Well, after having a long discussion about the very basic of English grammar and structure for conversation, here they are the examples of how the knowledge of English is applied in daily chats.
Speaking Practice
1. Elementary School
Harno : Excuse me. Did you go to a kindergarten when you were a child?
Harni : No, I didn’t, but elementary school.
Harno : How old were you when you entered elementary school?
Harni : I was six years old, I think.
Harno : Did you ever failed?
Harni : You mean when I was in elementary school?
Harno : Yes.
Harni : Oh, no. I never failed.
Harno : How old were you when you finished it?
Harni : If I’m not mistaken, I was twelve years old.
Harno : By the way, where did you study?
Harni : I studied in Surabaya, East java.
Harno : What did you do after finishing Elementary Shool?
Harni : Of course, I went to junior high school.
Harno : In Surabaya as well?
Harni : No, it was in Solo, central Java.
(adapted from Metoda 21 English Course Text book)
2. At a cell phone shop
Clark : Good morning. Can I help you?
Sarah : Sure. I’m looking for a cell phone with a camera feature.
Clark : Please this way. I’ll show you...
Sarah : Whoa! Many brands! I don’t know which one is good.
Clark : All is good. The cell phones available help you to choose.
Sarah : Are they expansive? I’m afraid that I can’t afford it.
Clark : How much did you allow for the cell phone you want?
Sarah : I just have Rp. 1.500.000,-
Clark : Oh...if that’s your budget. I suggest that you take this one...
Sarah : Where is it made in?
Clark : Let me check. Hm...it is made in China.
Sarah : But I heard that cellphones made in China is easily broken.
Clark : That’s not true. The lasting of a thing is based on its use. If you use it well, then it will be last longer.
Sarah : What about that one?
Clark : Hm...it is made in Germany. It is a bit expansive, but with the same features as the China one.
Sarah : Okay then. I take the made in China one. Thanks for the recommendation.
Clark : You’re welcome.
3. At an Office
Claudia : Come in, please.
Guest : Good morning.
Claudia : Good morning, sir. Can I do you a favor?
Guest : Yes. I’d like to see Mr. Jacky.
Claudia : Alright. But Can I have your name, please?
Guest : I’m Mr.Georgia.
Claudia : Could you please spell your name, Sir. I’d like to make sure that I don’t miswritten your name.
Guest : G – E – O – R - G – I - A
Claudia : Thank you. Have you made an appointment with Mr. Jacky?
Guest : I’m afraid not.
Claudia : I’m sorry, Sir. Mr. Jacky only accepts a guest with an appointment first. Could I put you in the waiting list.
Guest : I see. Okay then. Can I leave a massage for him?
Claudia : Sure. Any name card?
Guest : Yeah...here it is.
Claudia : Okay I’ll ring you up when everything is dealt.
Guest : By the way, may I have your name?
Claudia : I’m Claudia, Sir. Mr. Jacky’s secretary.
Guest : Well, Claudia. Thanks for all. See you.
Claudia : You’re welcome. Bye...
Showing posts with label Talking Corner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Talking Corner. Show all posts
Friday, November 5, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Classroom Action Research Workshop
I'm now sitting again for a two day workshop about CLassroom Action Research or it is shortened as "CAR" or popular with "PTK" in bahasa.( Then I'll use PTK for my writing).
PTK is a new trend for thesis making for University students in Teacher Training Education Faculty. This case comes up for students in Teacher Training Education Faculty will involve in teaching learning process when they have graduated. In teaching teachers will face some problems regard to students, the teaching process, making lesson plan and so forth. By getting familiar with PTK since the early beginning, the teacher training Education students will not find difficulties in making a such thesis. Moreover, as teachers, having PTK is a must for them one day.
PTK has many functions. The first: it can be used to be a teacher portfolio in passing through certification program. The second, PTK is used to get promotion. The third, for any other incentive given by government, it needs PTK as the requirement. Briefly, we can say that PTK is a card to draw some money.
Since PTK is so promising to get an extra income, teachers will be hurried to work on it. This reason, however,create a kind of manipulation in making PTK.It is found that many teachers just grab the exist PTK to be copied or modified, they have even never practiced it before.Or they will just someone to work for them.
