At this time of year I should be looking forward to the Tour de France.
Since Lance Armstrong's retirement after last year's event I have been wondering who would be the winner this time round. Sadly the world of cycling has been rocked by the latest in a succession of doping scandals, and the two riders most likely to succeed, Ivan Basso and Jan Ulrich have both been suspended today by their teams pending investigations.
I have lost interest in the event now. I find it hard to believe that there are any clean riders in the top flight of professionals. I do not know what it will take to rid the sport of doping, and to restore the confidence of the public and the sponsors in the sport.
Friday, June 30, 2006
More teaching.
My teaching at the Summer Course went well. The students were very keen, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. My two-week stint finished with a lesson in which the students worked in groups to produce a presentation and report on one of a range of contemporary issues such as "How people spend their leisure time" and "The effect of smoking on health". I thought that preparing a presentation like this during their first two weeks was a bit of a tall order, but they all worked hard and produced some good presentations.
One of the other teachers is unable to take her lesson on Wednesday morning so she has asked me to stand in for her. It will be good to work with the class again. I have also been asked to act as facilitator for a Speaking and Listening exam on July 17th.
My teaching at the Summer Course went well. The students were very keen, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. My two-week stint finished with a lesson in which the students worked in groups to produce a presentation and report on one of a range of contemporary issues such as "How people spend their leisure time" and "The effect of smoking on health". I thought that preparing a presentation like this during their first two weeks was a bit of a tall order, but they all worked hard and produced some good presentations.
One of the other teachers is unable to take her lesson on Wednesday morning so she has asked me to stand in for her. It will be good to work with the class again. I have also been asked to act as facilitator for a Speaking and Listening exam on July 17th.
It is almost a month since I last wrote here. The reason for my silence is that Malcolm, a friend of mine, was seriously injured in a cycling accident nearly three weeks ago. I was riding with him and his partner, Janice, when it happened although he was a little way behind us so we didn't see him fall.
Malcolm has been in a coma since the day of the accident, and although he seems to be out of immediate danger, the doctors don't know the extent to which he will eventually recover.
Malcolm and Janice have many friends who have rallied round to give what help and support they can. Still, this is a very upsetting time for all concerned.
Malcolm has been in a coma since the day of the accident, and although he seems to be out of immediate danger, the doctors don't know the extent to which he will eventually recover.
Malcolm and Janice have many friends who have rallied round to give what help and support they can. Still, this is a very upsetting time for all concerned.
Monday, June 05, 2006
The first day
Today was the first day of the Summer Course. There are three classes at different levels, but they were all combined in one room for the enrollments and examination paperwork. My students are at a level where the basic form-filling was no problem for them. The teacher of the entry-level class had to do a lot more handholding.
After enrollment I was able to set my students to work on a 'get to know your partner' exercise as an ice-breaker, which took us up to the end of the first session. I then started work from one of the set books for the second session. The students all seem keen and are very friendly, and I was pleased with the way today's lesson went.
The college allocated lessons slots at the Summer Course to all of the existing teachers who wanted them, which meant that the new teachers are mainly covering for teachers who are on holiday.
I am one of three new teachers, and have been given a block of work from Monday to Thursday this week and Monday, Tuesday and Friday next week. This is less work than I had initially hoped for, but the fact that it is a solid block of work makes it closer to a full-time teaching experience than if I had been given a single morning for six weeks. Now that I will have more free time in the summer I am investigating the possibility of going to Prague for August rather than waiting until September.
Prior to this I have never had to plan for more than one lesson at a time. For this week I have had to plan a block of 8 lessons. I'm sure that I will become more efficient in my lesson planning but over the last week I have been struggling to keep my head above water. I think I have done enough to ensure that everything is in place for this week's lessons, but I had to revise tomorrow's lesson plan to take account of the pace my students were working at today. I may have to revisit Wednesday and Thursday's plans, too.
