In the continuous care retirement community (CCRC) where my 94-year-old mother lives, care givers associated with the nursing home and assisted living units have recently decided to go to 12-hour shifts. There are two teams--a white team and a blue team-- of care givers (nurses, certified nursing assistants, and resident staff assistants). The shifts are from 7:00AM to 7:00PM and from 7:00PM to 7:00AM. Each team has both a day sub-team and a night sub-team. The white team will be on for two days, and then has two days off while the blue team works. Each team works Saturday, Sunday, and Monday every other week.
In order to accommodate staff requests during this turn-over period (which began October 18th, 2009), some teams moved to different coverage areas. This CCRC has two assisted living units for people who have reached an age where they need more help than they get in their independent living apartments--help with medicine delivery, food preparation and delivery, and cleaning their apartments. Residents in these units live in one of 44 studio apartments with private bathrooms. One of these two assisted living units is for people with dementia--who have more problems with memory than the people on the other unit.
Care givers used to working with the dementia patients have developed routines in their service that they try to implement throughout the week. Because of their dementia, their patients are more docile and responsive to relatively aggressive leadership from their care givers. Some of these care givers have switched to be care givers in the other assisted living unit where the residents have more of their usual faculties for decision-making.
Some of these care givers, with the best of intentions, have tried to impose the structure of their dementia-unit routines on the residents of the other assisted living unit. The reaction of the residents of the non-dementia assisted living unit is strongly negative. These care givers, rather than making their own routines the important factor in their care, need to learn the needs and personalities of the residents of this unit and to adapt what they do to meet the needs of the residents rather than forcing the residents to conform to a routine that the care givers value.
What causes the biggest conflict is what is perceived by the residents as a lack of compassion and connection on the part of these care givers. This creates a big disconnect between the care givers and the residents they serve.
The 12-hour schedule with accompanying rotations are also contributing to the disconnect due to the stress on the body caused by disrupting normal rhythms of sleep for the night shift workers. (See the previous post on this issue.)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Reusing-Rediscovering-Reinventing Our Resources
Over time we build and acquire lots of resources that we no longer keep in the foreground of our awareness. Much like using our personal computers (Mac or PC), we have more programs on the computer than we normally use and we frequently pay attention to what is in our foreground rather than running in the background.
I was reminded today that a resource I had invested heavily in a few years ago may still be relevant and viable to me today. I had put it into the background and had not used it. All of a sudden I received an e-mail that got me to thinking--to find a way to reuse, rediscover, or reinvent this resource.
If I've done that with one resource, how many more resources can I tap into that I have been ignoring? That will be a focus for me for the next few days--and more.
Several years ago I became a protege of Robert Allen. Since then I became a classroom teacher and was investing all of my energy in teaching. This year, due to economic changes impacting schools, I am engaged in other work and had lost track of the value of being a Robert Allen protege with access to the Enlightened Wealth Institute (EWI). Fortunately I kept on the mailing list and receive the awakening e-mail today. One thing I have to keep in mind is that the opportunities offered by Robert Allen and the EWI are not for everyone--including me. I have to pick and choose the opportunities that are of real value for me.
Yesterday I signed-up for a refresher course in French to help me regain my fluency in the language. My friend who lives in Paris has been encouraging me to brush up on my French for years. Now is a good time to do that.
Today, at lunch with some friends, I began sharing what I am doing about language and the owner of the restaurant, another friend of mine, has people he know that need to learn English--offered in the same software program I am using to brush up on my French.
These resources are all around us and are available for us to use today to improve our lives. I need to keep better track of the blessings I have around me.
I was reminded today that a resource I had invested heavily in a few years ago may still be relevant and viable to me today. I had put it into the background and had not used it. All of a sudden I received an e-mail that got me to thinking--to find a way to reuse, rediscover, or reinvent this resource.
If I've done that with one resource, how many more resources can I tap into that I have been ignoring? That will be a focus for me for the next few days--and more.
