Top Ten Test Anxiety Strategies

Top Ten Test Anxiety Strategies

By Nanthalia Mcjamerson, Ph.D

Many strategies are available for dealing with test anxiety and stress. Whether you are searching traditional or contemporary resources on this subject, you will find a few fundamental or basic recommendations that you can immediately put into practice.

Those basics are summarized as The Top Ten List that follows:

10. Deep Breathing Techniques.

Beginning the list of anxiety-reducing strategies with "breathing" does not mean that it is least important of all strategies. Rather, deep breathing is presented first because it is the most overlooked and underestimated strategy for dealing with anxiety and stress. Because it is simple, we find it hard to believe it is powerful. Yet, virtually all experts, from classic to contemporary, include deep breathing on their lists. For example, in the classic Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Martha Davis, Elizabeth Eshelman, and Matthew McKay provide guidance and explain that good breathing habits can enhance your psychological as well as your physical well-being.

A breathing exercise that is easy to use is recommended by Iyanla Vanzant in her book Acts of Faith. Her suggestion is to "check in on your body" and take a few deep breaths. Vanzant claims that "with a simple breath you can release the stress and replace it with what you need. Turn anxiety into peace, anger into joy, tension into love, and fear into faith."

An additional benefit of deep breathing is the fact that it is under your control and thus you can engage in deep breathing whenever you desire to do so or deem it necessary-before, during and after a test or other stressful event. Additionally, breathing is FREE!

9. Talking/Expressing/Venting.

Another simple, but important, strategy for relieving anxiety is talking or venting. When you express the anxiety or fear, you remove the negative emotion from your body. Once you have relieved the tension, you can use your energy to focus on learning other helpful strategies and learning the content necessary to perform well on the task at hand. Find a good listener and, thereby, "clear your mind".

8. Pre-Test Preparation.

This technique is on "everybody's list" because a great deal of anxiety is produced by a fear of the unknown. When you become familiar with the material, the anxiety is reduced. First, find out what you need to learn. Second, make a study plan. Finally, take action by following your plan. For every new "gem" of information you acquire, and old "block" of stress will disappear.

7. Injecting Fun and Humor.

Yes, high-stakes testing is a serious matter; however, the more serious the situation is, the greater the need for comic relief. In fact, laughter has been scientifically researched and found to be beneficial for meeting a variety of challenges. Many advocates have brought humor to the forefront for healing as well as for stress management.

6. Social Support.

You can meet practically any challenge if you have a good social support system. Support systems can take many forms: friends, family, mentors, role models and others. There are no special qualifications for membership in your support network. For example, one teacher candidate identified her 12-year-old son as her greatest supporter and encourager. Also, when you study the lives of outstanding achievers, you discover that they had all types of "members" in their support networks.

5. Self Care 101.

What seems to be the discovery of this decade is the importance of taking care of self first instead of the tradition of taking care of self last. When preparing to meet a challenge such as the teacher licensure examination, people often say, "I have to give up everything to prepare for the test." Ironically, that is one of the worst solutions. It is not hard to imagine that good care of self would produce higher energy levels, higher motivation, greater endurance, a clearer mind, and better performance. Yet, this philosophy was not a part of our basic training for education or life. It is not too late; it is the perfect time as you prepare to meet this testing challenge.

Self-care can include exercise and nutrition. Also, engaging in or developing hobbies have been proven to be very effective. Consider window shopping or real shopping or building something. Take frequent five-minute mental vacations or a lunch "vacation" with friends on a weekly basis. Create your unique set of activities. Such strategies can build tremendous momentum for achieving your goals.

4. Renewal Activities.


If you become discouraged or your energy wanes, find strategies for renewing yourself. Seek resources and reserves of all kinds. Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Effective People, calls this strategy "sharpening the saw". Like a sharp saw, according to Covey, people who take the time to renew themselves can return to their activities and challenges refreshed and ready to do their best. I have a friend in the fast-paced business world who recommends planning a variety of activities (before you need them) for what he calls "a stress-emergency kit".

3. Relaxation Techniques.


When your thoughts seem to get "blocked" while studying or during testing, it is often because of physical tension. This type of problem can be solved with relaxation techniques, which range from advanced yoga to simple wiggling of toes or playing with handsprings. Other methods include changing your perspective or expectations (reframing). Whatever techniques you choose, practice them ahead of time so that they will be readily available when you need to relax in order to succeed.

2. Positive Attitudes.

There is a very popular motto that indicates you should believe in yourself; however, it is not enough to simply say it. It is important to take actions to help you develop such an attitude. Affirmations and visualizations are effective elements of a productive positive attitude. Conduct a "treasure hunt" for those types of resources.

