-----------------------------
N&V-L Digest 54 - Mar 3, 2000
------------------------------
There are 3 messages in this digest
1. TESOL Southern Cone Academy
2. Buenos Aires Book Fair 2000
3. TWE (five answers)
**
...................
Thought for the Day
.........................................................
Teachers are those who use themselves as bridges,
over which they invite their students to cross.
Then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully
collapse, encouraging their students to create
bridges of their own"
- contributed
by Sandra Goronas
...........................................................
______________________________________________________________
| ELT News & Views is a moderated list. Nevertheless the list
|
| editor accepts no responsibility for the truth or accuracy
|
| of facts published in this list and reserves the right not
|
| to be associated with opinions stated in postings.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------
**
------------------------------
1. TESOL Southern Cone Academy
------------------------------
List members may want to check the following
web
page for detailed information on the Southern Cone
Academy to be held in Montevideo, URUGUAY on July
8 - 9.
<http://www.tesol.edu/edprg/2000/academies/uruguay.pdf>http://www.tesol.edu/edprg/2000/academies/uruguay.pdf
The URUTESOL biennial convention follows
this event
on July 10-12 and promotional materials as well as
call for papers and enrolment information is available
on request from <gabo@multi.com.uy>.
Posted by: List Editor
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
------------------------------
2. Buenos Aires Book Fair 2000
------------------------------
Dear Colleagues,
The Third International Cycle on FL Teaching
will
take place on April 20-21, 2000, from 9:00 to 3:30 pm.
on the premises of The Bookfair, "Centro Municipal de
Exposiciones", Figueroa Alcorta at the corner of
Pueyrredón.
As usual, there will be international experts
brought
by the five embassies concerned with the five traditionally
taught foreign languages. These will have simultaneous
interpretation as has been customary in the previous two
Cycles.
The unifying theme is "FL acquisition and learning."
I'll get back to you as soon as I've got
the final
programme.
Posted by: Ana Armendáriz
mailto:armenda@mcye.gov.ar
**
------
3. TWE
------
[ Many replies were received regarding
the TWE.
Here is a small selection, with apologies to
others whose postings we have not printed here
- List Ed ]
TWE stands for Test of Written English
- it is
administered with the TOEFL (Test of English as
a Foreign Language)
Posted by: Maria Luz Callejo
mailto:marialuz@elsitio.net
............................
The TWE - Test of Written English is indeed
required
by some universities and information about it is
contained in the same bulletin as the TOEFL information.
A copy of an up to date TOEFL / TWO bulletin
may be obtained
from the local testing center in your city... so try to figure
out which institution in your local vicinity is most likely
to be a test center (usually some institution which teaches
exclusively American English and may have some status as a
Cultural Link with the U.S.)
Hope this is helpful,
Posted by: Graeme Hodgson
mailto:sky@fortalnet.com.br
SKY COURSES AND TRANSLATIONS,
Fortaleza, Brazil.
............................
The Test of Written English (TWE) used
to be a complement
to the paper-based TOEFL. On certain dates, the TOEFL and
the TWE would be administered together, so that the student,
apart from the normal TOEFL activities, also had to write a
short essay on a given topic (in 30 minutes).
In those countries where the TOEFL is already
computer-based,
the TWE hasbecome an integral part of the TOEFL, and it is a
dministered as another component of that test.
More information on tests at:
http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~rgp6722/tests.htm
http://www.toefl.org/
http://www.toefl.org/search97cgi/s97_cgi
Posted by; Roberto Perez
mailto:rgpg@technologist.com
.............................
**
Regarding Adriana Benvenuto's query about
the TWE, the
letters stand for Test of Written English. This is
administered together with the TOEFL, but doesn't form
part of it, and is therefore graded separately. Many
universities which require the TOEFL don't require the
TWE or the TSE (Test of Spoken English, the associated
speaking test).
The TWE lasts 30 minutes, during which
candidates have
to write about a given topic, i.e. there is no choice of
topic. The grading runs from 1 to 6, with 1 being the
lowest, and 6 the highest score. The level is approximately
that of an FCE writing test.
Posted by: Linda Yael.
Balseiro Institute
National University of Cuyo, Bariloche
mailto:linday@cab.cnea.gov.ar
.....................................
In response to the query about the TWE,
this is known as
the "Test of Written English" and is often in combination
with the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
These exams are used throughout the world.
The TWE is a test that test takers write
out by hand; then
specially trained readers rate the exams. It is frequently
given along with the TOEFL to get a full picture of the
candidate's abilities in terms of active and passive skills.
The two exams together are used to determine university
placement. In the U.S., it is true that more and more,
universities are requiring the TWE in addition to the TOEFL
so that candidates who excel at standardized tests don't have
undue advantage. Both exams are administered by the Educational
Testing Service in the U.S. In Britain, I believe the Chauncey
Group handles these exams. (I know for sure that they handle a
related standardized test, the TOEIC or Test of English for
International Communication, which is less academic and used
by companies to determine English proficiencies of their
executives.) All the exams mentioned above are tests of
American English, with extensive treatment of idiomatic
expressions characteristic of American English.
Posted by: Emily Lites
American Business English Internet School
mailto:lites@bizenglish.com
**
end
-----------------------------
N&V-L Digest 544 - Mar 8, 2000
------------------------------
There are 8 messages in this digest
1. Titles and degrees in Argentina
2. Event - Social Values in the Classroom
3. Candle-making course in English
4. CELL at ITESL
5. Negative thoughts for the day ?
6. Looking for Sara Brown
7. Suburban Players production in BA
8. N&V-L at IATEFL Dublin
**
...................