Several years ago I became a protege of Robert Allen. Since then I became a classroom teacher and was investing all of my energy in teaching. This year, due to economic changes impacting schools, I am engaged in other work and had lost track of the value of being a Robert Allen protege with access to the Enlightened Wealth Institute (EWI). Fortunately I kept on the mailing list and receive the awakening e-mail today. One thing I have to keep in mind is that the opportunities offered by Robert Allen and the EWI are not for everyone--including me. I have to pick and choose the opportunities that are of real value for me.
Yesterday I signed-up for a refresher course in French to help me regain my fluency in the language. My friend who lives in Paris has been encouraging me to brush up on my French for years. Now is a good time to do that.
Today, at lunch with some friends, I began sharing what I am doing about language and the owner of the restaurant, another friend of mine, has people he know that need to learn English--offered in the same software program I am using to brush up on my French.
These resources are all around us and are available for us to use today to improve our lives. I need to keep better track of the blessings I have around me.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Second Language Learning via the Internet
The Internet has made some things much more accessible. Second language learning (the learning of any language beyond a person's native language [mother tongue]) can be accomplished with the support of the personal computer and the Internet.
One of the best ways to learn a second language is to start young. French and English schools in Canada have been offering dual-language programs for years and can serve as a model for best practices. Some Spanish and English dual-language programs in the USA have also served as the model and as the research platform to improve teaching.
We naturally learn language through the process of listening (or observing if we are deaf), thinking, then speaking (or practicing hand signs if we are deaf), thinking some more to make sure that we are understood. Later we move to the area of reading (best approached by listening to "native speakers" read to us while we read something interesting) and finally beginning to use our favorite readings as models for writing.
This approach works well for both first language learning and second language learning (SLL). Once we have acquired a solid foundation in the communication centers in our brain for language, we can begin to add multiple languages. I have found that an ear for language is similar to an ear for vocal music--listening to variations of tone and pitch and pronunciation. Some people say that you need an initial base for a language before the age of 15. I was exposed to most of the languages I know before then, though I began studying Italian in college.
I loved communicating in multiple languages and, when I took the Army language exams, tested fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian. I lived in Italy for three-and-one-half years and was considered (by the Italians I worked with) fluent. I have been speaking Spanish for much of my life and am certified by the state of Illinois as a bilingual (Spanish) teacher. My French is my least-used language. While once fluent, I haven't had the need to speak it daily. Yesterday I signed up for a year's subscription to EN101--an online language program for English language learners (ELLs) with supplementary programs in multiple languages. I've started my review of French and will probably review the grammar for both Spanish and Italian throughout the year to bring back my fluency in all three languages. My native language is English and am certainly fluent in that. I am also certified in the state of Illinois as a Teacher of English as a Second Language and have been working in that field with adults overseas in Europe, Asia, and South America. In the USA, I was an ELL teacher (K-12) for six years.
I was recently approached by the founders of two language programs, focused primarily on teaching English as a second language. The first of these was EN101--which I have already subscribed to as a student of languages other than English. The second has a full release date set for November 1, 2009, and is the English language program of Excel Global University (XLGU). The initial focus of the XLGU program is to make a conversational English program available online at a modest tuition to English language learners in China.
My undergraduate major was Humanities--with more than 55 credits in English courses. My certification as a teacher in Illinois includes a "highly qualified" area of English and Language Arts and Reading at the K-9 level. I have also taught English as a second language at the high school level.
I believe strongly in second language learning and have written several research articles about English language learning and second language learning.
As I begin to work with both EN101 and XLGU, I believe that becoming conversationally fluent in English will be a big help for immigrants to the USA and to people wanting to develop business relationships with organizations based in the USA with connections outside of the USA. The second language learning offerings can help people fluent in English to pick-up conversational fluency in other languages to help make communication of better quality and easier in dealing with non-native English speakers.
Beyond all of this, there are some business opportunities in helping to expand the reach of both EN101 and XLGU. It's great to have a chance to help someone grow and to earn some money while doing it.