The case above is usually done by unqualified teachers who were recruited as PNS by dirty ways. My question are: 1) does the government care about this? 2) Is there any evaluation for the exist PNS? 3) Is there any other way to prove that a PNS is qualified rather than having certificates or writing only?
There are a lot of problems that Indonesia government must handle that it is understandable if the government can't supervise all teachers all across Indonesia, the payment in certification can be wasting when this program is used as a making money machine thou. So my next question is for the teachers who are involved in such dirty things. Where is their heart when they receive 12 millions in certifications or other allowance while they didn't work for it?
It is quite in contrary from teachers basic characters that they are models and figure to be followed by their students. However, money has blocked their brain to become the real teachers as the should be.
Life is hard. Hope it won't be a reason to always justify any ways to make money. Moreover, being PNS through teacher positions are still pursued by many people out there. Hope, those who are recruited having good morality that will not use money as their goal in being teachers but serve students and government a right and good lesson.
PTK is a new trend for thesis making for University students in Teacher Training Education Faculty. This case comes up for students in Teacher Training Education Faculty will involve in teaching learning process when they have graduated. In teaching teachers will face some problems regard to students, the teaching process, making lesson plan and so forth. By getting familiar with PTK since the early beginning, the teacher training Education students will not find difficulties in making a such thesis. Moreover, as teachers, having PTK is a must for them one day.
PTK has many functions. The first: it can be used to be a teacher portfolio in passing through certification program. The second, PTK is used to get promotion. The third, for any other incentive given by government, it needs PTK as the requirement. Briefly, we can say that PTK is a card to draw some money.
Since PTK is so promising to get an extra income, teachers will be hurried to work on it. This reason, however,create a kind of manipulation in making PTK.It is found that many teachers just grab the exist PTK to be copied or modified, they have even never practiced it before.Or they will just someone to work for them.
The case above is usually done by unqualified teachers who were recruited as PNS by dirty ways. My question are: 1) does the government care about this? 2) Is there any evaluation for the exist PNS? 3) Is there any other way to prove that a PNS is qualified rather than having certificates or writing only?
There are a lot of problems that Indonesia government must handle that it is understandable if the government can't supervise all teachers all across Indonesia, the payment in certification can be wasting when this program is used as a making money machine thou. So my next question is for the teachers who are involved in such dirty things. Where is their heart when they receive 12 millions in certifications or other allowance while they didn't work for it?
It is quite in contrary from teachers basic characters that they are models and figure to be followed by their students. However, money has blocked their brain to become the real teachers as the should be.
Life is hard. Hope it won't be a reason to always justify any ways to make money. Moreover, being PNS through teacher positions are still pursued by many people out there. Hope, those who are recruited having good morality that will not use money as their goal in being teachers but serve students and government a right and good lesson.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Knocking on Someone's Heart
I used to think that "TOLONG" reality show was only a made up show, means that it has been prepared: the actors, the scene etc. And I used to think that helping someone was easy to do because I'm used to doing it. Anytime some friends of mine complain that they are unemployed, I try to get them some information about job vacancies. Even sometimes there are some friends bring some English work I will give them a hand, how tired I am thou. So, the situation given in "TOLONG" reality show is an easy thing to do if it comes to me.
I believe the other will think so but it turns to be a ridiculous thing when yesterday, when my motor engine was dead, when magrib was approaching, when everyone had taken a bath, when I dragged my motor for more than 1 kilometer, I couldn't find anyone to help me.
When I found a repairing shop in the second kilometer , the repairer just simply said: "sorry, it's already closed". The next 100 meters the repairer said: "It's late already." What could I do? I'm just a woman who doesn't know anytthing about machine and stuff. It wasn't that bad actually because I called a friend that I supposed he could do aomething. He just had a walk with me instead since he doesn't know about repairing thing either.
I could drop tears kind of when everyone refused to help. It was no longer about making money for the repairer, but it was helping someone who couldn't go home when the dark came that it would be too risky being on the street that crime might happen too, and who knows that the person's home is far enough. Moreover, she was a woman.
Through a hard effort I reached a repairer shop that is near my house already. I left it there because the repairer said that he was too tired to fix the motor but it was okay since he is trustworthy. At the end, everything has been done well. And this morning I was able to ride my motor to work this morning.
