certain needs, these could be financial, emotional, or even spiritual. We have been the recipient of so much kindness over the years, and I feel in a privilege to do what I can to help others.
Randall
Getting a college scholarship requires patience, hard work, and the qualifications for any financial aid that be available to you. However, a student needs to take responsibility for their actions that might put their future in jeopardy. Listen to my latest listening activity, called College Scholarships, that illustrates the affect that positive and negative affects of students' choices. Give it a try:
- http://esl-lab.com/scholarship/scholarshiprd1.htm
Randall
So, what is the real value (or not) of teachers giving students bonus points or extra credit for their work in class? All too often, teachers give bonus points to students who do extra work, but the negative outcome can be that students' overall grade can be inflated, giving a distorted view of their real ability. For example, if students have to write an essay worth 100 points, and the teacher gives 10 bonus points simply because the students added a photo, the bonus points given would have absolutely nothing to do with the students' writing ability, especially if that wasn't an objective of the writing assignment.
Yes, it might help students psychologically, but it can give students the impression that they are doing better than they really are. Furthermore, if the content of one class builds on the other (e.g., going from beginning to intermediate writing), then advancing students from one class to the next will set the student up for failure because they aren't ready.
Being judiciously in awarding points will only benefit students in the long run.
Randall
Perhaps, one of the greatest secrets in promoting healthy relationships is being completely honest in all you do. Making up stories about your life, your interests, and your abilities will only lead problems when your lies are discovered. In my listening activity called, "Running Shoes" (http://esl-lab.com/runningshoes/runningshoesrd1.htm) describes one similar situation and the best ways to build long-lasting friendship.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic.
Randall
Discipline
and care are really necessary to learn good habits. In our garden, my
wife has apple trees, and you have to shape and prune (cut) the branches
carefully so you can enjoy a great harvest. If you don't do this when
the tree is young, it will become unmanageable. The same goes with
learning. If you don't form good habits early, you won't see the rewards
of hard work.
All too often, students procrastinate and don't stay on top of their studies. The same could be said of any aspect of life. But like a tree, it is almost impossible to move or bend the trunk of a tree after a few years unless you pull it out. Forming good habits early in life can help point you in the right direction toward future goals.
When people think of physical challenges, they often think about a marathon (26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers). Yes, it can be demanding on the body; however, there are other longer and more taxing events such as an ultramarathon that will take your body to the limits.
I recently participating in one such event, and although I'm not fast, it was satisfying just to complete it. Along the way, you certainly learn a lot about yourself.
Randall
If you encountered an injured bird or other animal in the wild, what would you do and how would you respond? Perhaps this would depend on the animal you encountered because I certainly wouldn't want to run into a hurt bear. However, if it were simply a small bird, what would you do? What this video to learn more about how my daughter cares for baby birds:
From time to time, students ask me how they can improve their language skills while they seek some magic and easy solution. This is often the case when some students want to enjoy their lives in a new country, but underestimate the difficulty and effort required to make progress. Then, when students start failing classes, they sometimes switch into a reactive mode, often blaming things and people around them. However, when you point the finger and someone else, keep in mind that three of your other fingers (that are held in a fist when you point) are pointing back at you. All too often, students wait too long until it is too late.
I always encourage students to be proactive in their learning. Set goals, follow instructions, ask questions, and keep track of your progress.
Once you realize you are in charge of your own learning, you can make meaningful and measurable progress.
Randall
My wife and I completed a challenging trail marathon in the hills above Salt Lake City, Utah, and this is quite different than street marathons in that you are running up and down over different terrain that pushes you to your physical limits. We were very slow, but we were happy to have completed it, taking time to video the experience along the way.
Recently, I wrote about how and it what ways portable devices can and will reshape learning and communication. Recently, I have been experimenting with an iPad to see what it can and cannot do, particularly from a learner's stand point. So far, I have been impressed. For example, I have been working on tweaking my own sites so that my audio and video files will play on the iPad, and in some ways, the iPad can extend the range and useability of such sites for people who are on the go.
For typing and other production tasks, I still find a laptop a more efficient tool, but my perspectives on this could change as I delve into the world of portable computing as time goes on.