One of the best ways to learn a second language is to start young. French and English schools in Canada have been offering dual-language programs for years and can serve as a model for best practices. Some Spanish and English dual-language programs in the USA have also served as the model and as the research platform to improve teaching.
We naturally learn language through the process of listening (or observing if we are deaf), thinking, then speaking (or practicing hand signs if we are deaf), thinking some more to make sure that we are understood. Later we move to the area of reading (best approached by listening to "native speakers" read to us while we read something interesting) and finally beginning to use our favorite readings as models for writing.
This approach works well for both first language learning and second language learning (SLL). Once we have acquired a solid foundation in the communication centers in our brain for language, we can begin to add multiple languages. I have found that an ear for language is similar to an ear for vocal music--listening to variations of tone and pitch and pronunciation. Some people say that you need an initial base for a language before the age of 15. I was exposed to most of the languages I know before then, though I began studying Italian in college.
I loved communicating in multiple languages and, when I took the Army language exams, tested fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian. I lived in Italy for three-and-one-half years and was considered (by the Italians I worked with) fluent. I have been speaking Spanish for much of my life and am certified by the state of Illinois as a bilingual (Spanish) teacher. My French is my least-used language. While once fluent, I haven't had the need to speak it daily. Yesterday I signed up for a year's subscription to EN101--an online language program for English language learners (ELLs) with supplementary programs in multiple languages. I've started my review of French and will probably review the grammar for both Spanish and Italian throughout the year to bring back my fluency in all three languages. My native language is English and am certainly fluent in that. I am also certified in the state of Illinois as a Teacher of English as a Second Language and have been working in that field with adults overseas in Europe, Asia, and South America. In the USA, I was an ELL teacher (K-12) for six years.
I was recently approached by the founders of two language programs, focused primarily on teaching English as a second language. The first of these was EN101--which I have already subscribed to as a student of languages other than English. The second has a full release date set for November 1, 2009, and is the English language program of Excel Global University (XLGU). The initial focus of the XLGU program is to make a conversational English program available online at a modest tuition to English language learners in China.
My undergraduate major was Humanities--with more than 55 credits in English courses. My certification as a teacher in Illinois includes a "highly qualified" area of English and Language Arts and Reading at the K-9 level. I have also taught English as a second language at the high school level.
I believe strongly in second language learning and have written several research articles about English language learning and second language learning.
As I begin to work with both EN101 and XLGU, I believe that becoming conversationally fluent in English will be a big help for immigrants to the USA and to people wanting to develop business relationships with organizations based in the USA with connections outside of the USA. The second language learning offerings can help people fluent in English to pick-up conversational fluency in other languages to help make communication of better quality and easier in dealing with non-native English speakers.
Beyond all of this, there are some business opportunities in helping to expand the reach of both EN101 and XLGU. It's great to have a chance to help someone grow and to earn some money while doing it.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Transformative Learning Experiences--Personal Integrity--Core Values
Transformative learning experiences literally produce transformation and change in a person. Normally this learning requires a conscious process of reflection and time to integrate the change with the core values of the individual.
Personal integrity forms a bridge between core values and transformative learning experiences. We may or may not be aware of a life purpose, though our core values may have been guiding us to make certain choices throughout our lives.
To illustrate this idea three friends were having a conversation today about Joan Baez and a new documentary on her life available from Amazon.com. A recent news article went into what the documentary is about. The conversation focused on the integrity and core values that Joan Baez has demonstrated in her life. In the beginning of the documentary, Joan Baez says that she would prefer not to be labeled. If someone needs to label her, she would prefer the first label to be human being, the second label to be pacifist, "and if you have to have a third, it can be folksinger.
I graduated from high school in 1964 and from college in 1968. Joan Baez and the other folk singers were "the voices of our times." I hope that my life with reflect the integrity and core values I see in the life of Joan Baez.