1. Celebrating Personal Strengths.

A key strategy for reducing test anxiety is reflecting on and celebrating all the personal strengths, talents, skills, and characteristics you possess. This is the self-worth factor, which is extremely important in developing confidence and endurance for meeting challenges and reaching goals. One method is taking an inventory of your positive qualities and achievements. Convert your list of qualities and achievements into a poem that is all about YOU.

Nanthalia W. McJamerson, Ph. D., is a counselor, poet and Professor of Education at Grambling State University. She and her husband are in a partnership to provide educational and empowerment workshops, motivational speaking, inspirational books and poetry prints. They are also the owners of a Black History radio station at http://www.hjmcradio.com


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 135 countries worldwide. Get your FREE, pdf format report on CD or via e-mail, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Three Terrific English Language Teaching Movies

Dynamite English Language Learning Skills

If you’re looking for ways to dynamite English language learning skills in your classroom, try using clips from popular and classic movies. It certainly works for me. My learners enjoy speaking practice far more using scenes from these well-known Hollywood offerings. Written and oral reports and discourse take on new meaning when pulled from the context of an enjoyable film – either the whole movie or just a selected short clip. Here are seven more of my learners’ (and my) sensational favorites for you to try out in your English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. Here are three more of my EFL class room tested favorites for video-based, in context language learning practice.

INDIANA JONES and the Temple of Doom

If you know this movie at all, you’ve just got to love the exotic banquet scene. My English language learners all talk about that scene long after the video scene has faded from the class room screen. And no wonder, with the myriads of things to feast on world wide, new meaning is given to the axiom, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison”. Harrison Ford’s charismatic character, Indiana Jones (pictured), the adventure-seeking university professor, is known and loved worldwide. This second in a series of three (so far) films only adds to the mystique of this character. Your language learners can act out scenes, Interpret dialogue, and alter the script to provide endless scenarios for language learning practice.

Codename: SWORDFISH (2001)

Still my all-time favorite “terrorism” film, an anti-terrorist agent played by John Travolta recruits a super-hacker (Hugh Jackman) to help him steal a multi-millions secret government bank account funds. The supporting castoff this fast-paced thriller also includes Halle Berry in a topless scene and Don Cheadle. It’s got reams of action, top-class dialogue, humor, suspense and even a “steamy” scene or two (watch out for these) to capture and hold the learners’ (and your) interest. This film will make for an interesting addition to your film and video clip repertoire.

ROCKY

If you haven’t already used “Rocky” or one of its sequels in class, shame on you. The original classic, set in the Italian-American neighborhoods of south Philadelphia, illustrates not only the brutality associated with the sport of boxing, but the qualities and attributes that go into the making of a champion. Authentic setting scenes, acceptable dialogues and glimpses into the ethnic culture of the area contribute to make Rocky a valuable addition to your English language teaching film collection. The original script was written by Sylvester Stallone himself. His autobiography makes for some interesting material when coupled with additional aspects from the film.


Try a Variety of Language Learning Techniques

Whether you opt to show the film in its entirety, show it in shorter, time-controlled installments or simply use selected scenes for language learning practice, pronunciation, connected speech illustration or other linguistic aspects, be sure to try a variety of techniques. Videos and clips from popular movies are a dynamic, welcomed way to reach your language learners, lower their affective filters and develop meaningful English language learning skills.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 135 countries worldwide. Get your FREE, pdf format report on CD or via e-mail, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Thoughts on Inauguration Day 2009

My thoughts on Inauguration Day 2009

When I got out of bed and turned on the television and saw the moving shadows of more than 200,000 people advance toward the Mall, it was emotional. When the still President-elect Obama later emerged from Blair House to go to church with Michelle, his wife. it felt like my heart stopped.

This was real.

This was gong to happen.

A black couple walking hand in hand for a ceremony only for presidents. She was a radiant queen. A black woman was to be the first lady. A descendant of slaves. A descendant of women compelled to wash the floors of white women; a nanny for white people's children; a likely descendant of a woman that was a victim of rape (physical and emotional terrorism). Now this formidable woman of degrees and service to her community was the face the world was to see with her husband for the next four years. When Barack walked his wife to the car, opened the door, and gently lead her in, it was just like my grandmother taught me to do. A tear dropped from my eyes. She was not his baby's Momma. They were man and woman; husband and wife; mother, father, and friends. They were love. This was who we are when we endure against what this society wants us to be and become who we truly are.

