FSU TEFL 120 Fall, 2023

This session took place on 11/28/23 with Youngjune.  During our recent language tutoring session, Youngjune and I embarked on a diverse and engaging exploration that spanned the realms of language, culture, and the digital landscape, notably delving into the expansive world of Minecraft. Our discussions unfolded organically, seamlessly transitioning between various topics to provide a well-rounded linguistic experience. In the Minecraft realm, we navigated through different modes, unraveling the distinct challenges and creative opportunities presented by creative, survival, and adventure modes. This virtual exploration not only tapped into gaming terminology but also provided a unique avenue for language enrichment. Our linguistic journey continued with a focus on expanding Youngjune's vocabulary. Words such as "subscription," "cog/gear," "totem," "cypress," and "bark" took center stage, prompting discussions about their meanings an...

 This session took place with Youngjune on 11/17/23.   To broaden Youngjune's vocabulary understanding in English, we initiated a vocabulary exchange activity, drawing from his knowledge of other languages. This endeavor aimed to explore the connections and divergences in vocabulary, fostering a cross-cultural appreciation for linguistic nuances. Our exploration extended to historical linguistics, tracing the evolution of languages over time and examining the impact of historical events and cultural shifts on linguistic changes. This segment provided valuable insights into the dynamic nature of language and its intricate connections to cultural contexts. Injecting an element of playfulness, we engaged in interactive language games designed to reinforce vocabulary, grammar rules, and quick thinking. This approach not only added an enjoyable dimension to the session but also served as an effective tool for reinforcing key language concepts. Exploring current events became a gate...

 This session took place with Youngjune on 11/14/23.   In our recent language tutoring sessions, Youngjune and I explored a spectrum of linguistic nuances and cultural references, deepening our understanding of language and storytelling. Under the umbrella of linguistic intricacies, our first focus involved dissecting selected words - "endurance," "amplify," "portal," and "derivative." This exercise prompted discussions on perseverance, magnification, transitions, and contextual derivations. We transitioned into a discussion on the word "wringing," exploring its literal and metaphorical applications. This led us to the role of grant writers for foundations, delving into the crucial work they perform in securing funding for various initiatives. Additionally, the phrase "milkman's child" served as a point of curiosity, prompting a deeper exploration of its origins and potential symbolic meanings. In our cultural exploration ...

 This session took place with Youngjune on 11/9/23 In our recent sessions, we delved into the subject of narrative perspectives, specifically exploring the distinctions between first and third-person storytelling. Building on this foundation, we did some creative writing, focusing on a spectrum of styles. From stark and minimalist prose to lush and descriptive narratives, I used Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer to show the differences between some of these sentences. Engaging in character perspective switching, Youngjune navigated the challenge of maintaining consistency in narrative voice while exploring different characters' viewpoints. A collaborative storytelling session took us a step further, where we fused stark and lush writing styles in alternating paragraphs, resulting in a unique and rich narrative experience. We talked about his ideas for a story based on scientific concepts he was able to explain to me. Our session extended to continued literary analysis of Dune, where we...

 This lesson took place with Youngjune on 11/7/23     During this session with Youngjune, our focus on tailored language tutoring has yielded notable progress. The collaborative effort to expand our Quizlet continues, with Youngjune actively contributing to the collection, showcasing an increasing sense of ownership over his learning journey. Our dictocomp exercises have evolved to encompass a broader range, incorporating diverse accents and speech speeds in contemporary speeches. This nuanced approach aims to better prepare Youngjune for real-world language encounters, refining his listening and comprehension skills. The exploration of "Dune" by Frank Herbert remains a captivating literary endeavor. We've gone page to page and concentrated on dismantling language barriers posed by invented words and foreign-sounding terms, resulting in visible improvements in Youngjune's reading skills. In recent sessions, we delved into the names of planets in "Dune," unpa...

 Date/Time: October 27, 2023 Location: Student Union Topic/Skill: Diagnostic Feedback provided to the tutee: I met my new tutee, a friend of my previous tutee. I introduced myself, and had questions to both get to know her and assess her level. I also gave a diagnostic and learned which areas were her strengths and weaknesses. 

 Date/Time: October 20, 2023 Location: Student Union Topic/Skill: Present Perfect v. Past Simple Feedback provided to the tutee: I covered the two tenses by discussing the context one would use them and the differences. I then tested his knowledge and he saw that much was understood so I gave error correction feedback along with recognition for what was well done.