Thought for the Day
.........................................................
Education is a wonderful thing. If you couldn't sign your
name you'd have to pay cash.
--Rita Mae Brown
.........................................................
______________________________________________________________
| ELT News & Views is a moderated list. Nevertheless the list
|
| editor accepts no responsibility for the truth or accuracy
|
| of facts published in this list and reserves the right not
|
| to be associated with opinions stated in postings.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------
**
----------------------------------
1. Titles and degrees in Argentina
----------------------------------
Dear Colleagues,
In reference to Marcela Burgos' query regarding
the subsequent steps
after completing a teacher education course of studies in a tertiary
level institute, I'd like to refer her to the Law of Higher Education
and Federal Agreement # 11, which regulates -- in part -- the
implementation of this law, and which was passed by the Federal
Council of Education in 1996.
Note how cautious I've been to refer to
what used to be a graduate
degree. "... after completing a teacher education course
of studies...".
By the Law of Higher Education and Federal Agreement A-11, the
first
degree -- 'título de grado' -- is the 'licenciatura'. This
degree can
only be issued by a university, a university institute or a university
college. The status of university college to date does not exist,
to
my knowledge, and that of university institute is restricted to
Artistic Education and some military institutions.
As I see it, the original plan was for
tertiary level institutes to
come to agreements -- "articular" -- with universities
so that those
students completing the course of studies in teacher education,
could
proceed to access the 'licenciatura'.
But it so happened that the road to achieve
these agreements turned
out to be bumpy and thorny. This state of affairs only quickened
up
the ingrained ill-feeling regarding the "old list of grievances"
each type of institution had towards the other. It only served
to
widen the gap. Today there are few institutions who have managed
to
reach fruitful agreements, unfortunately.
One can ascribe this failure to many factors,
but basically there is
the loss of academic autonomy on the part of tertiary level institutes,
which brings about the need to conform to the Basic Contents on
Teacher
Education, and to the guidelines -- "lineamientos"--
that the Provinces
and the City of Buenos Aires have produced.
National universities for their part operate
on very meagre budgets, as
is well known, and have been forced to "invent" courses
of study which
do not transgress their statutes -- "Reglamentos Orgánicos".
Such is
the case of "carreras a término". The majority
of national universities
cannot offer first degree courses, i.e. 'licenciaturas', on a
fee scheme,
but are in no position to afford new courses with new needs for
free --
often on a distance learning schemes -- if they are to preserve
the
quality of the educational service being offered.
The new millennium paradigm: a new age with new requirements.
In turn universities not only have to submit
their new courses of study
to University Policies -- "Políticas Universitarias"
-- a unit at the
Ministry of Education for recognition and accreditation, but also
the
entire university project must be scrutinised by CONEAU, National
Committee
of University Evaluation and Accreditation -- "Comisión
Nacional de Evaluación
y Acreditación Universitaria".
Going back to the topic of fees, any 'licenciatura'
will be ten times cheaper
than a foreign course of studies, though some offer an MA degree
locally. This
is the incongruence, I find, for foreign universities in the main
recognise
teacher education certification as springboards to MAs.
Unfortunately our legal framework is very explicit on this.
On October 30, 1999, APIBA, the Buenos
Aires Association of Teachers of
English, organised what I consider a very fruitful seminar on
teacher
development. It was a real forum where different institutions,
Argentine
and foreign, presented their courses of study beyond teacher education
certification in English. On that occasion I was asked to open
up the
seminar. I prepared a handout which is at everyone's disposal
on request,
together with the Law of Higher Education and the Federal Law
of Education
-- both in Spanish and English (official translations), and Federal
Agreement 11 (only in Spanish). I'll be glad to send them to those
colleagues interested in them.
As regards the second part of Marcela's
posting, I think I have certain
equivalents for the following:
MA: 'Magíster, Maestría en...'
PhD: 'Doctor, Doctorado en...'
There are approximate equivalents for:
MSc: 'Magíster, Maestría
en...' (The difference in English has to do
with the orientation of the overall university programme)
BA: as this is the first degree, it would be equivalent to our
'licenciatura', but it's only three years long, and ours is five!!
Diploma: no equivalent to my knowledge
That's all for now. Get back to me if you need more information.
Regards to all,
Ana
PS: Please note the change in my personal e-mail address.
Posted by: Ana Armendáriz
Foreign Languages Curriculum Management and Teacher Training
Argentine Ministry of Education <<armenda@mcye.gov.ar>
mailto:armenda@elsitio.net
**
-----------------------------------------
2. Event - Social Values in the Classroom
-----------------------------------------
Education for a Change announces the following
event:
Buenos Aires, Saturday 18 March, from 9:00 to 13:00
"Social Values in the Classroom" by Ricardo Sampedro
"Teaching for Diversity" by Susan Hillyard B.Ed (Hons)
at IES Lenguas Vivas, C. Pellegrini 1515 4th floor
Registration: (011) 4982-2409 and <<Educhange@infovia.com.ar>
Fee: $ 15.-
Posted by: Ricardo Sampedro"
mailto:Educhange@infovia.com.ar
**
----------------------------------
3. Candle-making course in English
----------------------------------
The Loft English Courses offers a candle-making
course in
English: brush up your English while learning how to make
candles
<paraindent><param>right,left</param>
</paraindent>Aimed at: Anybody interested in having extra
contact time
with the English language, while learning the beautiful art
of candle-making
Duration: 4 3-hour workshops with a 10-minute coffee break
Contents:History of candles, kinds of materials
and moulds,
golden rules, packaging, the latest decorating techniques,
accesories, Internet news and practical examples and tips
Materials: It includes all materials and
photocopies and
participants take home what they make during the workshops
Raffle: Don´t miss our raffle: First
prize: A complete candle-
making kit
Discounts: 20% discount for 2 participants joining together
Timetable: Saturdays from 9.30 to 12.30
Where: At Esmeralda 865 PB 8 Capital Federal
Further information:Contact us on:
Silvina: 4314-0746 / <<smonroy@infovia.com.ar>
Viviana: 4552-5650 / <<vbblcci@satlink.com>
Posted by: Viviana Botti Barnet
mailto:vbblcci@satlink.com
**
----------------
4. CELL at ITESL
----------------
"Hats Off to Change" - Claudia Rey and Susan Hillyard
*An introductory 12 hour course for all
professionals who feel
the need to change with the times.
