Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Brian Boyd]

I agree with everything Bud said.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. For as long as I can remember, students have posted vocabulary and grammar questions on this forum. Lots of interesting and fun threads appear here.

The only time the forum become not fun is when some anal teacher gets a stick up their ass and starts trying to dictate to others what they can or can't post.

Like others, I didn't even know there was a help centre. It does sound a bit dry and serious.

My vote? Just leave things alone, because this forum is fun, interesting and it works fine.
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Comics for students ...

http://www.grammarmancomic.com

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[RedRose]

I totally agree with bud and Brian!! it's not because they both are my idols, it's because they pointed out what I wanted to say in my mind.

[Mister Micawber]

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The problem is that it is broken, Brian-- and it will appear more and more so as traffic increases.

No one wishes to take away any pleasure that you and Rose and Bud and others find here in this forum-- please enjoy! I am only concerned with making it easier and more effective for those who do wish to ask specific questions about English grammar, structure, lexis, etc, to post, research and discuss the topics in which they are interested-- those who would prefer the Rigorous and Dedicated Forum but are unable to find it.

How would a name change affect your fun, do you think? Would not highlighting your forum in the menu only serve to increase your pleasure?
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"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
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Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Brian Boyd]

Last time I looked, this was DAVE's eslcafe. Isn't it up to him how he runs his forums?

To be honest, I don't care how you guys want to police the forums. I pop in here once in a while and answer a few students' questions if I can.

In the last few months I've seen more and more bickering and moaning because somebody has dared to ask the wrong question in the wrong forum, or teachers insulting each other and trying to outdo each other.

I think the people claiming to be acting with the forums' best interests in mind are actually more likely to drive people away with all this negativity. I'm sure the students don't come here to watch you guys fight.

Brian
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Comics for students ...

http://www.grammarmancomic.com

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[RedRose]

[pugachevV]

Don't fix it - it ain't broke.

[RedRose]

[Lorikeet]

[RedRose]

[river1974]

I am an old student here, but I did not know the Help Center forum until I saw this post. After browsing the Help Center forum, I do think it is a very good English-learning forum for learners, just like the Learning English forum. I guess I will browse both fora from now on. All the teachers who are willing to spend their precious time answering students' questions are respectable, no matter on the Help Center forum or the Learning English forum. I love you teachers!

[lotus]

-- my 2 cents --

A forum will evolve into whatever the participants want it to be.

Two months ago, things that were happening in this forum were surreal. Though interesting, it detracted from the real purpose of this forum. Even so, it was a necessary part of the forum's shedding of its past illusory facade and the beginning of a new evolutionary growth.

Nobody can dictate who can or can't post in this forum (except for Dave perhaps). The attrition in this forum was either self-imposed or the result of the actions of its members. Nothing was an accident. In that sense, it was very democratic.

Each forum in this Cafe seems to have a personality of its own. Like all personalities, they occasionally change in time. Right now, Help Center seems to be more diverse and dynamic. Learning English seems to be still recovering from its recent episode of strange and neurotic behavior. I don't think it's finished healing yet. Given the opportunity, it may become, once again, a great forum.

Right now, any logistical change would only be superficial dressing of a wounded site. If its title were to be changed or moved, it would be because the site is perceived to be not salvageable. Real change comes from the everyday exchanges of its members - not from a title.

Are the students confused? Yes. But, they were confused before. That didn't stop them from finding a good site. Can we help them along? Yes. But, that won't cure the problems of the site.

Let it heal. Then change its name or move it. Change must come from the desire to grow - otherwise, it is only an act of desperation.

There is an old saying, "beware of what you wish for." This site had collectively wished for a change. Now that it has happened, it is up to its members to nurture its growth.

Can it be fun? Yes! It can be anything you want it to be. That's the beauty of change.


--lotus

[michelleunec]

About learning English, I think the evironment is of crucial importance. We can improve our English vocabulary by seeing anything. So, if you see something, you should think about that "What's this in English?" Having a progress in English should also listen to some English broadcast, such as, BBC. Meanwhile, watching English movie is another essencial way to improve English level. Luckily, we have Movie Night every week. In addition, chatting with foreign friends is a good way to increase your speaking and writing ability. I think leaning English is depend on whether you are interested on it. If you think that Learing English should be a hobby, you can learn it very well.
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I love three things
The sun, the moon and you
The sun for the day
The moon for the night
And you forever!!!

[RedRose]

[Philo Kevetch]

Note from a tyro -

Lotus's observations seem "spot on" - the internet (and English?) offers a respite from grinding routines and cultural hierarchies imposed on many who may use these forums - allow more time and latitude for the users' choices.

Bud - perhaps a "sticky" for the "very general and extremely repetitive"
question - "How to learn (improve) English?" - on both the Learning English and English Schools forums? Philo

[Lorikeet]