N&V-L Digests 459 - 470
March 1999

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------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 460 - 1 March 1999 -------------------------------

There are 3 messages in this digest.

1. More millenary madness 2. Logging on to #ELTNews&Views on Dalnet 3. Fame for the list

** ------------------------- 1. More millenary madness -------------------------

Of course it was inevitable that if I wrote about spelling I would make a spelling mistake in the posting ! Below is a corrected version.

If you want to get wise, that's two 'l's and two 'n's in millennium if you please, in British or American English. The words 'millenary' and millenarian however have only a single 'n'.

[and not as I wrote a single 'l' !].

Posted by: Martin Eayrs mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ----------------------------------------- 2. Logging on to #ELTNews&Views on Dalnet -----------------------------------------

If you need IRC software or to learn a little more about how chat programmes work you can go to

http://www.internet-chat.com/index2.html (PC users)

or http://www.ircle.com/ (if you have a Mac).

You can download free chat software at both sites and also a manual which will help you get started. Remember you must have IRC software: we recommend 'mIRC' for PC users and 'IRCle' for Macintosh. There are other ways of chatting on the net but they won't get you through to Dalnet.

Remember to log on to Dalnet (not Overnet, Undernet or any of the other options). If you choose to use <hebron.in.us.dal.net> you will be on the same server as the ListOp and are less likely to lose contact with the channel and also more likely to get a fast connection.

The name of the channel is #ELTNews&Views, typed exactly as given here (the # symbol is not required but will be put in by the software).

You are invited along Tuesdays from 21.00 to 24.00, Argentine Time. (12.00 - 03.00 GMT). The more the merrier so invite your friends - the only real stipulation is that English is spoken in channel.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** -------------------- 3. Fame for the list --------------------

The N&V-L List was mentioned at the International House Conference in London, February 1999, once by Jeremy Harmer on Pablo Toledo's 'outburst' concerning teaching teenagers in Argentina, which he read in full at his plenary, the other I think by Scott Thornsbury (sorry I can't quote because I don't remember).

The wonderful thing is that [. . .] managed to make the List hit the headlines, and therefore EFL in Argentina in general.

I was delighted to notice how influential the list has become in the field of EFL, and how our voices are heard because we are on line, and get published.

Ron White's contribution on Politeness is very illuminating and clear, a real pleasure to read such informed materials in the list.

Posted by: Inés Cambiasso mailto:icambiasso@mail.interlink.com.ar

**

end

---------------------------------------------

------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 461 - 1 March 1999 -------------------------------

There are 4 messages in this digest.

1. Reply to Estela Fernández (distance courses) 2. Melanie Williams at ESSARP Centre 3. Third Cono Sur Regional TESOL Convention 4. APIBA Conference - "The Future of Teacher Education"

** ----------------------------------------------- 1. Reply to Estela Fernández (distance courses) -----------------------------------------------

The Colegio de Traductores Públicos de Bs.As. (CTPCBA) offers a distance course to get a Post-graduate Certificate in Translation Skills (City University in London).

If you want to get some information about it, contact the CTPCBA:

Callao 289 - 4º Piso (1022) Buenos Aires Tel/Fax: 4371-8616 4372-7961/2961 e-mail: postmaster@bibtra.edu.ar

Hope I have helped.

Posted by: Laura Coria mailto:langprof@ciudad.com.ar

** ------------------------------------ 2. Melanie Williams at ESSARP Centre ------------------------------------

Melanie Williams will be giving a workshop at the ESSARP Centre on Monday. March 1st from 9.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

The topic of the workshop will be "Cross-curricular topic work and activities: integrating language and content".

Summary:

Language learning for young learners usually focuses around topics and themes such as family or food. It seems appropriate that these topics and the activities draw on the learners' skills and knowledge from other curriculum subjects as well as the world around them. In this session we will explore ways in which this planning can be done, with or without a course book, ensuring grammar and language skills assume their rightful place. The workshop will also look at different activities which make use of the learners' cross-curricular knowledge and skills.

Melanie Williams is a freelance ELT consultant and teacher trainer based in the UK. She has extensive experience in the Young Learner field, has worked with teachers and trainers in many parts of the world and is a regular contributor at international conferences and to international journals. She is a CILTS (UCLES) Senior Consultant and has been involved in developments leading to awards for teachers of young learners for eight years. She is also Joint Chief Assessor for COTE schemes. She is a specialist tutor on two Masters Level programmes: the young learners' component of the Masters Level Award programme for The University of East Anglia in collaboration with NILE (Norwich Institute for Language Education); the MA in TEYL by distance for the University of York where she has been partly responsible for the development of materials. She is an IATEFL Young Learners SIG committee member.

Info from ESSARP at <banfi@essarp.org.ar>

Posted by: Critina Banfi mailto:banfi@essarp.org.ar

** ------------------------------------------- 3. Third Cono Sur Regional TESOL Convention -------------------------------------------

The 1999 Cono Sur Regional TESOL Convention conference will take place in Buenos Aires from 10 - 14 August 1999. The Cono Sur TESOL conference takes place every two years and this year it is the turn of Argentina TESOL to act as host.

The theme of the convention is "Mapping out our Future" and keynote speakers will be Kathleen Bailey and Jo Ann Crandall. Kathleen Bailey is currently President of TESOL Inc, the parent organisation in the US.

The call for papers is now out and those wishing to submit a proposal for a Demonstration, Workshop, Colloquium, Poster Session or Swap Shop activity should contact Argentina TESOL at: Maipú 672 (1006) Buenos Aires Argentina .

Tel: 0054-11-4394-0110 or 0054- 11-4772-5104 (from UK) Fax: 0054- 11-4394-2979/772-5104 (from UK) e-mail: <la@bcl.com.ar> or <secbelg@bcl.com.ar> (try both).

Those interested should act now on this and request the proposal forms as all proposals must be in by May 30th, 1999.