There were times when the cameras fixed on the crowd and all one could see were the people, seemingly moving and breathing as if one; it was emotional. For some reason I knew that whether it was the very view from Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Institute where slaves were kept when southern masters came north, or the edifice of the White House itself, that the spirit of people in bondage were present everywhere. The rocks not only cried out, but the bushes and trees shouted with the spirit of slaves and the dispossessed.

It was crying time.

It was redemption time.

If you go to the footage, you could see Barack enter down the corridor leading to the portico of the Capitol where the ceremony was to be held. He suddenly seemed to be different. It seemed like the weight of our past and futures suddenly caught up to him. He was focused on his immediate task but it seemed that he was already bearing the weight of history. He was St. George at the instant before he was about to fight the dragon. He was David, about to sling a rock at Goliath. At that moment, as he paused to meet History, it was as if he stopped being Barack and became, Mr. President.

What must have been his thoughts when he first saw the undulating mass of two million people on the Mall? I know what were my thoughts. I began to reflect upon those that would have loved to see such a day but were killed because of their dedication to "freedom and justice for all." What might have been the scene if President Obama emerged from the Capitol with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his arm as he escorted him to a place of honor next to his family?

What about the many who worked and suffered in silence? Their dreams were hardly born except through the lives and love of their family. I dreamed of how wonderful it would have been to be at the home of my grandparents, people that raised me, watching the inauguration events unfold. My grandfather, a refugee from the oppressive Thurmond family in Edgefield, SC., would be in his favorite, black reclining chair waiting with glee. A self-educated man, he likely would have gotten up early that morning to read everything he could about the President-elect. He and my grandmother (a native of North Carolina) likely would have returned to that place in their memory about how badly Negroes (their favorite word for us, once upon a time) were treated. We probably would have prayed that morning for President Barack Obama and his family---and ourselves.

While the ceremony was moving and dignified, something was missing. Leave it to an old, country preacher from Atlanta to provide the benediction; a fitting coda to the event. I knew Rev. Lowery from when I was an Atlanta University graduate student. I enjoyed attending his church that adjoined the Morris Brown College campus, an historically black school in the city. Perhaps because of his time as a major figure in the civil rights movement, he always included "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a song written by James Weldon Johnson, "the Negro National Anthem," in the church service. He also always delivered a sermon that was infused with the Gospel but inflected with his wit and the wisdom of black folk. Still, when he said: God of our weary years, God of our silent tears ... My very soul began to soar.

"Thou, who has brought us thus far along the way, thou, who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand true to thee, oh God, and true to our native land."

The waters from my eyes were a steady flow. I had to hear the ideas, music and lyrics that long nourished Black America. I wanted to here something that "the Old Ones" might acknowledge. I wanted something that Mahalia Jackson might want to sing and shout. I wanted to here something that might have steadied Martin's frame when he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave us his dream. I wanted to here words to make us pause and consider that though Martin and Malcolm X, Ida and WEB, Frederick and Harriett, and countless others did not indeed make it with us that we were true to their dreams for us, as they were for ours. I wanted to hear something that let our martyrs know that we were thinking of everyone else who struggled in our name,

Now it is time for new dreams to come true and new voices to sing.

Graciously contributed by:

James Daniel Steele, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
c/o North Carolina A&T State University
1601 E. Market Street
Greensboro, N.C. 27411
Office: 232 Gibbs Hall






Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 135 countries worldwide. Get your FREE, pdf format report on CD or via e-mail, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Sound Patterns Boost Language Learning

Sound Patterns Boost Language Learning Study Shows
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10553824


Exposure to the sound patterns of another language, even if it is initially meaningless, could hold the key to quickly picking up a foreign tongue, says a researcher.

Victoria University PhD graduate Paul Sulzberger made his discovery while trying to find out why many students dropped out in the early days of trying to learn a new language.

He believed his findings could revolutionize language teaching.
Listening to a language's sound patterns was critical as it set up structures in the brain required to learn the words, he found.

"Our ability to learn new words is directly related to how often we have been exposed to the particular combinations of the sounds which make up the words," he said.

"Neural tissue required to learn and understand a new language will develop automatically from simple exposure to the language - which is how babies learn their first language."

He was interested in what made it so difficult to learn foreign words when we were constantly learning new ones in our native language. He found the answer in the way the brain developed neural structures when hearing new combinations of sounds.

"When we are trying to learn new foreign words we are faced with sounds for which we may have absolutely no neural representation.”

"A student trying to learn a foreign language may have few pre-existing neural structures to build on in order to remember the words."

Extending exposure to foreign languages had been made easier by globalization and new technology.

Listening to songs, movies and even foreign news reports on the internet were all easy ways to expose the brain to foreign language sounds, Dr Sulzberger said.