I believe what I have told is quite familiar with our daily lives where sometimes we need some help or sometimes we have to help. However, there will be kind of burden when we are ask to help since there are somethings to consider. After helping it doesn't appear that we'll be paid the same as we have done. It is understandable if those thoughts come up but I believe it will always be good to help even we have to sacrifice our own. The payment might not come suddenly like we will be helped when we are in need but I believe it will be surely paid later in the here after.
So, why don't we gladly help no matter what?
I believe the other will think so but it turns to be a ridiculous thing when yesterday, when my motor engine was dead, when magrib was approaching, when everyone had taken a bath, when I dragged my motor for more than 1 kilometer, I couldn't find anyone to help me.
When I found a repairing shop in the second kilometer , the repairer just simply said: "sorry, it's already closed". The next 100 meters the repairer said: "It's late already." What could I do? I'm just a woman who doesn't know anytthing about machine and stuff. It wasn't that bad actually because I called a friend that I supposed he could do aomething. He just had a walk with me instead since he doesn't know about repairing thing either.
I could drop tears kind of when everyone refused to help. It was no longer about making money for the repairer, but it was helping someone who couldn't go home when the dark came that it would be too risky being on the street that crime might happen too, and who knows that the person's home is far enough. Moreover, she was a woman.
Through a hard effort I reached a repairer shop that is near my house already. I left it there because the repairer said that he was too tired to fix the motor but it was okay since he is trustworthy. At the end, everything has been done well. And this morning I was able to ride my motor to work this morning.
I believe what I have told is quite familiar with our daily lives where sometimes we need some help or sometimes we have to help. However, there will be kind of burden when we are ask to help since there are somethings to consider. After helping it doesn't appear that we'll be paid the same as we have done. It is understandable if those thoughts come up but I believe it will always be good to help even we have to sacrifice our own. The payment might not come suddenly like we will be helped when we are in need but I believe it will be surely paid later in the here after.
So, why don't we gladly help no matter what?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Speak up for Education in Indonesia
I was involved in education field started July 2009 and I got surprised with how teaching learning is taken. There are a lot of things beyond my imagination.
The first thing is about teacher quality.
I have found out that there are some teachers are not qualified enough at their field. I assume that it happened because of the rules of CPNS (Government officers) recruitment.
In Indonesia government recruitment is based on a test under government supervision. The test covers: bahasa Indonesia,math, scholastic and other terms I can't remember. These tests really don’t show people ability in their field. Moreover there is no test that specifies to the field the applicants chosen. There is no English test for English applicants for instance. This circumstance emerges a question how government knows that the accepted applicants are able to teach. The GPA attached in application letter is not a guaranty that the score there reflects applicants’ ability. But, this is Indonesia!
Another way of government recruitment is by recruiting some teachers who have served voluntarily in some schools. From humanism side it is understandable. But, have they tested before teaching there? Many schools hire voluntarily teacher through nepotism, power of acquaintance or people who we know well in institutions takes place.
Everything is getting worse when sometimes we heard that bribing exists in recruitment test. The rumor says that 100-120 million rupiahs are spent to get a position in governmental office. What can we say?
The phenomena above are a clear description of Education in Indonesia.
I’m glad that I was recruited at SMPN 1 Jetis, a promising school with an RSBI level. Being PNS is my dream but I can not do a thing if CPNS test is still like what I explained above. Through what I write, I do hope that this contributes to the changing of CPNS recruitment rules. Let someone be tested based on his or her field, then I’ll be optimistic when applying.
RSBI is just another problem. RSBI is an extraordinary school. It can’t be put the same as other schools. It needs more responsible, talent and ideas. The goals of this kind of schools need a total teacher's contribution including time and energy. But I don’t notice that government appreciate RSBI teachers work since no difference in payment from the non-RSBI teachers to RSBI one. And this case is just another hard work for the voluntarily teachers who are not financially ready yet.
Javanese says: Jer Basuki mawa bea, it is indeed right. Appreciation through award, cash or whatever will stimulate teachers to be more creative and enthusiastic to always serve themselves in education world.
VIVA TEACHERS in INDONESIA!
The first thing is about teacher quality.