When I went back to graduate school for my doctorate degree, I decided to focus on how to help adults and organizations learn to change. When it came time to conduct research and to publish a dissertation to advance knowledge, I chose to explore how to help people learn to deepen their ability to reflect on their experience. I finished my course work in three years, then took 3.5 more years to conduct the research, analyze it, and get it ready for publication.
As I reflect today on the choices I have made in my life, I believe that the major choices have been aligned with my core values, personal integrity, and sense of purpose. All of us--at least most of us--experience life in a series of ups and downs rather than in straight lines.
Some people measure the value of life with a bankbook. For me, the value of my life has little to do with a bankbook--that, too, has had a series of ups and downs. I measure the value of my life by what I have learned and by how I have been able to make a positive difference in my own life and in the lives of others.
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, in the movie, Groundhog Day, demonstrate a series of transformative learning experiences--with true transformation coming late in the movie. It is very helpful when an enjoyable movie can demonstrate a concept and Groundhog Day (filmed in Woodstock, IL) does it well.
Personal integrity forms a bridge between core values and transformative learning experiences. We may or may not be aware of a life purpose, though our core values may have been guiding us to make certain choices throughout our lives.
To illustrate this idea three friends were having a conversation today about Joan Baez and a new documentary on her life available from Amazon.com. A recent news article went into what the documentary is about. The conversation focused on the integrity and core values that Joan Baez has demonstrated in her life. In the beginning of the documentary, Joan Baez says that she would prefer not to be labeled. If someone needs to label her, she would prefer the first label to be human being, the second label to be pacifist, "and if you have to have a third, it can be folksinger.
I graduated from high school in 1964 and from college in 1968. Joan Baez and the other folk singers were "the voices of our times." I hope that my life with reflect the integrity and core values I see in the life of Joan Baez.
When I went back to graduate school for my doctorate degree, I decided to focus on how to help adults and organizations learn to change. When it came time to conduct research and to publish a dissertation to advance knowledge, I chose to explore how to help people learn to deepen their ability to reflect on their experience. I finished my course work in three years, then took 3.5 more years to conduct the research, analyze it, and get it ready for publication.
As I reflect today on the choices I have made in my life, I believe that the major choices have been aligned with my core values, personal integrity, and sense of purpose. All of us--at least most of us--experience life in a series of ups and downs rather than in straight lines.
Some people measure the value of life with a bankbook. For me, the value of my life has little to do with a bankbook--that, too, has had a series of ups and downs. I measure the value of my life by what I have learned and by how I have been able to make a positive difference in my own life and in the lives of others.
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, in the movie, Groundhog Day, demonstrate a series of transformative learning experiences--with true transformation coming late in the movie. It is very helpful when an enjoyable movie can demonstrate a concept and Groundhog Day (filmed in Woodstock, IL) does it well.
Real Estate Investing Opportunities and Education
My mother, who will be 95 in December, 2009, had a 14-year career in Real Estate when she retired from a 33+ year career in education. She enjoyed Real Estate and earned more in that career than in her education career.
In the careers I have chosen so far, I have not included Real Estate. At this point in my life and in the economy, Real Estate is looking better and better as a choice for building income, especially at this stage in my life.
Last week I became acquainted with some of the programs offered by the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. I also became acquainted with the Chicagoland community of like-minded investors with offices in Downer's Grove (use "dog" as a password).
I attended a "Super Saturday" Meeting today in Oakbrook and learned more about business opportunities in marketing the education offerings of the Real Estate Investment College.
There are, in this program, three sets of business opportunities: 1) Real Estate Investing Education supported by immediate "earn while you learn" components to build net worth and to get out of debt. 2) Ongoing mentorship, team, and community support for new (and experienced) Real Estate investors. 3) Marketing opportunities to promote the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investing courses--with attendant mentoring, team, and community support for new (and experienced) marketers of the education program.
Some people may only want the Real Estate Investing education and to work on their own (Opportunity one). Others may want support and guidance as they build expertise in Real Estate investing (Option One and Option Two). Another group may want to earn extra income to support their own Real Estate Investing education by marketing the education courses (Option Three). (Some people may want all three options.)