Advertisers interested in taking out a stand should also contact the same address.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ------------------------------------------------------- 4. APIBA Conference - "The Future of Teacher Education" -------------------------------------------------------

"The Future of Teacher Education" APIBA Conference Buenos Aires, May 7th - 8th, 1999

Call for Papers

Given the increasing interest in the future of teacher education in the context of the current educational reform, and the specific needs of foreign language teachers, the APIBA Executive Committee have decided to organise the first of what we hope will become a series of meetings to promote the presentation and discussion of the core issues by experts in the field.

The presentations can be carried out in English or Spanish but, due to financial constraints, no simultaneous translation will be provided.

Abstracts should be submitted by March 15th and sent to APIBA Conference, c/o KEL Ediciones, M. T. de Alvear 1369, (1058) Capital Federal or sent to apiba@yahoo.com. Two anonymous copies of the abstract should be submitted together with one named abstract including: author(s)'s name(s), address, telephone/fax numbers, e-mail address, and affiliation, and a brief biographical paragraph (50 words) for inclusion in the conference programme. Abstracts should not exceed 200 words in length.

Presentations are expected to have a duration of 20 minutes, plus 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Proposals for panels, roundtables a nd group presentations are also welcome.

For further information, please contact <apiba@yahoo.com>

Posted by: Cristina Banfi mailto:banfiday@ssdnet.com.ar

**

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--------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 462 - 4 March 1999 -------------------------------

There are 5 messages in this digest.

1. Buenos Aires International Bookfair 2. Seminar - "Coordinating Successfully" 3. #ELTNews&Views started up on schedule 4. Politeness on the Web 5. Language query: 'desorbs'

** -------------------------------------- 1. Buenos Aires International Bookfair --------------------------------------

2nd. International Meeting on Teaching of Foreign Languages

The British Council would like to inform list members that the above three day meeting will take place as from 23 April at the Bookfair premises.

The Council has invited Dr. John Clark who will be giving a lecture on Sunday 25 at 2pm on 'Content based curriculum'.

A full programme of talks can be obtained at the Council, posted or faxed on request.

Registration this year is at the Bookfair offices as there will be a registration fee of 10 pesos. Bank transfers will also be accepted plus the request to fax receipts to ensure registration. There is a limited number of places.

Bookfair address - Hipolito Yrigoyen 1628-5, 1344 Buenos Aires. Tel. 11-4374-3288 Fax. 11-4375-0268 (From 9am to 5pm).

Bank transfers are to be sent to orden Fundacion El Libro. Deposits to be made in Banco Rio de la Plata no. 2000-2 sucursal 029, or Banco Galicia 1060-5064-4 sucursal 064.

Posted by: Silvia MacIver Information Manager, The British Council mailto:silvia.maciver@britcoun.int.ar

** ---------------------------------------- 2. Seminar - "Coordinating Successfully" ----------------------------------------

This seminar is intended for new coordinators and English Teachers who would like to coordinate English Institutes or English Departments of schools at all levels. It will be held on March 20 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. More information from ABS

Posted by: Laura Lewin, Directora ABS International Guemes 4382 (1425) Capital Federal - Argentina Tel/Fax: (54-11) 4- 832-0761 mailto:lewin@einstein.com.ar

** ---------------------------------------- 3. #ELTNews&Views started up on schedule ----------------------------------------

Well, six people logged on to the #ELTNews&Views chat channel last Tuesday. Not a lot, but at least we got it off the ground.

List members are invited along Tuesdays from 21.00 to 23.00, Argentine Time. (12.00 - 02.00 GMT). The more the merrier. so invite your friend and colleagues - teachers and students at the Prof or Traductorado - the only stipulation is that English be spoken in channel.

The name of the channel is #ELTNews&Views, typed exactly as given here (the # symbol is not required but will be put in by the software).

To communicate with the List Editor on #ELTNews&Views:

/Msg El_Ingles.

If you need IRC software or to learn a little more about how chat programmes work you can go to

http://www.internet-chat.com/index2.html (PC users)

or http://www.ircle.com/ (if you have a Mac).

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ------------------------ 4. Politeness on the Web ------------------------

Further to my notes on politeness, in response to Adriana Benvenuto's query in N&V-L Digest 457 - 25 February 1999, I have a paper on the Web which develops some aspects of politeness in the context of intercultural dimensions of business English training.

Here's the address:

http://www.rdg.ac.uk/AcaDepts/cl/CALS/closing.html

Posted by: Ron White mailto:r.v.white@reading.ac.uk

** ---------------------------- 5. Language query: 'desorbs' ----------------------------

Does anybody know the meaning of "desorbs"(verb). I'm translating a manual. The sentence reads "The material adsorbs on the reservoir rock and desorbs over a long period to mantain the protective film." It has to do with Squeeze Treatment into oil producing formations.

By the way, I'd also welcome a translation for "Squeeze treatment" to compare with mine. (I wrote: Tratamiento a presión)

Thanks in advance to the soul that helps me out.....

Posted by: Claudia Torres de Cristofakis Comodoro Rivadavia mailto:cristo@satlink.com

**

end

---------------------------------------------

------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 463 - 6 March 1999 -------------------------------

There are 5 messages in this digest.

1. Reply to Heather Clark 2. Language query 3. Welcome to IGCSE 4. Business English Course 5. Multiple Learning Course

** ------------------------- 1. Reply to Heather Clark -------------------------

A possible answer for Heather Clark would be to look at the Keltic Web site - www.keltic.co.uk This covers the majority of ELT titles published by British publishers.

Contact Keltic at 39 Alexandra Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2PQ for a printed copy of the Guide. Posted by: Eileen Fryer Sales and Marketing Director Mailto:eileen@deltabooks.co.uk

** ----------------- 2. Language query -----------------

Can somebody "enlighten" me please? I have noticed that "zero" is being used even in tennis (15-0: fifteen-zero, instead of fifteen - love). Another example could be the fact of saying "two-zero-one" for a room number at a London hotel.