Sat. 25th March 2000 09.00-17.00
Sat. 1st April 2000 09.00-17.00
$30 per session or $50 for both.
Registration and payment necessary before
20th March to benefit
from the 25% discount.
Posted by: Susan Hillyard
mailto:hillyard@ciudad.com.ar
**
----------------------------------
5. Negative thoughts for the day ?
----------------------------------
Are some of the quotes a little negative
? Try this one from
TES quoting UK Education Secretary David Blunkett in an interview
for The Daily Telegraph:
"If you can't read and write there's
no way the candle is
going to be lit. But education is much more than that, it's
about culture, it's about art, about the ability of people
to
be able to contribute back to society."
Best wishes,
Posted by: Richard Dain
mailto:rdain@grange.cl
**
--------------------------
6. Looking for Sara Brown
--------------------------
I need Sara Brown's studio telephone number.
An ad appeared announcing
her Interpretation Courses but the telephone was incomplete.
Could somebody let me have it ?
Thank you very much,
Posted by: Estela Fernández
mailto:estelaf@ciudad.com.ar
**
------------------------------------
7. Suburban Players production in BA
------------------------------------
The Suburban Players (English Language) Theatre Group presents:
NUNSENSE - a variety musical
Director: Laura Riera
Musical Director: Gustavo Felice
Choreography: Lucrecia Badia
Opens April 7, runs on Fridays, Saturdays,
Sundays during all of
April, at the Playhouse, Moreno 80, San Isidro.
For info and reservations
call 4829.9112, 4747.4470 Tkt Price. $10.00
PLEASE FORWARD TO THOSE YOU THINK WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SHOW
Posted by: Susan Hillyard
mailto:hillyard@ciudad.com.ar
**
-------------------------
8. N&V-L at IATEFL Dublin
-------------------------
Any list members who are likely to be at
the IATEFL International
Conference in Dublin later this month are invited to contact the
List Editor (Martin Eayrs) to comment on the functioning of the
list or just say hello and maybe share a coffee or something
more invigorating.
Martin Eayrs can be contacted at IATEFL
through the IATEFL desk
or at his slot on Friday 31 March at 09.00 - 10.00
**
-------------------------------
N&V-L Digest 545 - Mar 10, 2000
-------------------------------
There are 5 messages in this digest
1. Adam Smith Open University
2. Life after CEELT
3. Looking for Patricia Jacob
4. Upcoming SEAL event
5. Titles and degrees in Argentina
**
...................
Thought for the Day
..........................................................
In the first place God made idiots. This was for practice.
Then he made school boards...
-- Mark Twain
..........................................................
______________________________________________________________
| ELT News & Views is a moderated list. Nevertheless the list
|
| editor accepts no responsibility for the truth or accuracy
|
| of facts published in this list and reserves the right not
|
| to be associated with opinions stated in postings.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------
**
-----------------------------
1. Adam Smith Open University
-----------------------------
I am trying to get in touch with the Adam
Smith Open
University which I believe has a present or upcoming
operation in Argentina.
If any list member knows anything about
this institution,
including how to contact their representative in Argentina
or elsewhere I should be very grateful to hear from them.
Thank you.
Posted by: Martin Eayrs
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
-------------------
2. Life after CEELT
-------------------
I would like to know about ELT centres
which accept
nongraduate teachers who have got through CEELT I
(Cambridge Examination in English for Language
Teachers). I am from Quilmes.
Thank you very much in advance.
Posted by: Karina Cardaci
mailto:Karcar@radar.com.ar
**
-----------------------------
3. Looking for Patricia Jacob
-----------------------------
Some people in Rosario would like to contact
Patricia
Jacob, who works (or at least used to work) at IES en
Lenguas Vivas "J. R. Fernandez". Would you happen to
know her e-address, or at least that of the Lenguas?
Thank you in advance for your help, and
my apologies
for the inconvenience.
Posted by: Mariel R. Amez
mailto:mamez2@infovia.com.ar
**
----------------------
4. Upcoming SEAL event
----------------------
S.E.A.L (Society for Effective Affective
Learning)
announces a SEAL-certified Three-Day Training in
People Skills and Learning Skills on April 20 - 22,
2000, presented by Robert Gillan (Director of SEAL)
Venue: Hotel Círculo de la Fuerza Aérea.
Av del Libertador 661. Vicente López.
Buenos Aires.
Time: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m (April 20-21).
9 a.m. - 12:30 (April 22)
If you would like to receive a leaflet with more
detailed information by e-mail please contact SAEL
at: <seedsofconfidence@yahoo.com>.
Posted by: Mercedes Moore
mailto:moore@pccp.com.ar
**
----------------------------------
5. Titles and degrees in Argentina
----------------------------------
As Ana Armendariz pointed out in her posting
of March 8,
last year APIBA (Asociación de Profesores de Inglés
de
Buenos Aires) conducted its Annual Seminar on the theme
of "Studies for Graduate Teachers" at the ISP 'J.V.