I certainly like what I see so far about the program, though I have only had limited exposure to the programs and the community of "like-minded" investors. My "due dilligence" requires me to check out other Real Estate investing opportunities for education and support to see if the value offered by the Nouveau Riche opportunities are the best value for me. I would like to find a way (grants, alternative funding) to support my education without incurring more debt. I also need to be sure that this is a community I would like to be a part of.
One aspect of my concern at present is the delivery method of the education courses. Tuitions require attendance at the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College in Scottsdale, AZ. They have video-tapes from completed classes available for review. Last summer I completed fifteen graduate education hours online with the University of Phoenix. Laura Palmer Noone, former President of the University of Phoenix, is now the CEO of Piccolo International University in Scottsdale, AZ. Piccolo International University was created by the same three founders as the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. Presently Piccolo International University offers practically-oriented online degrees at the bachelors and masters level. The Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College is considered a vocational school even though they number the courses in the 100, 200, and 300 levels similar to what would be offered at the university level. Some discussion regarding the accreditation process for Nouveau Riche indicates that the courses may be approved at the associates level (similar to a community college). While that doesn't mean much to successful Real Estate investors graduating from their programs, it may be more important to people determining the value of education.
Because of Laura's work with the University of Phoenix and now her work with Piccolo International University, I am hopeful that she will bring her online education expertise to help Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College to move to more online courses.
In the careers I have chosen so far, I have not included Real Estate. At this point in my life and in the economy, Real Estate is looking better and better as a choice for building income, especially at this stage in my life.
Last week I became acquainted with some of the programs offered by the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. I also became acquainted with the Chicagoland community of like-minded investors with offices in Downer's Grove (use "dog" as a password).
I attended a "Super Saturday" Meeting today in Oakbrook and learned more about business opportunities in marketing the education offerings of the Real Estate Investment College.
There are, in this program, three sets of business opportunities: 1) Real Estate Investing Education supported by immediate "earn while you learn" components to build net worth and to get out of debt. 2) Ongoing mentorship, team, and community support for new (and experienced) Real Estate investors. 3) Marketing opportunities to promote the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investing courses--with attendant mentoring, team, and community support for new (and experienced) marketers of the education program.
Some people may only want the Real Estate Investing education and to work on their own (Opportunity one). Others may want support and guidance as they build expertise in Real Estate investing (Option One and Option Two). Another group may want to earn extra income to support their own Real Estate Investing education by marketing the education courses (Option Three). (Some people may want all three options.)
I certainly like what I see so far about the program, though I have only had limited exposure to the programs and the community of "like-minded" investors. My "due dilligence" requires me to check out other Real Estate investing opportunities for education and support to see if the value offered by the Nouveau Riche opportunities are the best value for me. I would like to find a way (grants, alternative funding) to support my education without incurring more debt. I also need to be sure that this is a community I would like to be a part of.
One aspect of my concern at present is the delivery method of the education courses. Tuitions require attendance at the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College in Scottsdale, AZ. They have video-tapes from completed classes available for review. Last summer I completed fifteen graduate education hours online with the University of Phoenix. Laura Palmer Noone, former President of the University of Phoenix, is now the CEO of Piccolo International University in Scottsdale, AZ. Piccolo International University was created by the same three founders as the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. Presently Piccolo International University offers practically-oriented online degrees at the bachelors and masters level. The Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College is considered a vocational school even though they number the courses in the 100, 200, and 300 levels similar to what would be offered at the university level. Some discussion regarding the accreditation process for Nouveau Riche indicates that the courses may be approved at the associates level (similar to a community college). While that doesn't mean much to successful Real Estate investors graduating from their programs, it may be more important to people determining the value of education.
Because of Laura's work with the University of Phoenix and now her work with Piccolo International University, I am hopeful that she will bring her online education expertise to help Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College to move to more online courses.
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Vital Spark--Missing in the USA? in the World?