- NZPA



Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, prolific writer, author and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, "If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

I Can Learn Welsh in a Week

“I Can Learn Welsh in a Week”
by James McCarthy, Wales On Sunday
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/01/25/i-can-learn-welsh-in-a-week-91466-22770786/


AN AUTISTIC man who picked up Welsh from road signs and children’s books during a two-week holiday has boasted: “I could learn it in a week.”

Genius Daniel Paul Tammet hopes one day to speak at the Eisteddfod and perhaps even win the coveted learner’s prize.

The linguist and writer, who lives in Avignon, in the south of France, discovered the tongue when he visited Blaenau Ffestiniog for a break in Snowdonia.

Mr. Tammet, 29, a Londoner, also has synaesthesia, which can affect language learning.
He said: “I saw the road signs in Welsh and saw all the public conveniences were in Welsh and it struck me as a beautiful language. I was told that was where Welsh was spoken widely, where it really thrived. So I got a dictionary and bought some children’s books in Welsh and read them, and enjoyed them.”

Mr. Tammet has also taught himself French, Finnish, German, Spanish, Lithuanian, Romanian, Estonian, Icelandic and Esperanto. He has also invented his own language called Mänti.

He said it took him “not very long” to pick up Welsh during his visit.
He managed to learn Icelandic against the clock in a week for a Five documentary.

“In terms of Welsh it was little by little,” he said. “Every time I got hold of a Welsh person I would tease out as many words as I could. People are always frightened of a language like Welsh because it looks and sounds so different.

“But there is a lot in it that’s not so different. There is a lot of beauty in there and logic. It’s just a different kind of logic.

“There’s no reason why I could not pick up Welsh as quickly as I did Icelandic. It’s a case of exposure. ”

Ffred Ffrancis, of Welsh Language Society Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said: “I’ve no idea about his system of learning, but it exemplifies that it’s no big deal learning a language and we should overcome the mental block in Wales and Britain about other languages.”

Aran Jones, chief executive of fellow campaigners Cymuned, said: “We shouldn’t look at Daniel and say ‘we can be like that’ but we should look at him and say ‘learning a language need not be that difficult’.”

Daniel Tammet’s new book Embracing the Wide Sky was published last week by Hodder & Stoughton.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, prolific writer, author and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, "If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Being multilingual opens the world

Language immersion: Being multilingual opens the world

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20090126/LIFESTYLE/901260314/1024

Whenever you find yourself in France, Japan or any other foreign country and you're lost and unable to ask for directions because you speak only English, you may have wished you had learned another language.

Learning a new language isn't easy, but if done, it can provide a wide range of opportunities for teens in more ways than one.

"Being multilingual nowadays opens the world to a person," says University of Guam French Lecturer Marcelle Diambra. "It opens doors to other cultures and helps the person better appreciate other cultures."

According to a study by Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif., the best way to learn a new language is through language immersion. Language immersion is the process of learning a language by surrounding yourself with an environment where the language you are learning is used on a daily basis.

'You have to be willing to learn'

Okkodo High School junior Arielle Woseley says she was sent to the island of Palau to learn the island's native tongue through language immersion. "My parents sent me off island because they wanted me to have new experiences and learn a language," she says.

Woseley, 17, who comes from an Australian and Marshallese background, also found that immersing herself in the language allowed her to learn more.

"My friends would speak to me directly in Palauan and I would participate in selected conversations," she says.

Woseley also learned the language by listening to conversations and asking what certain words meant. "You have to be willing to learn," she says. "You have to be dedicated and focused and in the long run it will help you out in life more than you think."

Kristen Shsueh, a recent graduate of George Washington High School, is improving her language skills by attending the Chinese School of Guam.

"Going to a language school is easier than learning through books, etc. because the teacher is actually in front of you teaching you." she says. Shsueh says that attending the school versus having a one-on-one tutor is better because you are able to share the experience with friends.

"When you have friends with you you're able to practice and they're there to support you," says the 18-year-old.

"Attending a language school is good because it is a fun way to learn something new without having to be bored and tired," Shsueh adds.

Teens who are interested in learning a new language but don't want to attend another school should consider teaching themselves a language.

"It isn't easy learning a language yourself, you need to be committed so you can ultimately reach your goal," says Jayde Bello, a senior at Harvest Christian Academy. Bello (pictured above), who is of Turkish and Chamorro descent, is fluent in Turkish and English; she also taught herself Arabic.

"I went out and bought a CD and a book that helped me learn the language more," she says. "I also tried to look up things online because I couldn't practice with anyone because of the lack of Arab speakers on Guam."

Other benefits

Knowing a foreign language improves proficiency in your own language, says Diambra.
It also helps people appreciate life from a different perspective and is vital for learning about others, she says. Teens interested in pursuing careers in the international job market should speak more than one language, Diambra says.