I have found out that there are some teachers are not qualified enough at their field. I assume that it happened because of the rules of CPNS (Government officers) recruitment.
In Indonesia government recruitment is based on a test under government supervision. The test covers: bahasa Indonesia,math, scholastic and other terms I can't remember. These tests really don’t show people ability in their field. Moreover there is no test that specifies to the field the applicants chosen. There is no English test for English applicants for instance. This circumstance emerges a question how government knows that the accepted applicants are able to teach. The GPA attached in application letter is not a guaranty that the score there reflects applicants’ ability. But, this is Indonesia!
Another way of government recruitment is by recruiting some teachers who have served voluntarily in some schools. From humanism side it is understandable. But, have they tested before teaching there? Many schools hire voluntarily teacher through nepotism, power of acquaintance or people who we know well in institutions takes place.
Everything is getting worse when sometimes we heard that bribing exists in recruitment test. The rumor says that 100-120 million rupiahs are spent to get a position in governmental office. What can we say?
The phenomena above are a clear description of Education in Indonesia.
I’m glad that I was recruited at SMPN 1 Jetis, a promising school with an RSBI level. Being PNS is my dream but I can not do a thing if CPNS test is still like what I explained above. Through what I write, I do hope that this contributes to the changing of CPNS recruitment rules. Let someone be tested based on his or her field, then I’ll be optimistic when applying.
RSBI is just another problem. RSBI is an extraordinary school. It can’t be put the same as other schools. It needs more responsible, talent and ideas. The goals of this kind of schools need a total teacher's contribution including time and energy. But I don’t notice that government appreciate RSBI teachers work since no difference in payment from the non-RSBI teachers to RSBI one. And this case is just another hard work for the voluntarily teachers who are not financially ready yet.
Javanese says: Jer Basuki mawa bea, it is indeed right. Appreciation through award, cash or whatever will stimulate teachers to be more creative and enthusiastic to always serve themselves in education world.
VIVA TEACHERS in INDONESIA!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Upgrade your english to the next level
English is not the second language in Indonesia. Since it is the third language people tend to give less priority except for those who were born to be talented at it or when they are forced to learn it as a prerequisite to get a job.
Since English is not our mother tongue most people speak English only for the sake of being understandable by others. No wonder if people often ignore grammar, tenses, pronunciation-some other aspects of what so called as good English.
It is reasonable if people make mistakes in English because they are not its native but it is not a reason to always make it wrong if we can upgrade our English.
The first level of English might be knowing some words. The next level is combining words to words, then make it fluent in speaking, and then they use this last level to communicate.
Usually people are satisfied or proud enough to be at the last level mentioned. Speed is their goal. They do not want to continue to the higher level that actually covers some aspects that lead them to at least better English.
Once, I got a chance to work on a thesis for my S1 degree. It might not what a teacher training education department student should have taken for classroom action research is required, it is beneficial for all English learners though.
Do you know what good English is according to English native? Do you know what native speakers' mind about the common Indonesian English speaking? Do you know what should an English speaker do to be good at English? Do you know why in college we are taught about pronunciation?
The questions above all is answered by my research. And here, I quoted some of which. Hopes it opens your mind to upgrade your English to the next level. Don't feel satisfied with the English you've got.
Since English is not our mother tongue most people speak English only for the sake of being understandable by others. No wonder if people often ignore grammar, tenses, pronunciation-some other aspects of what so called as good English.
It is reasonable if people make mistakes in English because they are not its native but it is not a reason to always make it wrong if we can upgrade our English.
The first level of English might be knowing some words. The next level is combining words to words, then make it fluent in speaking, and then they use this last level to communicate.
Usually people are satisfied or proud enough to be at the last level mentioned. Speed is their goal. They do not want to continue to the higher level that actually covers some aspects that lead them to at least better English.
Once, I got a chance to work on a thesis for my S1 degree. It might not what a teacher training education department student should have taken for classroom action research is required, it is beneficial for all English learners though.
Do you know what good English is according to English native? Do you know what native speakers' mind about the common Indonesian English speaking? Do you know what should an English speaker do to be good at English? Do you know why in college we are taught about pronunciation?