González.'
At this event, and after Ana's clear introductory
plenary,
a number of institutions that offer Licenciaturas and MAs
in Argentina presented their programmes. These institutions
included Universidad Nacional de Comahue, Universidad
Nacional del Litoral, Universidad del Salvador, Universidad
CAECE, Trinity College London, NILE/UEA , Universidad de
Belgrano, University of London/IES en LV "J.R.F.", and
ISP
'J.V. González.'
Mrs. Graciela Moyano de Zabaleta has kindly
compiled for
APIBA two very useful comparative charts that contain all
the information submitted by participating institutions.
The charts include details about fees, duration of course,
lecturers, subjects, etc. This material is available from
APIBA on request.
Posted by: Cristina Banfi
President of APIBA
mailto:banfi@essarp.org.ar
**
end
-------------------------------
N&V-L Digest 546 - Mar 13, 2000
-------------------------------
There are 7 messages in this digest
1. FAAPI 2000 preparations
2. 1st International Shakespeare Conference
3. Info wanted on 'Licenciaturas'
4. ELT News & Views March/April issue
5. APIBA Special Interest Groups (SIGS)
6. Licenciaturas and BA courses
7. Free Internet English course
**
...................
Thought for the Day
.........................................................
The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over
those who can't
- attributed to Mark Twain
..........................................................
______________________________________________________________
| ELT News & Views is a moderated list. Nevertheless the list
|
| editor accepts no responsibility for the truth or accuracy
|
| of facts published in this list and reserves the right not
|
| to be associated with opinions stated in postings.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------
**
--------------------------
1. FAAPI 2000 preparations
--------------------------
FAAPI 2000 now has a web page at
http://welcome.to/faapi2000
which has news about this year's conference,
details of
registration, call for papers, etc.
Organiser Adriana Marcos tells us she has
arranged for
very reasonable prices (plane tickets, accommodation,
stands,advertising, etc.).
You can contact her through the web site
or by email at
<almarcos@satlink.com>
Posted by: List Editor
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
-------------------------------------------
2. 1st International Shakespeare Conference
-------------------------------------------
Participànts at this Conference
will remember (or at least
I do) that we all were invited to write down our details if
we wanted to receive the remarks made by different teachers.
It's been almost six months and I have
not received a thing,
not by email, not by snailmail..... Has anyone got anything?
Posted by: Maria Elisa Suarez
Capital Federal - Buenos Aires
mailto:mariaelisa@arnet.com.ar
**
---------------------------------
3. Info wanted on 'Licenciaturas'
---------------------------------
It would be most helpful of anyone to contact
me at my
e-address and let me know how to contact APIBA for information
on "Licenciaturas". As I've only just suscribed to this
list,
my question might be a stupid one. Sorry.
Posted by: Higinio Sarthou
mailto:HiginioSarthou@ciudad.com.ar
**
-------------------------------------
4. ELT News & Views March/April issue
-------------------------------------
I am shortly closing the news and current
events sections
of the ELT News & Views March/April issue (which this year
will be out a little later than usual due to our relocation
to the UK, which has proved somewhat problematic).
If you wish to announce any events taking
place in Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay please in our Calendar of
Events send me details as soon as possible. These should be
events which take place after the 15 April only.
If you have news to share or anything else
you would like to
contribute you should also let me have it very soon.
Martin Eayrs
Editor, ELT News & Views
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
---------------------------------------
5. APIBA Special Interest Groups (SIGS)
---------------------------------------
APIBA (Asociacion de Profesores de Ingles
de Buenos Aires)
has recently launched the APIBA SIGs (Special Interest Groups)
in order to enable teachers with similar interests to share
ideas and make contacts through regular meetings, newsletters
and conference events. Like APIBA as a whole, the SIGs are
committed to encouraging professional development and
networking.
A SIG is not a course -- a SIG is a study
group in which all
members participate and exchange ideas and opinions. Those
who wish to participate don't have to be experts in a
particular area - they just need to be keen to learn new things,
share ideas, debate issues and meet colleagues. SIG activities
are open and democratic, and small projects are also welcome.
Some possibilities include: presentation of sample classes;
discussion of syllabi, of recently published material and
research; development of research projects; debate on
controversial issues, etc.
At present, there are twelve SIGS:
1. Language SIG
2. Grammar / Linguistics SIG
3. History / Civilisation SIG
4. Literature SIG
5. Methodology SIG
6. Phonetics / Phonology SIG
7. Kids SIG
8. Teens SIG
9. Business SIG
10. Computers SIG
11. Testing / Assessment SIG
12. Translation SIG
SIG events are free for APIBA members and
teacher trainees (proof
of student status is required). Non-APIBA members are also welcome,
but a $10 contribution per session is charged.
Information about SIG activities, dates
and venues is available
through APIBA Newsletters, e-mail lists, various ELT / Education
publications, and noticeboards at various institutions. In the
near future this information will also be available from
www.apiba.org.ar
To find out more about APIBA SIGs you can
contact the APIBA SIGs
Liaison Officer, Analia Kandel, by e-mail on <apibasigs@hotmail.com>,
Posted by: Analia Kandel
APIBA SIGs Liaison Officer
mailto:apibasigs@hotmail.com
**
-------------------------------
6. Licenciaturas and BA courses
-------------------------------
Ana María Armendariz writes (N&V-L Arg 344):
> BA: as this is the first degree,
it would be equivalent
> to our 'licenciatura', but it's only three years long,
> and ours is five!!