Is "zero" becoming over generalised?

Thanks a lot.

Posted by: Bethina Viale mailto:velvia@ciudad.com.ar

** ------------------- 3. Welcome to IGCSE -------------------

The aim of this series of introductory meetings is to allow teachers who are not familiar with IGCSE examinations, but who may be considering preparing their students for them, to obtain some background on the exams, their organisation and components.

There will be meetings organised for the different IGCSE subjects. Experienced teachers in the relevant subject areas will run the presentations. The sessions will:

* Go over the subject syllabus in detail with the participants, focusing on Aims and Domains. Curriculum contents are normally less of a problem as they are more subject-specific.

* Explain assessment and paper options.

* Present the concept of "positive achievement", illustrating with samples of students' assignments (authentic or taken from Distance Training Pack)

* Photocopied question papers will be discussed.

* Ample time will be set aside for discussion and question time at the end of the presentation workshop.

The presentations will include 'Welcomes' to:

Presentation Presenter Date Time

IGCSE Art & Design Dolores Poole March 17 17:00 IGCSE English Literature Nick Martin March 18 17:00 IGCSE Literatura Cristina Colonnella March 19 14:00 IGCSE Mathematics Jimmy Cappanera March 24 09:00 IGCSE Computer Science Daniel Magaldi March 24 17:00 IGCSE English as L1 Cecilia Ferreiro March 25 17:00 IGCSE Spanish a L1 Cristina Colonnella March 26 14:00 IGCSE Música Humberto López March 26 17:00 IGCSE Economics Esteban Gonnet March 30 17:00 IGCSE Child Development Silvia Miserendino March 31 17:30 IGCSE Biology Ewan McDonald April 12 17:00 IGCSE Natural Economy Hilda G. de Talarico April 23 17:30 IGCSE Geography Robert Foot May 5 17:30 IGCSE History Mercedes Márquez May 21 17:00

The sessions are free of charge, but registration is required.

Regular meetings for the teachers teaching these courses are run throughout the year. For further information, please refer to the Course Programme and/or contact ESSARP.

All "Welcome" sessions will take place at the ESSARP Centre, Callao 67 5*A, Tel.: 4371-6064, Fax.: 4383-2260, E-mail: centre@essarp.org.ar

Posted by: Cristina Banfi" Mailto:banfi@essarp.org.ar

** -------------------------- 4. Business English Course --------------------------

CAIT is arranging a 50-hour Intensive Week Course which covers all issues related to the FTBE (Foundation Certificate for Teachers of. Business English)

From March 29th to April 3rd. Vacancies are limited.

The FTBE is an award for qualified general EFL practising teachers who intend to specialise in teaching English for business purposes and has been developed by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board.

For a free screening test and more information, call 4311-8544 or 4314-2583. Posted by: Alejandra M. Jorge CAIT- Director of Studies Maipú 863 3º C (1006) Capital Federal - Argentina mailto:<mailto:cait@ciudad.com.ar>cait@ciudad.com.ar

** --------------------------- 5. Multiple Learning Course ---------------------------

CR Inglés Educational Consultancy is organising a workshop in the Westof Buenos Aires on Sat 27th March 10 a.m to 1 p.m on "Effective MultipleLearning".

Venue to be confirmed: Area: San Antonio de Padua.

More information on:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Cyprus/5536/cr.html

The Main speaker will be Cecilia Ramirez, graduate from I.S.F.D #21, teacher of Language and Methodology at Instituto del Profesorado D.F.Sarmiento. She is a member of SEAL and IATEFL, owner and director of CR and founder of FTSG (Friendly Teachers and Students Group).

Posted by: Cecilia Ramirez. Mailto:cr@infovia.com.ar

**

end

------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 464 - 8 March 1999 -------------------------------

There are 4 messages in this digest.

1. Could I suggest this site ? 2. The Global Education Network 3. Educational Theatre in English (Buenos Aires) 4. Chat channel is Tuesday night

[ Message transmitted 8 March 1999, Internet Time @ 991 ]

** ------------------------------ 1. Could I suggest this site ? ------------------------------

Hi all: Could I suggest this site - ? <http://www.english-to-go.com/>http://www.english-to-go.com/

It has a library of instant reading comprehension lessons, which updates quite frequently. And you can even have them in your mailbox. Enjoy!

Posted by:Mercedes Rossetti <http://members.xoom.com/project_2000>http://members.xoom.com/project_2000 ICQ No. 29384556 mailto:mrossetti@impsat1.com.ar

** ------------------------------- 2. The Global Education Network -------------------------------

The Global Education Network is a new online recruiting and employment opportunities service. If you are looking for work in the field of instructional English or you are looking for qualified teachers, come and visit the Global Education Network:

http://www.geocities.com/~lateral97/GEN/default.htm Regards Posted by: Michael Sproule Project Manager - The Global Education Network mailto:gen53@hotmail.com

** ------------------------------------------------ 3. Educational Theatre in English (Buenos Aires) ------------------------------------------------

ARTSPOT invites Heads and Teachers to the opening performances of "CLEOPATRA, The Adventure of a Princess" . An educational musical play for all ages supported by a resource book and an audio cassette to use in class. South: Teatro Payró (Maipú 380 - Banfield) Thursday, March 18 7:30 pm - Cocktail / 8:30 pm - Performance Downtown: Teatro Armenio (Armenia 1366 - Cap.Fed.) Friday, March 19 / Saturday, March 20 7:30 pm - Cocktail / 8:30 pm - Performance North: Teatro de la Capilla (Ladislao Martínez 539 - Martínez) Friday, March 26 / Saturday, March 27 7:30 pm - Cocktail / 8:30 pm - Performance Admission is free for Heads and Teachers. Limited seating capacity Please confirm your attendance in advance ARTSPOT, Education and Entertainment Tel/Fax (011) 4733-3087 - <mailto:artspot@movi.com.ar>artspot@movi.com.ar Forwarded by List Editor by: mailto:artspot@movi.com.ar

** -------------------------------- 4. Chat channel is Tuesday night --------------------------------

A reminder that our chat channel will be open again tomorrow night. Please log on and invite friends and colleagues to join us.