Today was the first day of the Summer Course. There are three classes at different levels, but they were all combined in one room for the enrollments and examination paperwork. My students are at a level where the basic form-filling was no problem for them. The teacher of the entry-level class had to do a lot more handholding.
After enrollment I was able to set my students to work on a 'get to know your partner' exercise as an ice-breaker, which took us up to the end of the first session. I then started work from one of the set books for the second session. The students all seem keen and are very friendly, and I was pleased with the way today's lesson went.
The college allocated lessons slots at the Summer Course to all of the existing teachers who wanted them, which meant that the new teachers are mainly covering for teachers who are on holiday.
I am one of three new teachers, and have been given a block of work from Monday to Thursday this week and Monday, Tuesday and Friday next week. This is less work than I had initially hoped for, but the fact that it is a solid block of work makes it closer to a full-time teaching experience than if I had been given a single morning for six weeks. Now that I will have more free time in the summer I am investigating the possibility of going to Prague for August rather than waiting until September.
Prior to this I have never had to plan for more than one lesson at a time. For this week I have had to plan a block of 8 lessons. I'm sure that I will become more efficient in my lesson planning but over the last week I have been struggling to keep my head above water. I think I have done enough to ensure that everything is in place for this week's lessons, but I had to revise tomorrow's lesson plan to take account of the pace my students were working at today. I may have to revisit Wednesday and Thursday's plans, too.
Friday, June 02, 2006
I've been away
We spent a week in the north of England. We took our walking gear and spent time on the Northumberland Coast, at Hadrian's Wall, and in the North Pennines.
On the days we weren't walking we did some gentle sightseeing, visiting places we've often intended to see, but haven't quite managed. At Escomb the ladies of the church were preparing tea and coffee for a party of visiting US students that they were expecting. They very kindly offered us a cup while they were waiting.
While we were away, Sue's car developed a problem, too. The engine warning light came on, and so we had to get it checked by a dealer. It wasn't severe enough to need immediate repairs, but we spent most of the week driving it gently. It got us home in the end, though.
I have spent most of this week planning my lessons for the next two weeks as I start teaching on Monday morning.
I have been discussing start dates and accommodation with the people in Prague. I may be going out there in August rather than September.
We spent a week in the north of England. We took our walking gear and spent time on the Northumberland Coast, at Hadrian's Wall, and in the North Pennines.
On the days we weren't walking we did some gentle sightseeing, visiting places we've often intended to see, but haven't quite managed. At Escomb the ladies of the church were preparing tea and coffee for a party of visiting US students that they were expecting. They very kindly offered us a cup while they were waiting.
While we were away, Sue's car developed a problem, too. The engine warning light came on, and so we had to get it checked by a dealer. It wasn't severe enough to need immediate repairs, but we spent most of the week driving it gently. It got us home in the end, though.
I have spent most of this week planning my lessons for the next two weeks as I start teaching on Monday morning.
I have been discussing start dates and accommodation with the people in Prague. I may be going out there in August rather than September.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Ready for work
I have just spoken with my new boss at the local college about the teaching work which I will be doing.
I will be taking a Level 1 class in the first two weeks of June. Level 1 students are not beginners, there are three entry levels before this so these students will probably have been learning English for at least three years. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the class will have a number of different teachers over the ten-week course so there is a planning meeting at the college on Friday to allow us to co-ordinate our activities.
The other good news of the week is that I have now been offered the job in Prague. This will involve teaching to individuals and small groups within companies, and will draw on my experience in the corporate world as much as my English. I am waiting to see the details in writing before I formally accept, but it is looking good.
I have just spoken with my new boss at the local college about the teaching work which I will be doing.
I will be taking a Level 1 class in the first two weeks of June. Level 1 students are not beginners, there are three entry levels before this so these students will probably have been learning English for at least three years. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the class will have a number of different teachers over the ten-week course so there is a planning meeting at the college on Friday to allow us to co-ordinate our activities.