Ana is of course right, but the statistics
may be misleading.
In many countries outside Argentina students study full time
at a campus university, most probably living on or near campus
and not attempting to work at the same time. Indeed technically
they are in most cases not supposed to work at the same time.
Students in Europe or the United States
are also able to benefit
from privileged resources - well stocked libraries, computer labs,
social centres, etc, which enable them to focus more on their
work without having to worry too much about the logistics of it
all.
The reality as we know it in Argentina
is different, very
different, and thus any real comparison in terms of length of
study is not really useful. Because students in Argentina can
decide which modules to study and when, provided they respect
the order of prerequisites and take up a certain annual minimum,
they can in fact extend a course for far longer than its technical
fixed length. But a student who has taken many years to complete
a course, for whatever reason, would not normally be considered
to have benefitted more because he had taken longer in his
studies.
The truth is surely that the structure
of study varies enormously
from one part of the world to another and, to quote Mrs Malaprop,
"caparisons are odorous".
Posted by: Martin Eayrs
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
-------------------------------
7. Free Internet English course
-------------------------------
I thought this might be of interest to list members.
The BBC have a well-developed site for
learners of English at http:www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/click
which hosts
what is billed as the first free Internet based English teaching
course.
The site is specially designed for Spanish
and Portuguese
speakers in Latin America and offers learning support in both
languages.
Posted by: List Editor
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
end
-------------------------------
N&V-L Digest 547 - Mar 16, 2000
-------------------------------
There are 3 messages in this digest
1. Contacting APIBA
2. Licenciaturas and BA courses
3. Higher Education News
**
...................
Thought for the Day
..........................................................
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather
to make man a more clever devil.
--C. S. Lewis
..........................................................
______________________________________________________________
| ELT News & Views is a moderated list. Nevertheless the list
|
| editor accepts no responsibility for the truth or accuracy
|
| of facts published in this list and reserves the right not
|
| to be associated with opinions stated in postings.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------
**
-------------------
1. Contacting APIBA
-------------------
To Higinio Sarthou:
you can contact APIBA by e-mail: apiba99@yahoo.com
and
we will gladly answer all the questions you may have,
best regards,
Stella Schulte (APIBA Vice President)
Posted by: Stella Schulte
mailto:stellaschulte@ciudad.com.ar
**
-------------------------------
2. Licenciaturas and BA courses
-------------------------------
In a recent posting, Martin challenged the cmoparison between BAs and Argentine "Licenciaturas, on the grounds that although the number of years for their completion is higher, the resources and full-time dedication of students makes comparisons useless. Furthermore, the fact that students choose which and how many modules to take in any given term may extend the length of the course of studies even further.
While all this remains true, what can still be compared is the amount of class time a BA/Licenciatura/Profesorado is exposed to in their course of studies. I do not have the figures for BAs, but in Argentina 2800 hours is a requirement for Licanciaturas (the fact that Profesorados actually have more hours of teaching and are still not recognised as "títulos de grado" is better left for another posting). This should of course be added to a rather abstract ratio of study/research time per class period, a figure which would be quite different for different courses of studies and even different subjects within the same course of studies. In the field of sciences, at least, an Argentine "licenciado" has training similar to an American BA + MA student, or so I have been told by friends who have worked with grad students at American labs.
The "scheduled time" for Licenciaturas/Profesorados is not set with the part-time student in mind, either. Six annual modules are the average theoretical standard for most universities, and Profesorados feature up to 10 (the periods required for each module are lower, though study/research time compares). Being a full-time student in the first half of my course of studies, I was not idle for more than half an hour, half a minute when exams hit.
Plus, work (in the right field) usually helps students in their progress. I believe I would have profited far less from my training if I had only taught my 40 hours of mandatory practicum, even though it is true that teaching (together with perhaps Medicine and Law) are different in that they need practice as well as theory. I will not defend the fact that most university students work as receptionists or hold Mc Jobs, but internships should be part of a professional's training.
As usual, shades of gray multiply when we look into issues closely.
Posted by: Pablo Toledo
mailto:toledo@movi.com.ar
**
------------------------
3. Higher Education News
------------------------
On March 8th, the Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires organised a one day conference on the subject of Higher Education. The day started with a panel which included Hebe García (Head of Higher Education, City of Buenos Aires), Silvia Mendoza (Head of Curriculum, City of Buenos Aires), Mora Pezzutti (Head of IES en Lenguas Vivas "J. R. Fernández"), Marta Alekceviciuz (Escuela Normal Superior No 7) and María Cristina Davini (Lecturer, University of Buenos Aires).
Mrs. Pezzutti, who is Co-ordinator of the Board of Heads of the nine Teacher Training Colleges of Buenos Aires, clearly explained the problems facing these institutions and their graduates as a consequence of the implementation of the Federal Laws of Education & Higher Education. She discussed the contradiction between what the Law of Education says about agreements between institutions of different levels to encourage people to continue their professional development, and the blocking effect of the Law of Higher Education, in particular Art. 39, in only allowing university graduates to have access to postgraduate courses. She also reviewed the prestigious history of Teacher Training Colleges and emphasised the unwarranted attacks on their standing that they have suffered recently. Her remarks were enthusiastically received by the participants at the conference.
After the Panel, workshops were organised for participants to discuss various aspects of Higher Education but, according to the summaries read subsequently, many of the discussions revolved around the issue of the need to redress the grievances that Teacher Training Colleges have in the face of the implementation of the Educational Transformation. Two legislators for the City of Buenos Aires, Maria Elena Naddeo and Delia Bisutti made presentations concerning the yet-to-be-passed Law of Education of the City of Buenos Aires.