In the late 1800's when most Americans were farmers, there was a vital spark of energy in the food that was grown. This vital spark was probably in most of the food grown around the world and no one knew that it was there. In the beginning of the 2100s, much of our food--even organically grown food--is missing that vital spark. Our bodies need supplements to get the bio-materials we need to be healthy. There is lots of discussion over exactly what and how much and how to get it and that we need more to be healthy is not really in contention.
In the emerging USA economy, the "American Dream" of owning a home, raising a family, giving more to our children that their parents had, getting a college/university education for whoever wanted it is changing. Part of how it is changing seems to be the elimination of the middle class--the people who worked toward the American Dream from World War II (1940s) to the present. Many of the jobs are changing. With the pressure to be a nation of consumers, debts are increasing while income is shrinking. Recently we learned that there will not be a cost of living increase in Social Security for 2010. "We have not had inflation." Bills keep going up and more and more people are being laid off and forced to accept jobs with lower salaries. Getting out of debt is getting more and more difficult and savings set aside in "401K" plans and in stocks and bonds keep dissolving (worse than disappearing). Yes, the concept of "dollar cost averaging" may still exist--if you can wait 50 years or more for the stock to recover its lost value.
Real Estate investing seems to be riding on the wave of change. Someone mentioned to me today that "everyone still needs a place to live, no matter what the economy." That's certainly true. It's also true that marriages continue to take place, babies continue to be born, people need to change houses for a variety of reasons. Commercial Real Estate is the next area for concern in terms of people not being able to pay for the properties they have bought. The end idea is still that Real Estate, in some form, is here to stay. Of course, that is part of the issue, the form may be changing rapidly--especially in the next few years.
Even so, it's hard to see any "job security" these days. Those out of work looking for a job are not assured how long the new job will last--or the company or organization providing the job. When we have expenses, all of us need a positive cash flow to do more than cover our expenses. We would also like to have a good way to save for our future and emergency needs. Health care is important and we need to be able to afford the premiums.
Education is a vital part of learning how to do something--to learn from others who are successful can certainly eliminate much of the trial and error we would otherwise face in working something new. There is high value in the right education. Some education is expensive without providing lasting value. At other times we have to look to find the lasting value that may not be obvious at first.
I don't regret my education, though what I know needs to be added to in order for me to continue to be successful in our emerging economy. I have my own strengths--consulting with others and with businesses, providing training designed specifically to help someone learn to do something in a new way. I have not yet been involved much in Real Estate or in Real Estate investing.
I'm exploring what opportunities I see to learn more about how I can be successful in this arena. I've been a protege of Robert Allen for several years, though lately, because of my commitment to classroom teaching, I haven't been able to take advantage of everything he offers. I was also involved with Primerica for several years and, again, due to my family commitments and my commitment to teaching, I was not able to take full advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves through Primerica.
I am open to learn and believe that I have the "vital spark" I need to be very successful in the USA (and the world) today. I also know that learning is a team sport and I am looking for great team members to help me learn what I need to learn and to help make a positive difference for the world we live in--and for our families and ourselves.
I keep working, exploring and learning. Anyone want to join me?
In the emerging USA economy, the "American Dream" of owning a home, raising a family, giving more to our children that their parents had, getting a college/university education for whoever wanted it is changing. Part of how it is changing seems to be the elimination of the middle class--the people who worked toward the American Dream from World War II (1940s) to the present. Many of the jobs are changing. With the pressure to be a nation of consumers, debts are increasing while income is shrinking. Recently we learned that there will not be a cost of living increase in Social Security for 2010. "We have not had inflation." Bills keep going up and more and more people are being laid off and forced to accept jobs with lower salaries. Getting out of debt is getting more and more difficult and savings set aside in "401K" plans and in stocks and bonds keep dissolving (worse than disappearing). Yes, the concept of "dollar cost averaging" may still exist--if you can wait 50 years or more for the stock to recover its lost value.