A reminder of the technical aspects:

The ELT News & Views IRC runs on Tuesdays from 21.00 to 23.00 Argentina/Brazil time (00.00 - 03.00 GMT), but consult your local time for time variations.

Log on to Dalnet - you can use <hebron.in.us.dal.net> to avoid netsplitting with the ChanOp - although any Dalnet server will be ok. Other clients on, for example, Undernet or Overnet, will not connect you to a Dalnet channel). We use Dalnet because it offers the best connections for Argentina and Brazil.

The name of the channel is #ELTNews&Views, typed exactly as given here (the # symbol is not required). If the channel is unattended when you log on, hang on in - IRC connections are notoriously unreliable and the ChanOp may have fallen out.

I (Martin Eayrs) shall be online personally and my nick is El_Ingles, so if you have any problems online you can Msg me.

The only stipulation on channel will be respect for other channel members and 'English only'.

Notice I have cut the log on time down to two hours only, that is from 21.00 - 23.00. Obviously members can go on chatting as long as they like but I can not commit myself to keeping an Op on channel beyond 11 pm at this early stage.

Hope to see you online on Tuesday.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

**

end

------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 465 - 9 March 1999 ------------------------------- There are 4 messages in this digest.

1. APIBA new email number 2. Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English 3. VII Jornadas Cuyo 4. Kids say the darnedest things

[ Message transmitted 9 March 1999, Internet Time @ 144 ]

** ------------------------- 1. APIBA new email number -------------------------

APIBA has now got an email address,

<apiba99@yahoo.com>

Please make a note for future reference

Posted by:Stella Ugarte mailto:schstella@yahoo.com

** ---------------------------------------------------------- 2. Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English ----------------------------------------------------------

This 50-hour Intensive Week Course covers all the issues related to the FTBE (Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English). Self-contained course from March 29th to April 3rd. vacancies are limited.

For a free screening test and more information, call 4311-8544 or 4314-2583. Posted by: Alejandra M. Jorge - CAIT- Director of Studies Maipú 863 3º C (1006) Capital Federal - Argentina mailto:cait@ciudad.com.ar

** -------------------- 3. VII Jornadas Cuyo ---------------------

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras

VII JORNADAS DE ENSEÑANZA DE LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS EN EL NIVEL SUPERIOR

15, 16 Y 17 April, 1999

Themes:

* El Lenguaje Científico y su Terminología. * Metodología para la Enseñanza de las Lenguas. * El contenido cultural en la Enseñanza de las Lenguas Extranjeras * Aspectos Interculturales * Estudios Contrastivos. * Las Lenguas de Especialidad * Tecnología Educativa. * Temas varios relacionados con la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras en el nivel Superior

Guest speakers include:

* Liliana Cubo de Severino (UNCuyo) * Mario Lopez Barrios (UNSan Juan) * Ana Armendariz (Instituto Superior ("J V Gonzalez"- Bs As) * Pascual Masullo (UNComahue) * Eija Ventola (Martin Luther Universitat, Alemania) * Christine Feak (Universidad de Michigan, EEUU)

Prof. Feak and Prof. Ventola will be giving courses immediately before and after the main sessions at a time and venue shortly to be confirmed.

Registration until 31 March 1999.

Cost: Teachers: $ 30 Students: $10

Send registration/get info from:

Prof. Amalia Esther Sanchez Prof. Marta Morán de Aguiar Diego Paroissiens 525. San José Vicente Gil 434 (5519) Guaymallén MENDOZA (5500) - Mendoza

and by email: English Dept: inglés@logos.uncu.edu.ar French Dept: defran@logos.uncu.edu.ar

Forwarded by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

**

-------------------------------- 4. Kids say the darnedest things --------------------------------

Some school teachers must agree with that, because they keep journals of amusing things their students have written in papers. Here are a few examples:

The future of "I give" is "I take."

The parts of speech are lungs and air.

The inhabitants of Moscow are called Mosquitoes.

A census taker is man who goes from house to house increasing the population.

Water is composed of two gins. Oxygin and hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water.

(Define H2O and CO2.) H2O is hot water and CO2 is cold water.

A virgin forest is a forest where the hand of man has never set foot.

The general direction of the Alps is straight up.

A city purifies its water supply by filtering the water then forcing it through an aviator.

Most of the houses in France are made of plaster of Paris.

The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 opossums.

The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top and you sit on the bottom.

We do not raise silk worms in the United States, because we get our silk from rayon. He is a larger worm and gives more silk.

One of the main causes of dust is janitors.

A scout obeys all to whom obedience is due and respects all duly constipated authorities.

One by-product of raising cattle is calves.

To prevent head colds, use an agonizer to spray into the nose until it drips into the throat.

The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

The climate is hottest next to the Creator.

Oliver Cromwell had a large red nose, but under it were deeply religious feelings.

The word trousers is an uncommon noun because it is singular at the top and plural at the bottom.

Syntax is all the money collected at the church from sinners.

The blood circulates through the body by flowing down one leg and up the other.

In spring, the salmon swim upstream to spoon.

Iron was discovered because someone smelt it.

In the middle of the 18th century, all the morons moved to Utah.

A person should take a bath once in the summer, not so often in the winter.

Posted by: Geoffrey Astbury mailto:ageoffr@fibertel.com.ar

**

end

------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 466 - 15 March 1999 ------------------------------- There are 7 messages in this digest.

