UFOs: Do they exist?

Many people wonder if aliens and UFOs really exist in outer space. Right now, my son is doing a research project on the topic. I would really appreciate it if you could take his survey on the topic at:

- http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/319896/ufo

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Randall

P.S. You can find a humorous listening activity on my site on aliens at: http://www.esl-lab.com/story1/story1.htm.

Squaw Peak 50 Mile Trail Run

As some of you have noticed in some of my postings, I really enjoy endurance activities, particularly trail running. Here is one my most recent races. I'm not very fast, but I enjoy testing my abilities in extreme conditions. In this case, I ran in a 50 mile (80 kilometer) race through the mountains in Utah. Please share the activities you like to do to test you body and mind. You can read my complete race report at:

- http://www.hikinginutah.com/squawpeak50-2010.htm

Best,

Randall

Gaps in Language Learning

One of the greatest challenges as a language teacher is to help students recognize their true levels and the gaps in their learning. In other words, language programs which provide different levels of skills often require students to "pass" the class to move on to a higher-level class. The potential problem with such a system is that unless students really master the concepts at their current level, then the gaps in their learning will follow them. This problem can also result for the lack of good assessment techniques. In other words, if I award students points for simple participation (not ability), then this score can inflate a students grade and the appearance that they have mastered the language skills being taught.

Students need to realize that gaps in their learning can and do occur and that they must review and study the areas they still haven't mastered to really perfect their skills.

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Randall