Randall
So, will the iPad or any other similar device revolutionize language learning alone? Probably not. Having developed online materials since 1998, I have realized that not even the most glorious gadgets can promote better learning unless there is a sound rationale and application of the tool in the language learning process. The same thing can be said of a kitchen blender: the appliance might have 20 different settings such as chop, mix, and liquify, but I probably achieve the same result with a blender that simply has an ON or OFF switch.
The ipad might help with some tasks, but it won't set the world on fire by simply turning it on. Share your thoughts on the topic: to what degree can help or hinder learning?
Randall
My ESL students often tell me that they try to improve their listening skills by watching full-length movies, but my response is that sitting in front of a screen for a couple of hours with popcorn and a drink is one of the most passive methods of learning a language. Yes, you can pick up things, but there is no time to stop and process the content, and the language is just dumped on your with out providing students with a systematic method of learning.
For that reason, I have created my own series of short videos on the topics of language and culture. These aren't meant to take the place of other movies, but to give you the option of learning from shorter, concise videos on specific topics.
Give them a try:
- http://www.esl-lab.com/videoclips.htm
These days, it is really unbelievable the price you have to pay for one single textbook, and it seems that authors and writers churn out a new edition every other week. It's not uncommon for a book to be in its 12th edition, and yet the material in the book is almost the same. I mean, couldn't the author simply have a Web site where students could download a couple of pages with any minor revisions?
Then, with the change in textbooks, you often can't sell them back to the books store or other students.
I created a listening activity on this topic. Give it a try and let me know you experiences with buying textbooks for college:
- http://www.esl-lab.com/textbooks/textbooksrd1.htm
Hi everyone,
Today is Valentine's Day, and sometimes this is the day for men to remember all the things they should have done for their partner or spouse throughout the year. Perhaps, we should call it "Rescue Day." On my latest PhoneCast, I discuss this topic, and I have a listening activity on my Web site called Flower Shop, in which a man finds himself in a difficult situation with his wife, and he things flowers will save the day. Give it a try:
- http://www.esl-lab.com/flowershop/flowershoprd1.htm
Understanding the laws and rights (as well as the penalties) of individuals to drink in different countries around the world is critical when traveling from place to place. Unfortunately, there are times when people suffer from alcohol addiction or whose behavior can have an impact on friends and family. Fortunately, there are associations including alcoholics Anonymous who provide support to people who struggle with this problem.
I've created a listening activity on the same topic on my Web site at:
- http://www.esl-lab.com/dui/duird1.htm
Share your thoughts on this topic.
Most people have heard of blogging and podcasting, but fewer people have heard of PhoneCasting, that is, posting comments or ideas to a blog or Web site by simply using a cell phone. On my Web site, I share ideas on language and culture using this technology. Give it a try:
- http://www.esl-lab.com/phonecasts.htm
Randall
I want to wish everyone a very festive, joyous, and wonderful new year. May you reach your goals as you put in the effort and determination to reach them during the coming year. Randall
Here is a video on how some people celebrate the Christmas season in the United States. Share your experiences about this holiday and discuss whether or not you have a similar day at this time of year. What family traditions to people observe? Are any seasonal foods prepared?
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It isn't too often that I recommend a specific product or service, but online backup by SugarSync is one of them. This service, which is free for a basic 5 GB account, allows you to save your files online and they sync files on multiple computers, making using thumb drives relatively unnecessary. In other words, you can work on your computer files at home, upload them to SugarSync, and then have access to these same files on a laptop or work computer.
Imagine that you can start a file at work and then complete it at home without the need to save the file to a thumb drive. Give it a try. I has made my own work a lot easier.
Get your free SugarSync Account!
Thanksgiving Day has come and gone this season, but it always is a time to reflect on the many blessings of family, health, hope, and even the trials in our lives that teach us something about life every day. How do you celebrate this day if you life in the United States, and if not, do you have a similar holiday in your own country? Share you thoughts on this. These pictures show are family gathering for this special day.