The questions above all is answered by my research. And here, I quoted some of which. Hopes it opens your mind to upgrade your English to the next level. Don't feel satisfied with the English you've got.
"It can not be avoided that learning other languages is hard to do since there are some different aspects that do not exist in their English learners’ mother tongue. Hence, it makes sense that English learners make mistakes in pronouncing the target language. In respond to the case that many people make mistakes in pronouncing English words, it is necessary to know what native speakers’ opinions toward Indonesians’ English and what good English are.
Through questionnaires that were given to seven native speakers who have lived in Indonesia for some time (see appendix 1), it is found out that Indonesians’ English are understandable by English natives, however, there are some features need to work by English learners to gain proper pronunciation. ”Good pronunciation is about having accurate segmental and suprasegmental (intonation) skills” (Barret, 2008).
People rarely know that segmental features have crucial parts to make English understandable and to be considered as correct pronunciations. Those crucial features are th, sh, b, p, d, t, f, ph, v, r, final z, and vowel sounds. When people make mistakes in pronouncing them, English native speakers might get confused and misunderstand toward what actual message people want to deliver. In spite of the English is understandable, English native speakers need time to get the meaning.
Another aspect as a requirement of good English is suprasegmental features that include intonation, flow, and word stress. If the stress is incorrect, not only can speech be difficult to understand but the meaning can change. Besides, English learners in Indonesia are also less awareness of proper tenses. Simple grammar is often overlooked in favor of learning more advanced vocabularies, grammar etc. Knowledge of the language can be very advance but often using the basic forms is a problem.
The mistakes mentioned by the English native speakers above are hardly found in the speaking of people who started learning English since young age by using authentic materials. And this circumstance is exposed in this research with a hope that people are motivated to learn English as early as possible, particularly since young age by using authentic sources, so they will be able to speak English properly."
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Listen to My Radio!
Hi, JETSETTERS!
Haha... I think you will get used to this greeting from SMPN 1 Jetis students. This academic year, they have a new extracurricular program of a Radio Broadcast.
It's been a while actually for SMP Jetis to have a Radio station but it was inactive due to some complaints from the people around that the network distract the TV and other wave or signals.However, we did some efforts lately to improve the quality that the previous problems will not happen again.
This can be a medium for the students who are talented in speaking, writing, and journalistic stuff. From the day the radio crew recruitment announced, many students have applied and they seem to be so curious to join this agenda.
Making plan of what the radio should bring is another hard case to solve. Since the radio takes part in promoting the school itself, it needs to be fun still. So, the Jetsetters can can listen to the news, fresh music, and at last but not least "JAVANESE SCENE" because of the "TRILINGUAL" here.
Okay, from now on, every Friday and Saturday listen to the Cheerful voice of "JET ONE RADIO" DJs!
Stay tune!
Haha... I think you will get used to this greeting from SMPN 1 Jetis students. This academic year, they have a new extracurricular program of a Radio Broadcast.
It's been a while actually for SMP Jetis to have a Radio station but it was inactive due to some complaints from the people around that the network distract the TV and other wave or signals.However, we did some efforts lately to improve the quality that the previous problems will not happen again.
This can be a medium for the students who are talented in speaking, writing, and journalistic stuff. From the day the radio crew recruitment announced, many students have applied and they seem to be so curious to join this agenda.
Making plan of what the radio should bring is another hard case to solve. Since the radio takes part in promoting the school itself, it needs to be fun still. So, the Jetsetters can can listen to the news, fresh music, and at last but not least "JAVANESE SCENE" because of the "TRILINGUAL" here.
Okay, from now on, every Friday and Saturday listen to the Cheerful voice of "JET ONE RADIO" DJs!
Stay tune!
Welcome Back to School
Times has moved so fast that we all have to end our two week holiday. Time to be back to school!
Well, we might feel reluctant still to again deal with the school subjects. Yeah, holiday seems to be so hard to leave that its memories are hanging around our head. I could see my students are just yawning during the class and less energetic. It will turn out to be homework for the teachers to make them spirit full. And I guess it will be hard for me to do!
Teaching is always such a never ending teaching method discovery. Every new academic season, we need to observe what kinds of students we will have next that they must be different from our previous students. Our lesson plan before will possibly not be suitable with the new students anymore. Hence, the teachers are required to be creative and fast in finding solutions.