"The world is getting smaller and I believe that being multilingual gives a head start to any person who is at least bilingual."

Sheena Hess, manager of Zagu Pearl Shakes in the Micronesia Mall, agrees with Diambra.

"We encounter people who speak more than one language daily and sometimes they can't understand English, so someone who speaks more than one language will be hired quickly," she says.

Hess adds speaking another language, specifically Japanese because of the tourist population, is a plus.

"Guam has mostly Japanese tourists so it would make sense to hire someone who could speak Asian languages," she says.

In addition to getting hired, Hess says that learning another language helps you communicate better and relate to the customers on a friendly level. As Hess says, Japan is Guam's largest tourist market, and teens who wish to pursue a career in the tourism industry must know at least some form of basic Japanese, University of Guam Professor of Japanese Toyoko Kang says.

"Students who can communicate with tourists in Japanese are welcomed in the tourism industry," Kang says. "People that are sent to Guam to work in hotels from Japan cannot communicate well in English, so a person who is bilingual in Japanese and English is in a better position to be hired."

Some job arenas in which bilingual people are favored include the federal government, retail and tourism industries, and especially medical field, she adds, although it is great for all careers. Bello agrees that being multilingual improves your chances in finding a career.

"You can communicate with a lot of other people and if you choose a career that requires the knowledge of another language, you're just one step ahead."

Protecting the native tongue

According to Guam Community College Chamorro Language Instructor Rufina Mendiola, learning the native tongue of the Mariana Islands is just as beneficial as learning any other language.

"Young adults deciding to stay in the Marianas will have many opportunities if they learn Chamorro, specifically in finding jobs." she says. Mendiola says that learning basic conversation in Chamorro will lead to finding jobs in both the public and private sector.

"Because Chamorro is the official language of Guam, you can be an interpreter in the court, mental health, the hospital, and just about any government and or business agency."

Mendiola then stresses the importance of protecting the language and the role teens and their parents play in doing so.

"Teenagers especially, they are the future and they will carry on the language and culture," she says. "All the young adults and parents out there, I challenge you: Parents, teach your kids the language, and kids, make an effort to learn the language, prutehi I lengguahi (protect the language)."



Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 125 countries worldwide. Get your FREE, pdf format report on CD or via e-mail, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Obamania in Colombia

Barack Obama: Obamania in Colombia

"Obamania" has hit hard here in Colombia. Certainly not as hard though as the economy seems to be there in the United States, though. I just learned that Circuit City and a few other large chain stores have now closed. What is happening there?

When President-elect Obama dropped and broke his Blackberry the other day, it was front page news here in Colombia! Can you imagine!

President Obama and Administration Policies
Here in Colombia, two of the most pertenent questions on the minds of Colombians are:

1. What will be the Obama administration's approach to the TLC or Latin American Free Trade Agreement with Colombia?

Much of the fallout from this - positive or negative, will directly affect the more than 13 million Afro-Colombians at virtually all economic and social levels. Colombia remains one of the countries "blaclisted" by economic / financial and "money-laundering" regulations of the US. For example, you cannot use PayPal, Clickbank or WorldPay or most other money/payment receipt services to recieve payments for internet or online services here. Running an internet-based business in Colombia is next to impossible because you can't "get paid" from customers in other countries. If you want to buy a house, property or small business here in Colombia with U.S. funds, it's extremely difficult since bank transfers are horrendously expensive and can cost up to 50% of the transaction amount or are fire-walled at 10,000 USD. Western Union, which is permitted here, is also highly cost-prohibitive. The US dollar is strong and steadily growing stronger here after a significant plunge in recent past months.

2. How will President Obama's administration deal with the Narco-trafficking situation between Colombia, Mexico and the US - and how will the new policies impact the immigration of Latinos (Colombians) to and from the US?

Currently up to 10,000 applicants go through the US Embassy in Bogota's doors EACH DAY - that's right up to ten thousand people each day. I just witnessed this in part for myself last week as Doris and I were at the embassy in Bogota to renew her American tourist visa.It was a "slow" day as only about 3000 people went through that day according to the two embassy officials I spoke with. Even so, it was an impressive sight to see triple lines of people a block long starting at 6:30 or 7:00 am with appointments for visa interviews. Up to 90% are turned down flat for one reason or another. Doris got her visa renewal however since I was there and provided support documents to assist her application, plus we were strictly honest and properly prepared for the proceedings.

Preparations for the first African-American presidential inauguration seem massive, it's certainly going to be a truly historic, media event. I'll try to watch as much of it as possible on CNN in English here. How about you?