Randall
Halloween in the United States is often celebrated in many different ways. Watch this video to see what the holiday is like in Randall's area of Utah, USA. Is this holiday (or one that is similar) celebrated in your area? Share your comments or experiences.
The fall season in Utah is a beautiful time of year when the leaves change from green to an intense pallet of reds, yellows, and oranges. It is also a great time to run or hike in the mountains, and on one recent trail run with my wife, I took this picture looking down into the valley where we live.
iOn one occasion on the first day of class, some of my recent arrivals (students) wondered why they needed to go through the cultural orientation we require of all new students. In one particular case, a 18-year-old student proclaimed that he already knew a lot about "American" culture, and thus, thought it was a waste of time.
I think told him the following saying: "True wisdom is knowing that you know nothing." At first, this didn't make sense to him and the other students, and then I went on to explain that the more I had traveled over years (from Saudi Arabia, to South America, to Asia), the more I realized how little I knew. When I was 21, I thought I had the world in the palm of my hand, but 25+ years later, I realize how naive or culturally illiterate I really was.
The more I learn, the more I realize that true wisdom starts from recognizing that there is so much to learn beyond our current awareness, and though observation, patience, and some humility, we can really become teachable.
Randall
A couple of weeks ago, our family participated in a great 49.3 mile relay near Salt Lake City. Although some of us were running in such an event for the first time, it gave us an opportunity to test our mental and physical abilities, but equally important, an opportunity to do something together as a family. Here is a video of our run. You can also read my report at http://www.hikinginutah.com/greatlakesofutah-2011.htm.
One of the lesser-known national parks in Utah holds some of the best hikes anywhere. One of them that combines water, hiking, swimming, and climbing can be found at Cottonwood Wash. Here is a video report of the hike, and you can learn about more hikes at http://www.hikinginutah.com. Do you have similar scenery in your area?
Recently, my family and I volunteered at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary near Kanab, Utah, where unwanted, homeless, and abused are nurtured and then placed up for adoption. Here is a video and learning activity on the topic. Do you have similar organizations in your country? If so (or not), tell us about them or the current view on homeless animals in your area.
- http://www.esl-lab.com/pets/pets-video.htm
Best,
Randall
Recently, I participated in a unique mountain running event in which the race started at 9:00 p.m. and I finished it at 7:45 a.m. It covered 31 miles (50 kilometers) with a total gain in elevation of over 3,000 meters. You can read my report of the event here:
- http://www.hikinginutah.com/millcreek50k-2011.htm
In some ways, it reminded me of life itself: many things that happen to us in life are difficult, but the reward will come after a period of determination.
Randall
Today, July 4th, is Independence Day in the United States. It is a day when people remember the freedoms they enjoy in this country including the privilege to worship God as they may, to vote, to speak out for different causes, and to go where you may. I created this video on the topic. Share your thoughts on what it means to "be free."
Randall
http://www.esl-lab.com/tradition/usflag-video.htm
Here is my race report for a very difficult 50-mile races in Utah. Doing something as difficult as this reminds me of doing anything challenging: it doesn't matter how long it takes you as long as you finish the journey:
- http://www.hikinginutah.com/squawpeak50-2011.htm
Randall
I just completed a 50 mile (80KM) mountain trail race this past weekend, and it was really hard. However, just like anything in life, many good things come to those who work to achieve them even if it takes you a long time to do so.
I am about to start teaching a new group of students in two weeks, and once again, I will talk to them about how to be a successful student. On the first day of class at the university, it is not uncommon for some of my students to come completely prepared with a notebook, pencils, and a dictionary. Other students come with a cell phone, but nothing else. What do you think are the characteristics of a "good" student?
Although there might not seem to be a connection, there is a relationship between running and learning, especially mastering a language. You have to push yourself, both in running and learning, to make meaningful and lasting progress. Take a look at this video. What are your thoughts on this topic?
Randall
According to news reports, the Japanese haven't been looting (stealing from) stores in spite of the recent earthquake, and such peaceful behavior often wouldn't be seen in other places (including places in my home country). What accounts for this? Share your ideas.