1. ELT News & Views is not a free publication 2. Easter Course at SBS 3. Mar del Plata Conference 4. PGC Conference, Rosario 5. Coordinating Successfully 6. Can writing be taught ? 7. ELT News & Views March 1999 issue now printing

[ Message transmitted 15 March 1999, Internet Time @ 221 ]

** --------------------------------------------- 1. ELT News & Views is not a free publication ---------------------------------------------

There seems to be a rumour going around that ELT News & Views is now available on free subscription. Obviously if this were true readers who have subscribed to ELT News & Views in the last year would be seriously discriminated against and would indeed have a serious grievance.

Let me put the record straight. ELT News & Views is - as it always has been - a printed publication for teachers of English in southern South America. It consists of three parts: The main magazine, a feature supplement (whose theme changes with each issue) and a supplement of photocopiable ideas and activities (Swapshop).

ELT News & Views is available BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY and there is a fee of US 25 per year (or US$ 45 for two years) to subscribers living in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. For delivery to addresses in other countries the fee is US$ 35 and US$ 65 for one or two years respectively.

What IS available free is this list (N&V-L) and a number of services offered through our web site which is open to anyone and can be found at http://www.eltnewsandviews.com.ar. From this web site visitors can raed and download various services: Job shop Argentina, Calendar of ELT events in southern South America, a list of ELT acronyms, and various other items - ELT News & Views is in the process of building this up at present.

The confusion may have arisen through the fact that 'ELT News & Views' is the name both of our magazine and our organisation, which now offers an increasing number of other services. But please understand that the magazine is not free and indeed, given the time and energy required to put it together, I have no plans for it ever to be so.

Posted by: Martin Eayrs Editor ELT News & Views mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ----------------------- 2. Easter Course at SBS -----------------------

SBS would like to announce its Easter Course to be held at SBS Belgrano branch, Vuelta de Obligado 2382, Capital on April 1 to 3. Lecturers for this course will be;

JAMIE DUNCAN Passion fruit

MARIA MARTA SUAREZ Playful Activities to Facilitate Learning

MARTA CRESPO/ Getting the Most of Short Texts CRISTINA SPERANZA SUSAN HILLYARD Livening up your Classroom with Drama Activities

ORIEL E.VILLAGARCIA Ideas that Work; Music in the Classroom - a Second Helping

Sessions are self contained and will be given in the order indicated above, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Prospective participants can come to just one session, two, or three or all of them.

For further information and registration, please contact SBS by phone/fax 114 784 1501 or by phone 114 780 1522 or by e-mail at <baires@sbs.com.ar>.

Posted by Oriel Villagarcia mailto:baires@sbs.com.ar

** --------------------------- 3. Mar del Plata Conference ---------------------------

1st. Convention of the teaching of English in Higher Education June 24, 25,and 26, 1999

CALL FOR PAPERS

The "1st. Convention of the Teaching of English in Higher Education" will be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina from 24 to 26 June, 1999. Organized by the Department of Modern Languages, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, this convention is expected to be an excellent opportunity for professionals, in the field of English Language Teaching to meet and share interests, ideas, and projects regarding the teaching of the language at 'Institutos Superiores' and Universities.

The Organizing Committee invites teachers working at 'Institutos Superiores,' and Universities, researchers, program administrators, and material writers to submit proposals for presentations. Proposals will be accepted until 31 March, 1999 . All proposals will be read by the Organizing Committee and decisions will be made and communicated to proposers by the end of April, 1999.

Special areas of interest in this conference are:

* Literature and Culture Studies * Applied Linguistics * ESP * Teacher Education * Research * Educational Management

Types of presentations:

* Talk (45 minutes) In a Talk, the presenter puts forward theoretical or practical ideas related to the ELT field.

* Workshop (90 minutes) In a Workshop, the presenter engages the audience in activities to explore the ideas put forward.

* Commercial Presentation (45 minutes) In a Commercial Presentation, authors, editors, and publishers present materials and services to those professionals involved in the teaching of English at higher levels.

Proposal forms can be obtained from the following address, where questions can also be directed.:

Chair of the Organizing Committee Dr. Susana B. Tuero 1st. Convention of the Teaching of English in Higher Education Decanato de la Facultad de Humanidades Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata Dean Funes 3350 7600 Mar del Plata - Buenos Aires - Argentina

Phone: 54 023 79-2531 (leave message) 54 023 79-3500 (Tu. & Th. from 19:00 to 21:00 hs.) Fax: 54 023 75-2277 E-mail: sbtuero@mdp.edu.ar

Posted by: Susana Tuero mailto:sbtuero@mdp.edu.ar

** --------------------------- 4. PGC Conference, Rosario ---------------------------

The dates for the Seventh Winter Conference at the Post-Graduate Centre have unfortunately had to be changed. The event will now take place on Saturday 12 June.

Apolgies for the change and please contact me for further information.

Posted by: Franca Maestri Post-Graduate Centre Phone/Fax: +54-41-243976 Cordoba 836, 2000 - Rosario, ARGENTINA mailto:postgrad@satlink.com

** ---------------------------- 5. Coordinating Successfully ----------------------------

Because of the overwhelming sucess of Coordinating Successfully, a new date has been scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 1999.

The seminar is suitable for Teachers of English and Coordinators who would like to gain new ideas on how to Coordinate English teachers at all levels successfully. Topics include: hiring, interviewing techniques, class observation, appraisals and feedback, motivating staff, dealing with difficult personalities.

Information from ABS International: Guemes 4382- Capital. Tel/Fax: 4832-0761 E-mail: <mailto:lewin@einstein.com.ar>lewin@einstein.com.ar

Posted by: Laura Lewin, Director, ABS International mailto:lewin@einstein.com.ar

** -------------------------- 6. Can writing be taught ? --------------------------

First of all, hello to everyone, as I'm a new member of the list. Some time ago, a colleague forwarded to me this message from a worried writing teacher, and I thought I'd post my answer here, and invite all of you to air their views on the teaching of writing.