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 135 countries worldwide. Get your FREE, pdf format report on CD or via e-mail, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Piranha: Deadly and Delicious

The Amazon of Colombia is Filled with Danger

The Colombian Amazon is filled with danger. Soldier ants march by the millions devouring all life in their path. Submerged up to the eyes, Crocodiles lie in wait for the unwary – whatever or whoever that may be. Undulating its 20-foot length beneath the surface, the Anaconda, one of the world’s largest snakes, uses heat-seeking guidance to find its next meal. The barbed stinger in the tail of platter-sized stingrays can inflict a wound that takes months to heal. But none of these carry the fearsome mystique of the voracious Piranha, the perfect killing machine.

The Perfect Killing Machine

They had it even before we knew what was happening. My rod bowed in prayer to something below the tea-colored water’s surface. The six-pound test line danced like a cat on a hot pavement. All hell had broken loose. Beads of sweat rolled down Doris' back. Her clothes were now a second skin, clinging to her every move. We panted for breath. We had fish on. The silvery oval-shaped body and red belly of a Piranha broke the surface. I reached for it. "Don't let a finger get near their mouths or you'll lose it", our native Noanama Indian guide barked.

Minutes earlier, I shuddered from a breeze escaping from somewhere up ahead despite 90 degree-plus heat. The double-digit humidity didn't help either. A maddening buzz filled my ears, but thanks my coating of Vick's Vapor Rub, the blood-suckers wouldn't feast on me, I hoped. My eyes burned. My nose dripped. A coffee-table-sized leaf or hanging branch slapped into me every few steps. Curses burst from my lips even with my best efforts to "become as one" with the rainforest, as the Noanama had.

Tambaqui and Piraracu

Our fishing rods extended from 18" to five and a half feet. I'd hoped the light mono would suffice, although I'd squirreled away spools of twelve and twenty pound test as an afterthought. If we tagged into a 50-plus pound Tambaqui even that wouldn’t be enough. Don't even think about trying to handle a massive Piraracu that reach the size of a man in Brazil's uncherted Amazon River basin tributaries. Vines as thick as my wrist dipped into light coffee-colored waters making little ripples as it slid past roots and fallen branches. Tangled growth matted the gentle slope of the bank into tea-with-milk colored wetness. I’d flicked a thumbnail-sized chunk of bloody chicken liver on a barb-less hook with a split shot into a dinner plate-sized swirl just beside a snarl of mangrove roots jutting upwards through the surface.

Minutes later, his tanned skin gleaming with moisture, our guide demonstrated the efficiency of the scissor-like teeth. A green leaf held near the gaping mouth instantly sported a neat, crescent-shaped bite. Three heavy blows to the head prepared the killer for cleaning. After cleaning, the Noanama made a series of diagonal cuts along each side of the fish. Into these he carefully rubbed a mixture of salt, garlic, and ground roots from a small gourd he carried. A simple shaved branch frame held the fish over a smoky fire of glowing coals. The firm toasted flesh tasted smooth and a bit earthy, like a seasoned and mellowed catfish. With a wink and a sly nod towards Doris he said. “Make these heads into soup and you will need many wives”. She glanced at me with a puzzled look. I just smiled.

Like a shark

Ranging through South America from Brazil to the lowlands of Peru, they also inhabit waters in Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. In the Amazon and Rio Negro rivers of Brazil and the Orinoco River in Venezuela, no creature is safe from the Piranha’s razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws. The serrated teeth fit together like scissors, enabling Piranha to cut the flesh from their prey. Like a shark, a Piranha’s teeth are replaceable, when one breaks off a new one grows in its place.

The Yagua Indians

The Yagua Indians of Peru often use the sharp edges between the teeth of a Piranha jawbone to sharpen the point of their blowgun darts. A fish that is dying or swimming erratically will be quickly attacked by a large school. Piranha will also attack without warning to defend their eggs and territory. A wounded animal that strays into the water will be stripped to the bone so quickly it seems almost to “dance” on the surface as it’s ravaged from beneath. A bird that falls into the water will be gone, feathers and all, in three minutes or less. A trapped fish struggling in a net will be chewed clean to the head in a matter of seconds. Attacks on large animals and humans are often dramatically portrayed, but are rare. In some regions Piranha are known as "donkey castrators".

A President Speaks

"They will rend and devour alive any wounded man or beast.” U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt said, adding, “Piranha are the most ferocious fish in the world." Piranha, also called Caribe or Piraya only furthered their fearsome mystique when Roosevelt encountered them during his exploits in 1914. There are about 35 known species of Piranha but only five species represent a danger to man. Species range from the Red-Belly Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) with its characteristic red belly to the largest of the carnivorous species, the Black Piranha with its demon-red eyes and a 17 and a half inch long dark body weighing up to ten pounds. It could remove a man’s hand in two or three bites.