Hi everyone,
I've been experimenting with a new audio service that allows users to post audio comments along and to their social media sites including Facebook and Twitter. There are many possible applications for such a service in that students and teachers can share ideas and create learning content online. Here is one example. Can you think of other applications for such a service? Share your ideas.
Randall
A student told me that it was her goal to talk like a native speaker. I asked, "Are you sure that is a good idea?" Why do you think I responded that way? What is the secret of learning a language better? Share your ideas.
Randall
Hi everyone,
I would like to tell you of some exciting new developments at my Web site, Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab (www.esl-lab.com).
1. Randall's on Twitter - So, what's so neat about that? Well, I am using Twitter to post updates and videos that can help visitors use my Web site better. Video tutorials, you could say. These videos should be able to help you become familiar with my Web sites in a way you didn't know before.
- http://twitter.com/eslrandall/
2. Randall's YouTube Channel - My channel contains videos tutorials and other information about the development and use of my Web sites.
- http://www.youtube.com/user/esllistening
3. New Grammar/Listening/Speaking Activities - I am now moving forward with new types of learning activities that should help you learn and assess your language skills in a new way. Take a look at this page for more information:
- http://www.esl-lab.com/grammarquizzes.htm
Let me know if you have questions or comments about these new features and projects. You can also contact me by email at rdavis[at]esl-lab.com.
Randall Davis
Websites for ESL Teachers and Students
* http://wwwenglishvoices.org
* http://www.esl-lab.com
* http://esl-lab.blogspot.com
* http://www.dailyesl.com
* http://www.ezslang.com
* http://www.trainyouraccent.com
* http://www.tips4students.com
Hiking and Trail Running Hobby: http://www.hikinginutah.com
Since my Web site (www.esl-lab.com) opened in 1998, I have licensed my materials on a number of occasions to companies and educational institutions for commercial and non-commercial purposes under formal agreements. Such organizations have come up with innovative ways of using the materials in their products and services.
Unfortunately, there also have been times that people have illegally copied and profited financially from my work and have completed ignored and disregarded my Terms of Use, and a link to these terms appears on every page of my Web sites (http://www.esl-lab.com/copy.htm). When copyright issues come up (which they have a number of times), I try very hard to work with the individuals or companies to come to a friendly resolution. Unfortunately, there are times when many people are affected, including students and teachers, from very deceptive practices, and in such cases, I feel I should address these things openly.
One such example has been an iPhone app called ListenIN Pro by Anta Entertainment. You can read my complete report at:
http://esl-lab.com/anta-entertainment-scam.htm
I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and great success in the coming year. Feel free to share your dreams and goals for the coming year with us.
Randall
Hi everyone. I just want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Feel free to leave a holiday or other end-of-year message for other visitors here. What holidays or other traditions do you, your family, or your friends celebrate during the month of December? What do you celebrate these days? Please share your thoughts on this topic.
You can listen to this Christmas listening activity to practice your English: http://esl-lab.com/santa/santard1.htm.
Randall
Winter has arrived in my area, and one of the things I enjoy most is trail running and even snowshoeing when I have a chance. In fact, my family and I went snowshoeing this year and had a great time. Why go to Disneyland when you can enjoy the great outdoors?
I have created a video and language-learning activity about this event here:
- http://esl-lab.com/hiking/winteractivities-video.htm
Randall
Life can be filled with all sorts of challenges: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For me, one very physical and mental challenge I was in was a 100 kilomter trail run on Antelope Island near Salt Lake City, Utah. Take a look at this video on my experience:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz7toSZ4wYQ
Many students wonder how they can learn a language with ease. Although there is no magic pill, there are some things that people can do to learn more effectively. Listen to people sharing their ideas on my Web site, http://www.englishvoices.org/.
Randall
- http://www.englishvoices.org/ev-esllearning.htm
I've been working on a new listening and speaking Web site called EnglishVoices.org, which is designed to help learners around the world share and hear ideas and thoughts on a variety of topics. Please give it a try.My wife and I just completed a marathon in the desert in central Utah, and it was a very enjoyable experience. I can relate this to language learning as well. Not everything is easy, and it might take you longer to learn a language than other people can do it, but it's the journey, not the destination, that teaches you to be stronger.