The other good news of the week is that I have now been offered the job in Prague. This will involve teaching to individuals and small groups within companies, and will draw on my experience in the corporate world as much as my English. I am waiting to see the details in writing before I formally accept, but it is looking good.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Catching up with the news (from 1914)
One of my interests is Military History, and I have slowly been researching the story of 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the First World War. My grandfather was a member of this battalion, which consisted of territorials (part-time volunteers, somewhat similar to National Guard units in the US).
From my previous research I knew that the unit was at its annual summer camp when war broke out, and that most of the unit volunteered for service overseas almost immediately. I spent Friday at the A.N. Palmer Centre for Local Studies and Archives in Wrexham reading the microfilm archives of the Wrexham Advertiser from the Summer and Autumn of 1914. The paper carried reports of the battalion's return from camp, and their despatch first to Conwy, then Northampton before being sent to France in November 1914.
This was fascinating reading, the paper carried a sense of adventure mixed with foreboding, although at that time no-one really knew of the horrors which were to come before the survivors would return home.
One of my interests is Military History, and I have slowly been researching the story of 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the First World War. My grandfather was a member of this battalion, which consisted of territorials (part-time volunteers, somewhat similar to National Guard units in the US).
From my previous research I knew that the unit was at its annual summer camp when war broke out, and that most of the unit volunteered for service overseas almost immediately. I spent Friday at the A.N. Palmer Centre for Local Studies and Archives in Wrexham reading the microfilm archives of the Wrexham Advertiser from the Summer and Autumn of 1914. The paper carried reports of the battalion's return from camp, and their despatch first to Conwy, then Northampton before being sent to France in November 1914.
This was fascinating reading, the paper carried a sense of adventure mixed with foreboding, although at that time no-one really knew of the horrors which were to come before the survivors would return home.
Back to work soon.
I had intended to spend all of last week in North Wales but two job interviews came up which meant that I returned home in order to prepare for them. The first interview was at the local college, and I have now been given a firm offer of some work teaching for the summer. There is a planning meeting on Friday where the teachers will discuss the overall curriculum and then plan their individual schemes of work. I will be very much the new boy in this, so I will need to take a close eye on proceedings. I don't want to end up with all the parts that no-one else wants.
The second interview was a telephone interview for a job in Prague, beginning in September. I am waiting to hear further on this one, so I have my fingers crossed.
I had intended to spend all of last week in North Wales but two job interviews came up which meant that I returned home in order to prepare for them. The first interview was at the local college, and I have now been given a firm offer of some work teaching for the summer. There is a planning meeting on Friday where the teachers will discuss the overall curriculum and then plan their individual schemes of work. I will be very much the new boy in this, so I will need to take a close eye on proceedings. I don't want to end up with all the parts that no-one else wants.
The second interview was a telephone interview for a job in Prague, beginning in September. I am waiting to hear further on this one, so I have my fingers crossed.
North Wales
We spent the last two weekends in North Wales. On May 6th we walked in the Berwyn Mountains for about 13 miles. We had originally planned to walk in the Ogwen Valley but the forecast of strong winds and rain persuaded us to pick some hills which were harder to fall off. In the end the weather held good for us, although clouds were gathering all round by late afternoon.
This last weekend we spent Saturday cycling via Mold to the Vale of Clwyd with Sue's sister and her husband, before joining them at a fundraising quiz in aid of the local Silver Band.
We spent the last two weekends in North Wales. On May 6th we walked in the Berwyn Mountains for about 13 miles. We had originally planned to walk in the Ogwen Valley but the forecast of strong winds and rain persuaded us to pick some hills which were harder to fall off. In the end the weather held good for us, although clouds were gathering all round by late afternoon.
This last weekend we spent Saturday cycling via Mold to the Vale of Clwyd with Sue's sister and her husband, before joining them at a fundraising quiz in aid of the local Silver Band.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Sunday cycle ride. We had planned a long cycle ride for Sunday. We were so certain we would do it that in the pub on Saturday night we told everyone that we were going to ride 100 miles on Sunday. We were a little bit late setting off on Sunday morning, sufficiently so that it was clear that we wouldn't be able to ride 100 miles before dark. Faced with this we decided to cut the ride short and just do about 80 miles.
