Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This week, we've have heard and talked about graffiti.

Please visit these two websites showing both sides of the argument.
http://www.chch.com/new-graffiti-store-hamilton-causing-conflict/

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09/14/tribute-to-graffiti-50-beautiful-graffiti-artworks/

What do you think about graffiti? Is it art? Is it vandalism?

The City of Hamilton spend approximately $250, 000 per year removing graffiti from city buildings and streets (Source: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/news/graffiti-is-a-hamilton-wide-problem-say-councillors/).

Is that money well spent? What would the result be if the graffiti were not removed?

Have your say!  Once you've visited the websites and thought about your opinions, please record your responses.  Please structure your response as if you were organizing your ideas in a paragraph, with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

When you're ready, use Vocaroo.com to record your opinion. Click record, and then, click 'allow' for your microphone.  Once you've finished, you can listen to your recording.  If you're happy with it, you can save it and share it with me, using the link, downloading the MP3.  If you have any difficulties, please ask Chet or me for help.

http://vocaroo.com/

When you're finished, practice your final consonant sounds in the story of "Pam & Pat at the Old Inn" with a partner.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 24th, 2014

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, I would like you finish up your autobiographies and place the final draft in your portfolios. I would also like you finish setting your SMART goals on your 'Action Plan' sheet and place those into your portfolios. Both of these items should go into your 'About Me' section.  Don't forget to fill out the inventory page at the beginning of the section.

You should have collected all of the responses to your survey questions by now and be ready to work with your data.  With your partner(s), analyze and organize your information into a short PowerPoint presentation using charts and/or graphs to highlight your findings. You will present your results to the class on Wednesday, October 1st. (no extensions, no delays, no second chances! ;) 






Please remember what we talked about in class when creating PowerPoint slides: background colour, text size and colour, font, font size, graphs/charts/photos, and the number of lines of text.  If you have forgotten, please refer back to page 90. 


Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

Please notice that I have placed some additional websites under the 'Useful Links' section. This will give you some more information about the TOEFL and IELTS tests. 

This afternoon, we are going to be creating a document for your new learning portfolios. This morning, we talked about the purpose of a portfolio and how we will be using them. In the first section, 'About Me', you will place information about your specific needs and goals.  The first document will be your autobiography.  This is your story about who you are, where you're from and what you're planning to do in the future?



Please write several paragraphs describing what you think are the important details of your life. You don't need to write anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.  This information will help you to assess your needs, establish your goals, and make a plan for your future learning.  


Submit your writing before the end of class, and it will become part of your portfolio.  

Once you've finished your autobiography, please work with your partners on your survey questions.  Next week, you will be collecting responses to your questions from the other LINC students in the J Wing.


If you still have time, please follow the link to the POSE Test.  I would like you to complete the 'Word Stress' test.  

http://eslactivities.com/pt/mainMenu.php?sesID=7a774dc993e99bd547dedfa39b03cd13


Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,


Welcome to Kim's CLB 7/8 blog!  You will notice that there are some helpful links on the right side to help you. I will add to these over the semester. You can use the blog when we're in the computer lab, but also when you're at home.

I hope you all learned some useful information about the college this morning.  Once you've recorded your short speech on culture clash, I'll share the recording with you.  Please remember that I won't share it with anyone else, but it can be very useful for helping you to identify areas of strength and weakness.

Next, go to the following website, "BBC: 6 Minute English" and choose a podcast that interests you.  Once you've listened to it, write a brief summary of what you've heard.  Make sure to use your own words. Do not use any direct quotes.  Also, don't forget to include the title of the podcast you've chosen.  Your writing is due at the end of the class. Please include your notes when you submit your writing (They don't have to be neat. I just want to see how you take notes).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/

Please email your writing to me or alternatively, you could share it with me using Google Drive (if you know how to use it)  If you would like to know how, I'd be happy to show you.

Enjoy!