For the closing ceremony, the organisers invited Andrés Delich, Deputy Minister of Education. He was coming from a meeting of the Federal Council of Education and reported that the discussion at this meeting had revolved around the assessment, that this need administration has initiated, of the problems generated by the enforcement of the Federal Law of Education. With reference to Higher Education in particular, he said that the policy of this government was to do away with the idea that TTCs are a second-best option, and that the government would strive to strengthen them and aid them with resources and support. Finally, he said that the government would propose the reform of Art. 39, and that on March 14th the Ministry would announce its Teacher Training Policy.
APIBA (Asociación de Profesores de Inglés de Buenos Aires) has sent letters to Dr. Llach, Minister of Education, Dr. Juan Carlos Gottifredi, Secretary of Higher Education, and Lic. Delich, Secretary of Basic-Level Education presenting arguments in favour of the reform of Art. 39. Members of APIBA wishing to receive this letter should contact apiba99@yahoo.com
Posted by: Cristina Banfi
President of APIBA
mailto:banfiday@ssdnet.com.ar
**
end
From ???@??? Fri Mar 24 10:15:21 2000
To: me@eltnewsandviews.com
From: me@eltnewsandviews.com
Subject: N&V-L Arg Digest 548
Cc:
Bcc: aAArgN&V-Llist
X-Attachments:
Message-Id: <v04205500b4f5f2a37ad3@[195.7.225.188]>
-------------------------------
N&V-L Digest 548 - Mar 24, 2000
-------------------------------
There are 7 messages in this digest
1. Value of translator's degrees
2. Trinity 2000 Teacher Training Seminar
3. On teaching certification and degrees
4. On teaching certification and degrees
5. More about NOA jornadas
6. APIBA Language SIG
7. ELT Theatre
**
...................
Thought for the Day
...............................................
Eeducation is never completed until
a man dies.
- Robert E. Lee
..............................................
______________________________________________________________
| ELT News & Views is a moderated list. Nevertheless the list
|
| editor accepts no responsibility for the truth or accuracy
|
| of facts published in this list and reserves the right not
|
| to be associated with opinions stated in postings.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------
**
--------------------------------
1. Value of translator's degrees
--------------------------------
Could somebody please tell me if a translator's
degree
from the Lenguas Vivas is a "título habilitante"
to teach
English? If so, at what level(s)? Primary, Secondary?
Thanks
Posted by: Connie Bellocq
mailto:jbellocq@waycom.com.ar
**
----------------------------------------
2. Trinity 2000 Teacher Training Seminar
----------------------------------------
Trinity announces its Trinity 2000 Teacher
Training
Seminar 'Task-based learning in practice: heuristic
approaches to language learning'. Lecturer: Catherine
de Lara.
In her lecture Catherine will be examining the theoretical
principles behind task-focused language learning and
presenting a number of case studies from her own experience
of organising ESOL courses in the UK.
Time: 09.30 - 12.00 - Academic Talk
13.00 - 15.30 - The afternoon session
offers grading
and examination preparation guidance
for the ESOL spoken examinations.
Venue: Belgrano Day School
E.Bernard Green Auditorium,
Juramento 3035 - Capital Federal
Admission to the seminar is free of charge.
Enrolment is essential, please contact:
Trinity 'The
International Examinations Board'
<paraindent><param>left</param>
</paraindent>Tel: (011) 4798-0983 / Fax: (011) 493-4803
e-mail: trinityeb@ba.net
Posted by: Erna Berntz - National Consultant
Trinity The International Examinations Board
mailto:trinityeb@ba.net
**
----------------------------------------
3. On teaching certification and degrees
----------------------------------------
[ Although longer than permitted on N&V-L
I have decided to
allow this posting because of the authority of the postee
and the nature of the content. The original posting has
been slightly edited.
- List Ed.]
A reply to Martin Eayrs and Pablo Toledo (N&V-L Arg 544/7)
I'm sorry I overlooked Martin's reply to
my posting. I realised
only later, with Pablo's. My apologies. Further, I'd like to side
with Pablo in most of his statements, with one exception, which
I
point out below.
First of all let me say I'm a bit uneasy
about the term 'title' in
this context. (The original of my previous posting did not have
a
topical heading, and the term 'title' was included when the piece
was edited for publication.) Blame my NNS expertise -- or rather
lack of -- but I've only encountered this term in the context
'degree title', meaning "name of the degree". So I will
henceforth
stick to 'certification', when it is not a university 'first
degree'. This position accomodates Argentina's reality today.
In comparing (British) BAs and Argentine
'Licenciaturas', I can
understand Martin's reaction to my posting but I think it's
necessary to clarify a few aspects:
a) in Argentina a 'licenciatura' is 40%
over the required 2,800
hours' tuition of Teacher (Language) Education. Those universities
who have developed "Trayectos de Complementación Curriculares"
have
had to conform to this. In practice courses of study of this sort
are scheduled to be completed in around 1,200 hours' tuition,
900
hours devoted to seminars and 300 hours to write the final paper
("tesina")
This percentage is the result of the comparison
between Profesorado
Tertiary Level certification -- at present not a degree, regulated
by the Federal Law of Education, the Law of Higher Education,
and
Federal Agreements A-11 and A-14 -- and ordinary 'licenciaturas'.