I have numbered the paragraphs in her message for ease of reference: ************************************************************************* The original letter -------------------

Dear all:

1. Somebody wrote that to write a composition it is necessary to have the feeling for it, or to be inspired. I wonder if then this can be taught in a classroom or if this is just a natural ability that only needs to be polished.

2. I know many books on how to teach composition have been written, but do great writers need to go through this complex process to write their great masterpieces? or do they simply get a piece of paper, a pen, and their creation is right there under the tip of their fingers? I can't imagine Richard Bach -my favorite one- going through all this process of learning how to write to become the writer he is.

3. I am about to start a composition course, and I wonder if I can teach this course if I myself am not a writer, or better to say, the writer I wish I were. *************************************************************************

This is my response: -------------------

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald said: "You don't write because you want to say something; you write because you've got something to say." To me, what a writing teacher can at least *try* to do in the classroom is to create the need for writing; to arouse the urge, the motivation to write; to galvanise student writers into "having something to say".

2. Somebody else said: "Process can't be inferred from product any more than a pig can be inferred from a sausage". Writing takes time. I imagine even great writers go through complex cognitive processes to produce their texts (see Flower & Hayes 1981*). Still, I would draw a distinction between "great" writers in L1 and L2. Very few L2 writers (e.g. Joseph Conrad, Vladimir Nabokov) have reached the standards of great L1 writers. Yet, I gather the process of writing is hard for all. Again, another writer's own words: "Most people won't realize that writing is a craft. You have to take your apprenticeship in it like anything else." (Katherine Anne Porter)

3. In brief, my opinion is "Yes". However, I believe that as EFL teachers we are not trying to produce the next Joyce, or Beckett, but we want our students to be effective (and this also may involve being creative) L2 writers.

* Flower, L. & Hayes, J.R. (1981) "Cognitive Process Theory of Writing", in College Composition and Communication 32 (4): 365-387. Posted by: Analia Kandel E. FRIAS 24-7-A, (1414) capital Tel: +54 11 4856 3826 mailto:akandel@cvtci.com.ar

** ------------------------------------------------- 7. ELT News & Views March 1999 issue now printing -------------------------------------------------

The March 1999 issue of ELT News & Views (the printed version) is now at the printers and should be in the post by the 24th March.

Contributors of articles to this issue (in alphabetical order) include: Richard Acklam, María Eugenia Anticaglia, Katherine Bailey, Liliana Baltra, Adriana Benvenuto, Silvana Bodusso, Mariana Casale, Jamie Duncan, David Eastment, Judy Garton-Sprenger, Simon Greenall, Michael Hall, Jeremy Harmer, Susan Hillyard, Leina Jucá, Kevin Keys, Richard Law, Michael Lewis, Alison McGowan, Pat McLauglin, Peter Medgyes, Philip Minkoff, Adrian Mower, David Nunan, Felicity O'Dell, Amos Paran, Beatriz Pena Lima, Anita Pincas, Gillian Porter Ladouse, Philip Prowse, Alan Pulverness, Michael Quinion, Mario Rinvolucri, Mónica Segura, Nelly Shakespear, Ivor Timmis, Pablo Toledo, Adrian Underhill, George Wilcox.

The Feature supplement for this issue is on the theme 'Literature in ELT'.

If you would like to see a 12 page sample of the March issue you can visit http://www.eltnewsandviews.com.ar/download/download.html where you can print or download a sample. There is no charge for this and you may copy and distribute these sample pages freely.

If you are not sure whether your subscription has expired or would like information about how to subscribe or renew your subscription please contact Nathalie at <admin@eltnewsandviews.com.ar>. You can also phone Nathalie on 54-11-4371-7705 (Mon-Thurs, 14.00 - 18.30 only) or fax 54-4375-3944).

Posted by: Martin Eayrs mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** end

-------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 467 - 16 March 1999 --------------------------------

There are 4 messages in this digest.

1. Looking for Duncan Alp 2. Tuesday night is chat night 3. Message for teachers of BEC 4. The happy.exe family of worms

[ Message transmitted 16 March 1999, Internet Time @ 206 ]

** ------------------------- 1. Looking for Duncan Alp -------------------------

I'm looking for the address or mailing address of an American teacher named Duncan Alp. The last news I've heard about him was that he was working in an Institute in Bs. As.(Palermo). If you know his whereabouts, please forward answer to <macastro@mdp.edu.ar>.

I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Posted by: Mariela Castro Mar del Plata. mailto:macastro@mdp.edu.ar

** ------------------------------ 2. Tuesday night is chat night ------------------------------

Just to remind you our chat channel will be open again tomorrow night (Tuesday). Please log on and invite friends and colleagues to join us.

A reminder of the technical aspects:

The ELT News & Views IRC runs on Tuesdays from 21.00 to 23.00 Argentina/Brazil time (00.00 - 03.00 GMT), but consult your local time for time variations.

I (Martin Eayrs) shall be online personally and my nick is El_Ingles, so if you have any problems online you can Msg me.

Hope to see you online on Tuesday.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ------------------------------ 3. Message for teachers of BEC ------------------------------

As a result of an article on BEC published in yesterday´s La Nación, I am receiving many phone calls and e-mails from students who, apart from requesting additional information on these certificates, would like to know where to prepare for them.

I would be grateful if teachers and or institutes offering BEC would let me know by e-mail of the fact and I would then produce a list I could offer mycallers, without this implying any recommendation or endorsement.

Many thanks!

Posted by: Litty Mora UCLES Support Officer for Argentina mailto:plmora@impsat1.com.ar

** -------------------------------- 4. The happy.exe family of worms --------------------------------

There is a nasty bug going around PCs (Macs are not affected) which arrives in your environment under the names of Happy99.exe or happy.exe or similar. If you open the file it will give a brief firework display and then start to cause problems.

For a description of this worm I suggest you visit the site http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/happy99.worm.html where you will learn all about this little piece of evil and how to undo its nasty work.

