Job Discussion Forums

helen3 · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 42

I am a third-year BA English Language and Communications student at King's College London.

My final-year dissertation topic is culture in generic EFL Course Books.

I am particularly interest in EFL learners who are learning in their home
countries, and have written a survey (currently being piloted by MA students at
King's) which looks at learner motivation and attitude to British and American
culture in generic course books.

I am therefore looking for worldwide participants and would be very greatful if you would consider taking part.

I am looking for teachers who would be willing to use the survey as an
'authentic task', in a lesson, or, who would ask students if they would be interested in taking part individually.

If you need further information, or details would be happy to send the 'draft survey'. I am hoping to be in a position to send out the Final version of the survey by 18th February and, (as the results need to be analysed and the dissertation written up and handed in by the end of April), I would look to receive all replies by the 4th March

I will of course completely understand if you decide not to participate, and thank you for you time in reading this message.

Helen Lord
[email protected]

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

I'm interested in the survey. I think it's a valid topic. At lower levels (elementary and pre-int) we use New Headway which was obviously written with students in UK in mind. Is it appropriate for students in Turkey? I think they are interested in the cultural contexts although there are other problems but I'd like to know how they respond. Count me in.

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

FTG, do you think Headway characters are real?

Unit 2 :roberto SAlano,Endre Boros, Ytuet Tung
Uni4: The shopkeeper uncle
Unit 5 : Hollywood kids

and the others.....

FTG, what books do you use for the other levels?

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

Helen3, count me in as well, i like this survey

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

I used the Endre, Yuet and Roberto text for a DELTA observed lesson. Of course they are real and absolutely representative of, er, well....

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

Faustino, you must be joking.

the reading texts in Headway are so artificial...remember the vicar who passed the test after 17 years of driving lessons...or the guy who forgot where he had lived....come on, we have students not idiots in the class Laughing

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

My favourite is that mean old American woman who dragged her son around hospitals trying to get free treatment and eventually had his leg amputated. How about the one about the kid who nded up giving some burglars his pocket money?

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

What makes Toshi Suziki so shy when he sings? Is singing not socially acceptable in Japan?

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

I think Toshi was the one who invented the Karaoke machine, and is now just so guilty about it that he can't sing without displaying his embarassment.

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

Faustino ,
what is your comment about the shopkeeper uncle?

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

Either be an uncle or keep shop. Doesn't he realise how dangerous it is to mix?

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

I'm FGT not FTG,

Of course all the Headway characters are real. My favourite is Mrs Potts and the customer who says "I don't think so." at the end.

We use Cutting Edge at Intermediate and upper Int.

BTW my uncle IS a shopkeeper.

Faustino · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 601

His name isn't Bob, is it?

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

Sorry FGT....

did you have time to check Helen's study? i really liked it