Real Estate investing seems to be riding on the wave of change. Someone mentioned to me today that "everyone still needs a place to live, no matter what the economy." That's certainly true. It's also true that marriages continue to take place, babies continue to be born, people need to change houses for a variety of reasons. Commercial Real Estate is the next area for concern in terms of people not being able to pay for the properties they have bought. The end idea is still that Real Estate, in some form, is here to stay. Of course, that is part of the issue, the form may be changing rapidly--especially in the next few years.
Even so, it's hard to see any "job security" these days. Those out of work looking for a job are not assured how long the new job will last--or the company or organization providing the job. When we have expenses, all of us need a positive cash flow to do more than cover our expenses. We would also like to have a good way to save for our future and emergency needs. Health care is important and we need to be able to afford the premiums.
Education is a vital part of learning how to do something--to learn from others who are successful can certainly eliminate much of the trial and error we would otherwise face in working something new. There is high value in the right education. Some education is expensive without providing lasting value. At other times we have to look to find the lasting value that may not be obvious at first.
I don't regret my education, though what I know needs to be added to in order for me to continue to be successful in our emerging economy. I have my own strengths--consulting with others and with businesses, providing training designed specifically to help someone learn to do something in a new way. I have not yet been involved much in Real Estate or in Real Estate investing.
I'm exploring what opportunities I see to learn more about how I can be successful in this arena. I've been a protege of Robert Allen for several years, though lately, because of my commitment to classroom teaching, I haven't been able to take advantage of everything he offers. I was also involved with Primerica for several years and, again, due to my family commitments and my commitment to teaching, I was not able to take full advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves through Primerica.
I am open to learn and believe that I have the "vital spark" I need to be very successful in the USA (and the world) today. I also know that learning is a team sport and I am looking for great team members to help me learn what I need to learn and to help make a positive difference for the world we live in--and for our families and ourselves.
I keep working, exploring and learning. Anyone want to join me?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Second Language Learning--English, French, Italian, Spanish, More
Today I was asked how fluent I am in French. It is my least used language at the moment. I did study French for five years and was fluent in it in 1969 when I entered the U.S. Army. I have used French in a limited way since then and could bring it back to fluency with a bit of study.
English is my native (first) language. I am currently most fluent in Spanish, then comes Italian (I lived in Italy for 3.5 years) and, finally (for now) French. It is amazing how much learning multiple languages helps in focusing the learning in all of the languages. The real key is immersion--actually speaking the language in normal day-to-day activities. One way to identify emerging fluency is when we are aware of dreaming in a second language. Second language learning (SLL) is the term used for all languages after acquiring the first language.
For me, most of my second languages have a Latin base. That's helpful. I'm very happy to have English as my first language--it's incredibly difficult to learn as a second language. I enjoy language learning and am now certified as a Teacher of English as a Second Language in Illinois. I had lots of hours in English in college and what I needed to learn to teach English as a second language is very different from the coursework I took in English while at the university.
How fluent am I in French? I can probably get around in a taxi in France and I can be lots better with a brief refresher course in the language. I'm exploring an opportunity to brush up on several languages. I'll revisit this post with the links once I have them.
English is my native (first) language. I am currently most fluent in Spanish, then comes Italian (I lived in Italy for 3.5 years) and, finally (for now) French. It is amazing how much learning multiple languages helps in focusing the learning in all of the languages. The real key is immersion--actually speaking the language in normal day-to-day activities. One way to identify emerging fluency is when we are aware of dreaming in a second language. Second language learning (SLL) is the term used for all languages after acquiring the first language.
For me, most of my second languages have a Latin base. That's helpful. I'm very happy to have English as my first language--it's incredibly difficult to learn as a second language. I enjoy language learning and am now certified as a Teacher of English as a Second Language in Illinois. I had lots of hours in English in college and what I needed to learn to teach English as a second language is very different from the coursework I took in English while at the university.
How fluent am I in French? I can probably get around in a taxi in France and I can be lots better with a brief refresher course in the language. I'm exploring an opportunity to brush up on several languages. I'll revisit this post with the links once I have them.
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