Exploring English: Language and Culture

Future Learn

Are you interested in finding more about British culture as well as improving your English language skills? If yes, then you will find this free online course incredibly helpful.

Short videos will be used in this course in order to present a different topic each week, including English as a global language, the environment, literature and entrepreneurship. An experienced tutor will examine the language used in the videos and present main points that will help you improve both spoken and written English.

Also, there will be quizzes and discussions to help you check your understanding and practise English throughout the course. At the end of each week you will be asked to describe your experiences about that week's topic in a short piece of writing. 

Date: Monday, 22 June 2015

Duration: 6 weeks/2 hours pw

Educator: Simon Carrie

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10 Random Clichés

• I got a card from Laura ten days after my birthday.

      - Oh, well. Better late than never.

• David's got chickenpox, Sarah's just been fired. What's next?

      - They say these things come in threes, you know.

• Mum! He's broken the vase! 

     - Never mind. Accidents will happen. 

• It's been raining non-stop for days! Do we need some sunshine!

      - You can say that again.

• It took me eleven years to build up my business. Nearly killed me.

      - Well, you know what they say. No pain, no gain.

• You should get a new job and stop smoking.

      - Easier said than done.

• I need to go back in the house and make sure I've turned off the iron.

      - Good idea. Better safe than sorry.

• I don't know whether to apply for this job or not. What do you think?

      - Well, I'm not quite sure. At the end of the day, it's your decision.

• Michael is a weird bloke. Have you heard he's going to cycle across Europe?

      - It takes all sorts.

• I'm having a complete break for a week.

      - Sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

What is your opinion about clichés?

Do you have any similar clichés in your language?

Integrated Skills: Language for the Future

Oxford University Press

Date: 27th May 2015

Times:  09:00 - 10:00, 15:00 - 16:00 (BST)

Speaker: Rachael Roberts

In this webinar, Rachael Roberts, co-author of Navigate, a new course for adults, will look at a number of practical ways in which they can be integrated into the classroom practice, providing students with everything they need to unlock both reading and listening.

Register

Examples of Euphemisms

Let's revise!

What is the definition of a euphemism?

>>A euphemism is a polite way of expressing something thought to have negative connotations.

# For example, a blind person is visually challenged, a fat person is full-figured, and politicians don't lie, they are simply economical with the truth.

# According to the officialdom, an old person who cannot use their arms or legs in a normal way is a disadvantaged senior sitizen.

# One will not die but pass away. 

# Going on strike equals taking industrial action, and someone who makes things difficult for others and opposes their views for no good reason is working to rule.

# Ministry of War becomes Ministry of Defence.

# People who come from lower income brackets are merely poor.

# And, you don't have a pet any longer, but a companion animal.

# Individuals with low IQs are also known as stupid.

# If you are/feeling under the weather, it means you are ill.

# Money that the government (UK) pays to unemployed people who are looking for a job is Jobseeker's Allowance rather than an unemployment benefit.

# Having a dialogue is nothing but talking.

# To change a system or situation so that it obeys laws is to regularize it.

# Your statements are definitely misleading if they are causing someone to believe something that is not true.

Are you fond of using euphemisms?

Or, you're trying to avoid that diplomatic tone and be straightforward instead? 

Teaching with Video - Tip Exchange Competition

Cambridge Univeristy Press (CUP) is organising a competition for teachers of English who, at the time of entering the competition, are associated with an institution of English teaching or teach as a private tutor.  

You should share your top tip for teaching with video in the classroom with other teachers around the world for your chance to win! Help your fellow teachers embrace video in the classroom by sharing your most effective tricks and techniques. Join in by uploading a video of yourself explaining how you use video in the classroom.

How do I enter?

1. Record a 90 - second video clip in landscape explaining your top tip for teaching with video.
2. Upload your entry here to add it to the gallery!
3. A panel of judges will choose the best clips and announce them on Facebook and Twitter.

What can I win?

• First prize: One of three GoPro kits including the GoPro Hero4 Silver camera and your choice of accessories.
• Monthly prizes: Exciting DVDs from Discovery Channel and other prizes including inflatable globes, notepads and pens.

The closing date is 3 January 2016.

Good luck!

Understanding IELTS: Techniques for English Language Tests

futurelearn.com

Are you planning to take an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test soon? Then this free online course will be particularly useful to you. It will help you improve your English and prepare for tests, such as IELTS reading, writing, listening and speaking. Nevertheless, all English language learners will benefit from the tips given in the course.

The course will take you through each of the stages of this test and at each stage there will be advice from a video tutor and a team of experienced IELTS educators. You can also share your experiences, opinions and tips with other learners.

Date: Monday, 11 May 2015

Duration: 6 weeks/2 hours pw

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Konferencija o bilingvalnom obrazovanju - dan sa profesorom Stivenom Baksom

U organizaciji Britanskog Saveta i Pokrajinskog sekretarijata za obrazovanje, propise, upravu i nacionalne manjine održava se konferencija stručnog usavršavanja za bilingvalno obrazovanje u Novom Sadu 12. maja 2015.

Uvaženi profesor primenjene lingvistike, Dr Stiven Baks sa Univerziteta u Bedfordširu u Velikoj Britaniji, vodiće ovu konferenciju koja je podeljena u četiri tematska dela:

I  Efektivno bilingvalno obrazovanje / obrazovanje gde se engleski jezik koristi kao medijum za davanje instrukcija - politika i praksa   

II  Planiranje kvalitetne nastave u okviru bilingvalnog obrazovanja / obrazovanja gde se engleski jezik koristi kao medijum za davanje instrukcija

III  Praćenje i ocenjivanje bilingvalnog obrazovanja / obrazovanja gde se engleski jezik koristi kao medijum za davanje instrukcija

IV Integrisanje nastave, učenja i ocenjivanja u bilingvalnom obrazovanju /  obrazovanju gde se engleski jezik koristi kao medijum za davanje instrukcija

Ukoliko želite da učestvujete na ovoj konferenciji, pošaljite vaše ime, prezime, naziv institucije u kojoj radite, grad i imejl na ovu adresu najkasnije do 7. maja 2015. Uspešno registrovanim učesnicima potvrda će biti poslata 8. maja. Radni jezik konferencije je engleski.

12. maj 2015. godine

Gimnazija ,,Laza Kostić''

Laze Lazarevića 1

Novi Sad

Za više informacija, kontaktirajte Kristijana Rajkovića ili Žolta Sakalaša.

Teach like TED

A workshop with Paula Mulanovic

Ever wished you could:

- present like a TEDster?   

- engage learners like a riveted TED audience?

- achieve feedback like a standing TED ovation?

Inspired by all things TED, Paula will explain what’s behind “Teach Like TED”, refer to selected TED clips and share some framework materials developed for business learners. If you like teaching with TED, come and find out more about it.

Paula Mulanovic is an experienced teacher, trainer and materials developer. She is the Director of Studies at marcus evans linguarama Cologne. Her professional interests include learning processes and what makes learning successful – for students, for teachers and for course designers.

This workshop will take place on 

Sunday, 3rd of May 2015, at 3pm UK time/ 4pm CEST.

Enter here