The above circumstance does show us something actually, that the jobs of teachers are really difficult. They must act some characters at once, being a good model (to be a figure for the students), a script writer (making lesson plan), a director (think and arrange what to do in teaching), and an entertainer (to make students enjoy full with the material given). Teachers are perfects characters, I would say.
Knowing the hard work above, tolerating teachers are necessary because it is always found that some teachers are late, monotonous, and even easily lost temper sometimes. Yet, the hope that teaching learning will always be in harmony and they can get a long with the students are still raised up. We do understand that whatever the problem among the teachers and students are, the teaching learning process must go on.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
What the Workshop is for?
Sitting, listening to the speaker, and getting bored are some common feelings when we join a workshop, including the workshop I am in this time.
The first day was about making flash animation that I completely new about it. Too many steps that made me hard to redo from the start after the instructor finish explaining. I am considerably young here and I got stuck with it. What about the other teachers who are fifty above?
Day by day, I feel even more reluctant to join the workshop. Moreover it will last for five days!
I just try to commit to a wise saying "Nothing to Lose", though I feel enough but I believe there's something I can take here. And that's true. The second day I got Mailing List, well I need it.
Then I finally came to the session I like. Ye...Making Blog!
I did have fun yesterday, trying something new. I posted my blog in my facebook. Now, I am, again having some other tips to make my blog more interesting.
What I have shared above is actually has something to do with other things. Have you ever felt so bored about your life that you want to escape or give up from it? Sometimes we don't have other choices but to face and do it. But, just believe it. Sooner or later, it is over and you can taste something sweet from it just like what's going on me now.
The workshop might be taking time and having boring lines but I guess I'll miss it since today is the last day.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A Fun Way to English
Comic is a good way to start learning English. The pictures help you understand the conversation.
Fill Your Life with English
I like writing in English. Thus most of my FB status or when I send an sms I use English. I just think that it can enhance my creativity and ability at English. Many comments such as: "English again?!" But, I don't care and keep on going.
What things that actually make people afraid of and stay away from English? When you get your mobile phone the navigation will use English, there will be some other languages though. When you face your computer, absolutely you'll meet English. Simply, I can say that English is needed everywhere and anywhere we go? It's impossible not to "involved" with English. So, why don't we try to approach it?
Just get yourself familiar with it. English songs and movies will help you a lot in loving English. Get start filling your life with English!
What things that actually make people afraid of and stay away from English? When you get your mobile phone the navigation will use English, there will be some other languages though. When you face your computer, absolutely you'll meet English. Simply, I can say that English is needed everywhere and anywhere we go? It's impossible not to "involved" with English. So, why don't we try to approach it?
Just get yourself familiar with it. English songs and movies will help you a lot in loving English. Get start filling your life with English!
My FIrst Blog
Writing is one of my hobbies. Since the internet spread here and there I was inspired to write my own. I like reading somebody's blog and really want to have mine too. But, I just don't know how!
It's actually a two week school holiday after the final exam at my working place. In fact, all of the teachers here must engage with E-Learning workshop for five days. What a day! I thought!
And, yes! For three days I was just there listening to the speaker, doing what he instructed to me, my mind was flying somewhere thou. I planned to go to Kediri, to have fun. I've been really waiting for my holiday but the workshop has made me stay!
When I was home I thought what the next material for tomorrow was about. And "That yesterday" has become today. Now, I'm sitting on my chair, ready for the boring speech. But, what a surprise! The workshop i's about making blog! IT'S MINE! I thought!
So, here I am, with my first writing on my BLOG.
It's actually a two week school holiday after the final exam at my working place. In fact, all of the teachers here must engage with E-Learning workshop for five days. What a day! I thought!
And, yes! For three days I was just there listening to the speaker, doing what he instructed to me, my mind was flying somewhere thou. I planned to go to Kediri, to have fun. I've been really waiting for my holiday but the workshop has made me stay!
When I was home I thought what the next material for tomorrow was about. And "That yesterday" has become today. Now, I'm sitting on my chair, ready for the boring speech. But, what a surprise! The workshop i's about making blog! IT'S MINE! I thought!
So, here I am, with my first writing on my BLOG.
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