Unfortunately we miscalculated and ended up riding over 94 miles, of which the last six or so were in darkness. We were too tired to even consider adding on another six miles to make a round hundred, so we finished the day worn out and a little disappointed.
Looking back, the ride was still quite an achievement. It was the longest ride Sue has ever done, and my longest for almost 18 years, and even if we missed the target of 100 miles we have the consolation prize of 150 kilometres.
Unfortunately we miscalculated and ended up riding over 94 miles, of which the last six or so were in darkness. We were too tired to even consider adding on another six miles to make a round hundred, so we finished the day worn out and a little disappointed.
Looking back, the ride was still quite an achievement. It was the longest ride Sue has ever done, and my longest for almost 18 years, and even if we missed the target of 100 miles we have the consolation prize of 150 kilometres.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Thank you, and goodbye. Obviously my current team also marked the occasion of my leaving, too. This is another geographically dispersed team, and my manager visits our site roughly one day a week.
He was down on Thursday, and after dealing with the administrative side of my leaving he called the team together for a little gathering. They gave me a leaving card and gifts, and I felt quite emotional as I said a few words of thanks.
We got together for a few drinks on Thursdayevening and Friday lunchtime, and I managed to catch up with people I have worked with at various times.
I have had some great times, met some great people and learned a lot at Sun. Although it is the right time for me to move on, I won't forget the times I had there.
He was down on Thursday, and after dealing with the administrative side of my leaving he called the team together for a little gathering. They gave me a leaving card and gifts, and I felt quite emotional as I said a few words of thanks.
We got together for a few drinks on Thursdayevening and Friday lunchtime, and I managed to catch up with people I have worked with at various times.
I have had some great times, met some great people and learned a lot at Sun. Although it is the right time for me to move on, I won't forget the times I had there.
A Cyber Hug. One of the interesting facets of life at Sun was the way in which international teams can be created and people work together who are based in different locations and timezones. The teams keep in touch via conference calls, instant messaging and e-mails. It is possible to build quite close working relationships over a period of years with people whom you never meet.
I have been part of such teams for several years, and the team I was in until a few months ago managed to build quite a remarkable team spirit. Thursday was my next to last day and one of my colleagues from the old team arranged a conference call for the former team members to get together and share reminiscences about our time working together.
We had a good old chat, and after it was over one of my old colleagues referred to it as a "cyber hug".
I have been part of such teams for several years, and the team I was in until a few months ago managed to build quite a remarkable team spirit. Thursday was my next to last day and one of my colleagues from the old team arranged a conference call for the former team members to get together and share reminiscences about our time working together.
We had a good old chat, and after it was over one of my old colleagues referred to it as a "cyber hug".
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
This morning's big news story in my corner of the world is that Scott McNealy is to step down as Sun Microsystems' CEO. I'm sure the news will be the talk of the office when I go in this morning. I'm trying to imagine what Sun will be like with a new man at the top. I will be watching with interest, from the outside.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Not long now. I leave my current job with a major computer manufacturer at the end of next week. From May 1st I should have more time on my hands to pursue my interests, and to try to make my living teaching English to adult learners.
The change should give me an opportunity to catch up on my backlog of books. Sitting at the top of the pile at the moment I have "Scoop" by Evelyn Waugh, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being in Aberystwyth" by Malcolm Pryce and "The Pity of War" by Niall Ferguson.
I will record my opinions here as I read each of them.
The change should give me an opportunity to catch up on my backlog of books. Sitting at the top of the pile at the moment I have "Scoop" by Evelyn Waugh, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being in Aberystwyth" by Malcolm Pryce and "The Pity of War" by Niall Ferguson.
I will record my opinions here as I read each of them.
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