(So Pablo, check your records on this.)
b) BAs for their part tend to last three
years if you're a full
time student (see below). Their course structure varies from
university to university, but in general they're based on a
choice-credit system, with core seminars. I haven't found scheduled
time specifications other than in terms of years;
c) though existing 'licenciaturas' are
not specifically regulated,
as they're university courses, new courses of study must be inspected
by University Policies -- a unit at the Ministry of Education.
If
they meet the requirements, they are provided with a Resolution
number. In addition, this is often accompanied by an overall
evaluation of the university by CONEAU, National Committee of
University Evaluation.
Martin's first argument seems to focus
on the distinction between
a 'full time and a part time student'. He says, "(...) most
probably
living on or near campus and not attempting to work at the same
time." UK universities are very strict about the distinction.
When you enrol in a British university, it's a requirement for
candidates to specify whether they will be full or part time
students. The length of the course and the deadlines to submit
final dissertations and theses are regulated by these parameters.
To give and example: a PhD course, whose
length is estimated in
three years if you are a full time student is generally scheduled
to last 5 years as a part time student or on the basis of a distance
learning scheme.
This is what Martin means, rather euphemistically,
I think, by
"Indeed technically they are in most cases not supposed to
work
at the same time." When I was a student at the Joaquín
-- in the
Bronze Age -- teachers discouraged us from taking up jobs, specially
teaching jobs.
But the context is very, very different
now. I need not describe
it. Further, the issue of taking up jobs when you're still doing
your course of studies may generate a twofold reaction, positive
and negative. Positive for the undergrad student, who learns the
craft 'in situ' and enhances their expertise through the ongoing
course of study. Positive also for the present state of school
ELT in Argentina, with as much as 80% uncertified teachers in
charge of EGB and sometimes even Polymodal courses in English.
Negative from the ethical/professional points of view.
Further, there isn't in our country the
difference between a 'full
time student' and a 'part time student'. A student can enrol
in
any kind of course and work a few hours a week, part time or full
time. What matters is the completion of the total number of hours'
tuition, even if it takes this person a hundred years' time.
So the argument, in my opinion, may be
forceful in the British
context, though not in ours. Besides length has little intrinsic
value if quality is not controlled. The Teacher Training Agency,
<color><param>3333,6666,CCCC</param>http://www.teach-tta.gov.uk/standards/index.htm
</color>is an organisation that sees to this aspect in the
British context,
no doubt. And I really think that the quality control measures
taken really deserve careful inspection, and (partial) adoption,
why not.
(This does not mean that there might not
be good and worse courses
of study: the important thing is that the ranking is regularly
published in the UK. Same happens with US universities.) CONEAU
also publishes university dicta. I haven't seen any tertiary
level evaluations (see below) but perhaps this might be premature.
Martin's next argument has to do with resources.
He states that
"Students in Europe or the United States are also able to
benefit
from privileged resources - well stocked libraries, computer labs,
social centres, etc, which enable them to focus more on their
work
without having to worry too much about the logistics of it "
This is ideal for the First World, but
still, in the main, the
quality of our certified FL teachers is very good -- both as
regards their command of the FL and pedagogical and academic
preparation. and, as I said in my previous posting, they are regularly
admitted in UK and USA universities. On the other hand, there
are
foreign university courses stationed in Argentina which do not
offer locally the same number and scope of resources as they do
in their source countries. Still, we manage quite well with purchases
on the Internet. And photocopies, unfortunately. Cause of bookshops'
decisions not to import technical books.
So there's decision to accept our standards.
I think Martin's
argumentation loses force here, wouldn't you agree?
Martin shows lack of knowledge of our system
when he says, "Because
students in Argentina can decide which modules to study and when,
provided they respect the order of prerequisites and take up
a certain
annual minimum, they can in fact extend a course for far longer
than
its technical fixed length."
As part of my job description at the Ministry,
I have been monitoring
quite a number of course studies in the whole country, and I haven't
seen this feature in any of them. The only course of studies on
a choice
system -- which is absolutely ideal, in my view -- is the 'Maestría
en
Ciencias del Lenguaje' at the ISP "Dr. J. V. González"
. The others
are based on mandatory courses of study.
Besides, I really cannot see the connection
between being able to
choose subjects on a curriculum and length of time. (See my comment
on
(British) BAs above)
So this is a vacuous argument, in my view.
Martin's rounding-off remarks I think defeat
his own purpose. He
asserts, "The reality as we know it in Argentina is different,
very
different, and thus any real comparison in terms of length of
study
is not really useful. "
The UK, the US and Argentina certainly
offer different realities.
However, there are statements of 'comparability' signed by the
UK and
Argertina in 1998. That means there are in fact parameters of
aspects
of both educational systems which could emerge as 'comparable'
or even 'equivalent' if carefully scrutinised. Length may be one,
but it in
my view it can only be relevant iff -- 'if and only if' -- content
and institutional requirements are regulated. And we've got that.
Like everywhere else, institutional standards
may vary from institution
to institution. I think there's still a long road to go, but at
least
there's the decision to devise quality control measures. And that
is
better than what we had before, i.e. no control at all.
Tertiary level institutes are being evaluated
at present. This is a
necessary prerequisite for accreditation. Otherwise certification
will have no national validity. There's a National Register of
Teacher
Education Evaluators. Just check Resolution Numbers 93, 99, 118.120/99
by the Federal Council of Education and you will find some big
names
on the Register.
I think a good measure is to visit the Council's site regularly at: http://www.mcye.gov.ar/consejo/
From the testimonies I've had from some
colleagues who have already
acted 'in situ', the experience has really been profitable for
both
parties.
Martin's next statement confuses the issue
of personal length with
regulated or scheduled length. He says, "But a student who
has taken
many years to complete a course, for whatever reason, would not
normally be considered to have benefitted more because he had
taken
longer in his studies." I don't think I need to comment
on this.