This is not a virus scare - the webpage is Symantec's, the maker of Norton Anti-Virus and other similar software. And happy is not tecnically a virus, rather a worm, but equally undesirable and persistent.

So if you do happen to receive an attachment called happy.exe or happy99.exe don't try to run it - you'll find it hard to get of and every email you send will be accompanied by another with, yes, you've guessed, happy.exe. Trash it, or whatever it is you PC people do with files you don't want any more.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

**

end

-------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 468 - 18 March 1999 -------------------------------- There are 5 messages in this digest.

1. Associate of the College of Teachers (ACT) 2. Look at this website 3. Language query 4. Getting a job and hiring staff 5. Two questions

[ Message transmitted 18 March 1999, Internet Time @ 439 ]

** ---------------------------------------------- 1. Associate of the College of Teachers (ACT) ---------------------------------------------- The ESSARP Centre is pleased to present its highly successful course leading to examinations for Associate membership of the College of Teachers (formerley the College of Preceptors). This course has been based at the Centre since 1986 and is now available in two modes: * The tried and tested hours face-to-face with the course, tutors of weekly classes of four hours, together with appropriate readings and activities. This mode has alreadys begun and is on Wednesday from 0800 - 1200 and is open to teachers in Capital Federal and Gran Buenos Aires. There are limited places available and before Easter enrollment will be closed. * ACT@distance is a guided reading programme of the same readings as in the face to face mode, with activities conducted by either/or post or e-mail, and some face to face contact, to be arranged. This mode is open to teachers outside the area of the face-to-face mode and is now in its second year of operation. The first mailing is in preparation and will shortly be going out to students as close as Mar del Plata and as far away as Rio de Janeiro. For further details of either version of this eighteen month course contact Terry Cullen at:

The ESSARP Centre, Callao 67 - 5" - A", 1022 Buenos Aires Tel: 54 11 4371 6064 Fax: 54 11 4383 2260 E-mail: acp@essarp.org.ar <mailto:acp@essarp.org.ar> Posted by Terry Cullen mailto:tcullen@cvtci.com.ar

** ----------------------- 2. Look at this website -----------------------

Someone sent me this URL and I thought I would like to share it with other list members. It is a good example of what can be done with the discrete use of java applewts and drag 'n drop.

Go to http://www.sccd.ctc.edu/~ssesl/Puzzles.html

which has puzzles to help you practice healthcare vocabulary.

Even if you are not interested in English for medical applications it's worth having a look at it to see how a simple* idea can work effectively on a web site.

(* well ok, I didn't do the programming !!)

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ----------------- 3. Language query -----------------

I have a little problem and maybe you can help me. Does this phrase actually exist in English ?

"How was the weather?" i

Instead of

"What was the weather like?".

My student always use the first phrase and I, as a NNS, don't know anymore which one is correct or if both are used indistinctively

I'd appreciate a fast answer. Thanks.

Posted by: Danaydes Albóniga mailto:dalboniga@finlay.edu.cu

** --------------------------------- 4. Getting a job and hiring staff ---------------------------------

May I remind list members of the ELT Jobshop option on our web site.

Teaching Institutions looking for teaching staff are invited to place an advertisment on the "Positions offered" pages of the ELT News & Views 'Jobshop' web page.

Similarly, whether you live in Argentina or elsewhere, if you are looking for a teaching position in Argentina you are invited to post your details on the "Positions wanted" pages of the same web site.

You will find the application forms and further information at http://www.eltnewsandviews.com.ar - click on the link in the site map at the left that says "ELT Jobs Argentina".

There is no charge for this service, but in order for it to grow and be useful it needs to become generally known. Passing the word around will thus be in everyone's interest.

Posted by: List editor mailto:me@interlink.com.ar

**

---------------- 5. Two questions ----------------

1. I have a student who sat for the Cambridge CAE exam and got grade C. She is seventeen years old and would like to continue her studies of English but with an aim. By aim she means sit for another exam.

She has one year to study because then she´s leaving for BsAs to study at university. I had thought of the CPE but I don´t think one year is enough time for sb this age.

Her level of English is good. She is very keen on arts and. architecture What can you suggest for this young girl?

2. What is the Michigan exam about? Who can send me further information on this exam?

Thanks for helping

Posted by: Silvia Benson Necochea 233 7300 Azul - Argentina Te/Fax: 0281-25457 mailto:sbenson@satlink.com

** end

--------------------------------------------- Martin Eayrs, Buenos Aires, Argentina Email: <me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar>

-------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 469 - 23 March 1999 --------------------------------

There are 4 messages in this digest.

1. How's the weather today ? 2. IATEFL 1999: Webcast and Virtual Conference 3. Acronyms and abbreviations in English Language Teaching 4. N&V-L at IATEFL, Edinburgh

[ Message transmitted 23 March 1999, Internet Time @ 529 ]

** ---------------------------- 1. How's the weather today ? -----------------------------

As far as I know, it is quite standard and common to say "How's the weather today?" "Whats the weather like" is a question about the climate rather than the weather.

Another example: "How was the play (or theatre) last night?" asks about how good a time you had, what was your date like (both person and occasion), and so on. "What was the play like?" asks strictly about the play, as a literary piece (acts, characters, theme, etc) or performance.

Posted by: Aldo Blanco mailto:alblanco@ub.edu.ar

** ---------------------------------------------- 2. IATEFL 1999: Webcast and Virtual Conference ----------------------------------------------

IATEFL CONFERENCE 1999: WEBCAST AND VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

This year's IATEFL Conference in Edinburgh sees a further development in the field of 'virtual conferences'. Last September, the "ESP Anti-Conference" in Switzerland was attended by delegates from Central and Eastern Europe. As with many conferences, what they said had wider validity, and to increase the networking effect of the conference a BBC/IATEFL/British Council team put extracts on the web using text, photos, audio and a bit of video. The Swiss conference site is currently being revised, but will return.