Piranha Head Soup

Most species dine on fruit or seeds that fall into the water from overhanging trees. The fish are not always aggressive. Women wash clothes in knee-deep water where men spearfish while children bathe or swim in these same Piranha-infested waters without harm. Further adding to the Piranha’s mystique, Indian men with half a dozen wives and up to a score of children attribute their potency to Piranha-head soup, although no scientific justification for the soup’s potency exists as yet.

Fishing for Piranha

Piranhas are usually part of indigenous peoples diet in the areas where the fish are found. All you need to go Piranha fishing are lines with a metal leader next to the hook so the fish doesn't bite through the line, a supply of red, raw meat (worms or cut-up fish will do too) and a tiny bit of luck. Piranha swim in large schools and are attracted by both movement and blood. In May of 1999, hundreds of anglers armed with rods, reels, and raw steak flocked to the Brazilian town of Aracatuba near Sao Paolo for a one-Sunday piranha fishing tournament. The townspeople had declared open season on the flesh-eating fish, which had decimated other species in the local river. The prize for the tournament was an outboard motor. But “most fishermen were content to go home with plenty of the reputedly aphrodisiac piranha”, claimed then town spokesman Nelson Custidio.

A Taste You're Sure to Enjoy

Piranha, earning their notorious reputation by reportedly killing 1,200 head of cattle every year in Brazil, are some of the best eating in South America. Whatever name you call them and no matter where you try them, when cooked in a variety of ways, their firm light flesh with its smooth, slightly nutty flavor, is a taste you’re sure to enjoy.



Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, prolific writer, author and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, "If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Why Experience Trumps Pieces of Paper - Reader Comments

Reader Comments Based on the Article Post "Are Some Certifications Overrated?"

Blogger Ms. Lucy said...

Great post. One of my duties as a language consultant and ESL/EAL specialist is hiring new teachers. You wouldn't believe the number of PhD applicants that come my way. That being said, thank goodness that's not all I base qualifications on- because frankly, I've hired fewer than I can even remember (and I've been doing this a long time). To teach, you either have it - or you don't. Personally, talent, skills and personality is what I look for in a good teacher. It doesn't matter how many degrees you have; if you can't interest and motivate...forget about it. Thanks for this very interesting post.

Posted by Ms. Lucy



Blogger Eric H. Roth said...

"Excellent primer on why experience trumps pieces of paper, but in the classroom!

Let me explain. Many educational institutions, especially in some places, remain paper-driven. Let me give a sad example. I currently teach English at an elite private university, but I couldn't get a teaching job in a California public school teaching English because I lack the right MA.

Expertise and experience, for many educational institutions, remain of limited use. Former President Clinton could not teach government, history, or social studies in California public schools. Academy Award winning actors can not teach theater in the schools. World class musicians can't teach music. It's utterly absurd.

"We learn to walk by stumbling", goes the Bulgarian proverb. Teachers, and students, learn by doing and making good mistakes. You nailed the problem with reading 500 books to become a recognized expert instead of just throwing yourself in and gaining experience.

The best teachers are often autotelic (self-directed), and share their passion for learning and model love of knowledge. Adding a PhD after your name doesn't magically translate into you a dynamic, quality English teacher.

As Ms.Lucy notes, "you either have it - or you don't."

How to Use Three Potatoes, a Suitcase and a Stuffed Dummy for Bringing in the New Year

Three potatoes, a suitcase and a stuffed dummy?

Want to know hot to use three potatoes and a stuffed dummy for bringing in the New Year?

Well here’s the scoop.

During the latter part of December in Colombia and Ecuador, an effigy of the old year is stuffed with sawdust, wood chips, shredded paper and other flammables. The body is seeded with a few well-placed firecrackers as well. The head is often a papier-mâché mask not infrequently resembling a famous person, character or politician. Someone you’d just as soon be rid of is a runaway favorite, although witches, politicians, presidents, generals and mother-in-laws have the followings.

The life-sized effigy is placed in a prominent place like a doorway, window or even on a chair out in front of the house to await its fate. The practice even extends to stores, shops and businesses with many having effigies made up and placed outside in front – away from the merchandise of course. On the evening of December 31st, often sooner, the effigy is set ablaze amid much fanfare, shouting and wishes for the New Year. It burns rapidly taking the old year and its troubles with it. As the crackling flames, fueled by gasoline poured on the effigy, reach the firecrackers, the dummy is blown into flaming bits. There are so many burning on some streets in Quito and other towns in Ecuador it looks like a war zone. The stage is now set for a fresh, New Year.