But to reduce the ongoing argumentation
to Martin's final conclusion
"The truth is surely that the structure of study varies enormously
from one part of the world to another." certainly amounts
to
minimising the issue frivolously.
This appreciation is reinforced by his
final reference to Mrs Malaprop, "caparisons are odorous",
which I'm only too willing to discard. This
is the era of globalisation, and comparisons are no doubt necessary.
Finally, as Pablo puts it, "shades of grey multiply when
we look into
issues closely."
Posted by: Ana Armendáriz
<color><param>0000,0000,FFFF</param>mailto:armenda@elsitio.net
</color>**
----------------------------------------
4. On teaching certification and degrees
----------------------------------------
I thought ths might interest list members:
In a changing world and to herald the new
millennium ESSARP
has taken a great step forward in teacher development.
Building on the successes of the famous ACP/ACT, ESSARP
leads in the field to offer expertise and training in it's
own Teaching Certificate.
As from the March 2000, the ESSARP Centre
will be running
the course leading to the ESSARP Teachers´ Certificate in
two distinct modes. One is the face-to-face mode available
to teachers in Capital Federal and Gran Buenos Aires. The
other is that of a guided reading course at a distance,
available to teachers too far away from the Centre to take
part in the face-to-face mode.
Beginning in March of each year, the course structure is:
Year 1: March to December:
Child Development
Curriculum Theory & Practice
Year 2 March to July:
Successful Classrooms
Small-scale Research Project.
First classes: Tues/Thurs Group 28th March
at 06:00 pm
Friday Group 31st March 09:00 am
The course is open to all teachers, co-ordinators,
Heads,
etc., from Kindergarten to University, regardless of age.
More information from: The ESSARP Centre,
Esmeralda 672,
7th Floor , C1007ABF Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: (0054 11) 4322 2480 - FAX: (0054 11) 4322 9203
E-Mail: <<teachercert@essarp.org.ar>
Posted by: List Editor
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
---------------------------
5. More about NOA jornadas
---------------------------
We are sending more information about "Las
Primeras Jornadas
Internacionales para Profesores de Inglés del NOA"
Venue: Hotel del Jardín- Laprida
463
(Tel. Fax 0381-4310500/0462/431/0405/0404
/0368/0173- San Miguel de Tucumán.
Date: June 16th,17th,18th 2000
From: 8:30 a 20:00 (coffe and lunch break)
Plenary lectures/Comercial presentations
Speakers include
Prof. Dr. Fernando Fleurquin (Uruguay)
Prof. Ana María Armendariz
Prof. Miriam Rabinobich (Chile)
Prof. Gabriel Díaz Maggioli (Uruguay)
Prof. Jamie Ducan (New Zealand)
Prof. Daniel Fernández
Prof. Susana Soler de Bertini
Prof. María Cristina Carlosiano
Prof. Lucrecia Miranda de D`Andrea
Prof. Rosa Perea de Otrera
Prof. Sara López
Prof. Daniel Fernández
Prof. Omar Villareal
Fess: $ 50 until May 26th 2000
$ 60 until June 16th 2000
For additional information:
I.E.S. Lola Mora- Muñecas 219-Planta
Alta-
San Miguel de Tucumán
E-Mail: lolamo@tucuman.rffdc.edu.ar
Tel. (0381)-4305316 (07:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m)
Forwarded by: List Editor
mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com
**
---------------------
6. APIBA Language SIG
---------------------
APIBA would like to announce the details
of the first
APIBA SIG meeting: *Language SIG*
Co-ordinators: Daniel Reznik - Daniel Carballedo
Date: Saturday, April 29
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Venue: Cultural Inglesa de Buenos Aires
Viamonte 1475, Cap. Fed.
Agenda:
1. Introduction of Language SIG Co-ordinators
and members.
2. Presentation of SIG Internal Rules:
comments,
additions, etc.
3. Exploration of interests and needs to
be taken up
in later sessions: e.g.brainstorming, group discussions
/ subsequent production of a prioritised list of activities.
4. Following SIG event: venue, date, time,
and agenda (topics
/ activities / persons in charge / time allotted)
Fees: APIBA members / teacher trainees:
None
Non-APIBA members: $10 per session
Those interested in participating in this
first *Language SIG*
session please send an e-mail message to <<apibasigs@hotmail.com>
to confirm their attendance.
For information on APIBA, e-mail <<apiba99@yahoo.com>
For information on APIBA SIGs, email <<apibasigs@hotmail.com>
Posted by: Analia Kandel
APIBA SIGs Liaison Officer
mailto:apibasigs@hotmail.com
**
--------------
7. ELT Theatre
--------------
This year The Group Educational Entertainment
is
performing two plays.
*Treasure Hunt* - for junior students
*Apparitions* - for senior students
We are inviting teachers to our opening
nights and to
the "cocktail"parties which will precede them. This
will
give you the chance to assess the play at the beginning
of the year before taking your students.
This invitation to the "cocktail"
party / opening night is
free and with no strings attached, but please book in advance
as these are busy nights.
If you work in a school or have private
students and wish
to receive an invitation, please forward us the following
personal information by e-mail, fax or phone.
Name, home phone no., address, school
You can contact us as follows:
Phone and fax: 4743-2009 (Alberto Alexander)
Phone and fax: 4787-4689 (Jorge Rojas)
E-mail address <<alberto@thegroup.com.ar>
Thank you.
Posted by: Alberto Alexander
mailto:alberto@thegroup.com.ar
**
end