At the forthcoming IATEFL annual conference there will be three elements: 1. A Webcast on the topic of "Language and Nation", from 2000-2100 GMT on Monday 29th March. Speakers include Tony O'Brien from The British Council, Professor Anne Pakir from the National University of Singapore, Dr. Mike Wallace from Edinburgh University and Iseabail Macleod, Editorial Director of the Scottish National Dictionary Association. Web pages will supplement the audio, and the whole event will later be archived. 2. Reports from selected presentations from the various Special Interest Groups. 3. A discussion group launched by IATEFL for some weeks before and after the conference. Full details can be found in two places: (i) The BBC's conference website, from which the webcast and reports will be reached: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/conference/iatefl99/ (ii) IATEFL's Virtual Conference page - which explains the thinking behind what's happening: http://www.iatefl.org/VirtualConference.htm

Forwarded by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

**

---------------------------------------------------------- 3. Acronyms and abbreviations in English Language Teaching ----------------------------------------------------------

I have been working on and off over the last year on updating a list of acronyms and abbreviations found in English Language Teaching. I have now accumulated approximately 1150 abbreviations and acronyms.

Given my location there is an emphasis on Argentina and Brazil and I have also included some common expressions from Linguistics and Information Technology. There are also, naturally enough, common expressions from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and there is still space for many more ...

The list is too long to post to N&V-L but if any one feels it might be a useful resource they are welcome to access it or link to it. A few words of acknowledgement would not be amiss if you do find it useful.

The list can be found at:

http://www.eltnewsandviews.com.ar/acronyms/acronyms.html

This is still very much a working project rather than a finished product, and I would not like to be held responsible for typos and other errors. I shall continue to add and update the items over the year and additions, corrections or comments will be very welcome. Any other feedback would also be appreciated - there are many parts of the world to which I do not have easy access..

Posted by: Martin Eayrs Buenos Aires - Argentina mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

**

----------------------------- 4. N&V-L at IATEFL, Edinburgh -----------------------------

Members of the N&V-L list who are attending the IATEFL conference in Edinburgh next week are invited to contact the list editor, Martin Eayrs. If you can't find him leave a note on the messages board and he will reply with a meeting time and place.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

**

end

-------------------------------- N&V-L Digest 470 - 25 March 1999 -------------------------------- The list will be inactive now until 12 April. Messages may be posted usual as and will be dealt with on that date.

There are 5 messages in this digest.

1. Concerns about 'professional language teaching ´in Argentina 2. ESP Interest Section Argentina 3. SEAL at Warwick in April 4. Previous N&V-L Digests 5. MA programs for English teachers in Argentina

[ Message transmitted 25 March 1999 , Internet Time @ 690 ]

** --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Concerns about 'professional language teaching ´in Argentina ---------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to share with you my concern about 'professional language teaching´ in Argentina.

I´m a bit worried and at the same time angry about the professional standards of English Language Courses and Services that the UBA is offering through its PROGRAMA EXTRACURRICULAR DE INGLES EN LA UBA.

As far as I know, most of the people working there and/or in charge are not ELT graduate professional teachers. So even if they do possess a working knowledge of the target language, they do not know (or at least have not studied systematically) about the target language or the process of language acquisition. I must admit that they do have an excellent marketing strategy, though.

What I can´t understand is why the UNIVERSITY OF BUENOS AIRES is endorsing these courses. What a shame, really! This makes all of us who spent and are still spending lots of time and money to get our degrees and become true professionals feel terrible.

Besides, I believe that all the profesorados nacionales, in Buenos Aires Joaquin and Lenguas, should be in charge and control of these extension services to raise funds for research into foreign language learning and teaching. Nowadays the (considerable) funds raised go into the treasuries of the school of philosophy, economy, history, geography, biology, chemistry or even worse into private hands in the case of Programa Extracurricular. Isn´t it unfair?

I wonder if there's something we can do about it.

Posted by: Mabel Quiroga OUTLOOK-Training & Consulting Bolivar 226- 4"M"-(1066) T. 4331-8997 mailto:outlook@impsat1.com.ar

** --------------------------------- 2. ESP Interest Section Argentina ---------------------------------

ESP IS ARGENTINA is meeting again.

The ESP Interest Section of ARTESOL will hold an open meeting next Friday March 26th at 10:30 a.m.

Contact : Liliana/Patricia Orsi at rainboworsi@arnet.com.ar

Posted by: Liliana/Patricia Orsi mailto:rainboworsi@arnet.com.ar

** --------------------------- 3. SEAL at Warwick in April ---------------------------

The Eighth International SEAL Conference, 8-11 April 1999 will take place at the University of Warwick, UK.

Check out the SEAL Conference on our Web Site at www.SEAL.org.uk and read about our BRING A FRIEND Promotion.

Alternatively, e-mail us on seal@soceal.co.uk

or phone us on +44-1225-466244

or fax us on +44-1225-835800

Argentina will be having the second largest contingent of all countries world-wide, second only to the UK.

Posted by: Robert Gillan mailto:seal@soceal.demon.co.uk

** ------------------------- 4. Previous N&V-L Digests -------------------------

If you want to consult earlier digests we are in the process of putting them up on our web site. November and December 1998 and February 1999 can now be consulted online at

http://www.eltnewsandviews.com.ar/listpage/digests.html

We hope in time to put earlier back numbers up but hope that list members will understand this is not our top priority.

Posted by: N&V-L List Editor mailto:me@eltnewsandviews.com.ar

** ----------------------------------------------- 5. MA programs for English teachers in Argentina ------------------------------------------------

I would like to have some information about MA programs for English teachers in Argentina.

I believe that most of them are offered through distance learning in connection with British or American universities.

Could somebody help me find more information about these programs?

Thanx in advance,

Posted by: Gabriela Cambiasso mailto:gcambi1@icarus.cc.uic.edu

**

end

N&V-L Digests 459 - 470 March 1999

N&V-L Digests 459 - 470
March 1999