Now Take Three Potatoes

This one’s easy, but odd. You take three potatoes; some people use five, peel one and then toss them all under the bed. Don’t look now – no peeking! Reach under the bed and feel around for them. Got ‘em? Okay pick one, still no peeking now! Take it out. If it’s the peeled one, then goodness and bounty will be yours for the New Year. If it’s not, well, better luck next year. Don’t laugh, my Mother-in-law does this! (but for goodness sakes, don’t tell her I told you!)

Happy New Year! … and get that suitcase out!

WHAT Suitcase?

Want to know what suitcase? Be sure to read “Happy New Year Latin Style: Unusual South American Customs for bringing in the New Year”.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, prolific writer, author and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, "If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Happy New Year Latin Style: Unusual South American Customs for bringing in the New Year

Teach English as a Foreign Language Abroad

When you teach English abroad you have a continual stream of opportunities to delve into and involve yourself into the local culture. It's one of the many payoffs of living and teaching English as a foreign language in another country. Take this case in point:

Question: What do a suitcase, 12 grapes, a sheaf of wheat, the color yellow, three potatoes and a stuffed dummy all have in common? Right! They each represent a custom for bringing in the New Year. But do you know these customs and how they’re celebrated?

Get That Suitcase Out

Many South Americans believe that if you carry an empty suitcase around the block on New Year’s Day you will be fortunate to travel during the course of the year. When my elderly neighbor sauntered out of her front gate in Cali, Colombia with a beat-up valise she’d dusted off for the occasion, she brushed off my queries brusquely.

“Don’t bother me now! I’m leaving!”

Minutes later, her “tour” complete, she confided her desires to “see the states” this year. According to her, a voyage this year was now, “in the bag”.

Around the middle of December you begin to notice a disproportionately large number of fruit and vegetable street vendors starting to sell grapes. Grapes are everywhere by Christmas. Green grapes, purple grapes, mixed grapes – they roll down the street and squish beneath your careless feet as you stroll market areas and shopping districts. Eating 12 grapes at or near midnight of New Year’s Eve will bring you good luck throughout the New Year. Green grapes are preferred by the majority, but any will suffice I was told by Anna Lucia who walked into the room with a bag of mixed grapes ample enough to produce a case of “vino”.

“You’re not planning to eat all those, are you?” I chided.

“No, they’re not just for me. They’re for my family too.”

I remembered that she and her husband have five children. Add in the extended family and well, enough said. Haven’t had your twelve yet? Hurry up, there’s still time.

A Bundled Sheaf of Wheat

A black youth stood on a downtown Pasto, Colombia corner hovering over a five-gallon bucket full of bundled sheaves of wheat. Each was wrapped with a brightly colored ribbon or two. Some were enhanced even further with a flower or small bouquet. People up and down the streets walked with a similar-looking sheaf held upright out in front of them like a siren in front of a fire engine. Crossing the Zocalo, or main square downtown, a young girl sitting on a park bench waved her sheaf at us like a magic wand. (pictured above)

“That’s a new one on me”, I said to my companion when she explained.

“If you hang a bundled sheaf of wheat in your home it’s very good luck.”

She continued, “It has twelve stalks of wheat in each bundle”.

“How much for one?” I asked the youth.

We quickly bargained to a lower price.

“Are you sure there’re twelve in here?” I questioned, not wanting to get short-changed.

“Oh yeah. Go ahead and count them.”

When my partner responded, “No there’re only eleven.”

He quickly snapped back, “No way! Count them again.”

We did and there were twelve. This New Year’s luck thing is serious business. The flowered sheaf stands guard now on the bookcase over my desk. Wish me luck, okay?

The Color Yellow

Not all mind you, but quite a few Latinos in Colombia and Ecuador use the color yellow for the New Year. There are a number of ways to do it. You can paint a room yellow. Place something yellow in the room. Wear a yellow item of clothing and you’ll shower yourself with fortune for the New Year. For reasons which as yet elude me, a favorite is to wear yellow underwear. (The preferred color in Mexico is red.) Both men and women have a pair or two on hand for the occasion – or so I’ve been repeatedly told. Okay, okay, I’ll fess up; I have a couple of pairs of yellow underwear myself. So call me fickle. I have red ones too. Do I wear a pair for New Year’s? I’ll never tell!

Be sure to read “How to Use Three Potatoes and a Stuffed Dummy for Bringing in the New Year” for more unusual Latin American New Year’s customs.

So again, “Happy New Year!” … now get that suitcase out!

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, prolific writer, author and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, "If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.