Word TravELS Issue 01 - January 2016

January 2016

ELS Newsletter, Issue 01

Professors from Shanghai completed their APPEMI studies at the English Language School, Faculty of Extension.

Word TravELS |

Contents

English Language School Executive Director’s Message

Student Success: Science Without Borders student Camila Orsso

January 2016 Dear readers:

I

t gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first installment of Word TravELS, our first digital newsletter to connect you with our students and staff. Within these colourful and compelling pages, you will read stories of our students as they engage in a spectrum of academic programs and activities in the community. Word TravELS is a forum to feature the amazing diversity, rich histories, and accomplishments of our students. It is a venue for us to showcase our students’ talents and share their unique stories and insights.

January signifies a new beginning and a new academic term for us who work on campus. For our students, this is the beginning of a new journey and a new chapter of their academic pursuit. Our plan is to publish this digital newsletter every term to capture relevant information and student stories as they unfold. Reaching out to a wider readership is our ultimate goal. Indeed, we strongly encourage your contributions and hope you will consider submitting a story, article, idea, or opinion.

4 Curriculum and courses: Updates from the curriculum and EAP classes

5 ELS Events: Looking back at ELS events from the past semester

6 APPEMI: The hard work of ELS’s two groups of professors from China

7 ELS Student Corner: Essays from the three winners of the writing competition

Enjoy our first edition of Word TravELS!

8-9

Sincerely,

@ualbertaels on Instagram: a photo montage of ELS Mimi Hui Executive Director, English Language School

10-11 A New Student Centre: The new state -of-the-art space for students

12 Final Words: Upcoming events, Greg’s Top Ten column, and more.

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ELS By The Numbers Winter Holiday Festival

T

he ELS Winter Holiday Festival was a huge success this year. The atrium at Enterprise Square was filled

with students decorating gingerbread houses and ornaments. Alongside ELS teachers, our students also demonstrated their talents with musical and dance performances. Thank you to all those who attended and organized! Here are a few glimpses of the Festival.

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ELS Student Achievements

By Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator

S

tudent success comes in many forms, and here at the English Language School, we have many student suc-

cesses to report. This month, we take a look at one of our Brazilian students sponsored by the Science Without Borders program, Camila Orsso. The Science Without Borders program enables Brazilian students to study around the world in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Many skills that I have developed during the ELS classes, I could use during

my

preparation

and

presentation time. My professors and my colleagues motivated me a lot, and I tried to do my best. first oral presentation in a scientific conference. My professors and my colleagues motivated me a lot, and I tried to do my best.�

Camila continued to present at a conference in Spain as well as at Obesity Week 2015 which was held in Los Angeles from November 2-6. As Rita Espeschit points out in her conversation with Camila, Camila has also published a manuscript with two more slated for the future.

Camila will finish her undergraduate program in Brazil, of which one year remains. Upon completion, she intends to

Camila presents at the Alberta Diabetes Institute Research Day Photo courtesy of Camila Orsso.

C

amila Orsso certainly didn’t let language become a barrier for her. Having finished her 16 month pro-

gram last month, Camila had completed her studies with the English Language School in December 2014. Since then, she has taken three courses with the Faculty of

pursue a Masters degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a university professor. She wishes to teach exercise physiology and to continue her research about the approaches taken to improve health and prevent disease through exercise programs.

Camila was also featured in the UA Extension news, which you can read here.

Physical Education, and throughout the summer, participated in an internship at the Alberta Diabetes Institute with Dr. Carla Prado and Dr. Andrea Haqq.

Camila had the opportunity to present the results from her summer research project, which was about the description of body composition in children with a genetic obesity disorder called Prader-Willi Syndrome. On Research Day with the Alberta Diabetes Institute, she presented her research in a seven minute presentation and won the Mini-talk Award, a feat especially remarkable for Camila amidst a majority of native English speakers.

While talking about her success, Camila said, “Many skills that I have developed during the ELS classes, I could use during my preparation and presentation time. It was my

Word TravELS | 4

Camila with her poster on the Prader-Willi Syndrome Photo courtesy of Camila Orsso.

Curriculum and Courses Curriculum

Noon Hour Seminar, “Say What?”

By Justine Light, ELS Academic Team Lead (Curriculum)

A

s a result of unprecedented growth in enrolment and changing student demands, ELS recognized that

it was time for a refreshing of the learner pathways and curriculum documents for all of the courses that are part of the programming in the school. Students in the EAP courses: EAP 135, 140 and 145 have been working from the revised curriculum since September. A staged launch of the new curriculum in the Intensive Day Program will begin in January. In 2016, we will also review and revitalize our curriculum for EAP 550, Preparing for Graduate Studies and our part-time programs.

A

ssistant Professor Dr. Jennifer Foote offered a workshop last month entitled, “Say What?”, the first of a

series of free noon hour brown bag English language workshops offered by the English Language School at North Campus.

This pronunciation workshop provided an introduction to the study of the sounds of Canadian English in speech. In this session, students learned easy and effective tips for improving their pronunciation from Dr. Foote, whose research focus is on pronunciation.

EAP Courses

The first session was very well attended, and the next “Say

By Dr. Donald Mason, ELS Academic Team Lead (Credit

tuned for more details.

Courses)

T

What?” workshop will be held on February 3, 2016. Stay

he English Language School is excited to implement a Community Service Learning component this se-

mester as part of English for Academic Purposes (EAP 135). During the first of the course, students will be introduced to community volunteering opportunities. Over the term, they will undertake 20 hours of community service. This experience will help students feel more confident using English outside of the classroom and will help them integrate into their new community in Edmonton.

Getting students out into the community and speaking English is an important step in helping students become familiar with their new home and new community.

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ELS Events Jane Willis’ Workshop

J

Food Drive

ane Willis is a world-renowned English teacher, writer, and educator. She travels internationally to con-

duct workshops and seminars on the English language, and the English Language School, along with ATESL, had the pleasure of presenting Jane Willis at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension to conduct her workshop, “Teaching Grammar within a Task-based approach: a broader view of grammar and learning processes.

The workshop, held in the atrium at Enterprise Square, was open to all ESL teachers in the province, and the one hundred available spaces for the workshop filled up quickly. Both IDP and EAP teachers were in attendance, and Jane Willis’ presentation was followed by a workshop in which participants consulted as a team.

You can watch a video of the presentation here.

T

he English Language School held a food bank drive last month, and the ELS students, teachers, and staff

donated over 3,600 pounds of food over the course of three weeks. Accompanied by weekly challenges such as “Tuna Tuesday” and “Just Bag It”, the food was donated to the Campus Food Bank just before the holiday break.

Job well done to all those who participated, and a big thank you goes out to Barbara Lavallee for organizing this great initiative as well as to all those who helped out!

BCom Information Session

E

AP students had the opportunity to attend an information session with the Bachelor of Commerce pro-

gram in November. With representatives from the Alberta School of Business on hand, we had a full house with standing room only.

Global News

W

hile Canada opens its borders to Syrian refugees, the English Language School is also doing its part.

Badi Jabbour recently came to Canada with his mother from Syria, and ELS is pleased to present Badi with a scholarship to study English with us. Global News recently interviewed Badi about studying English with ELS and the situation in Syria, and we’re very proud of how well Badi did in the interview. You can watch part of the interview here.

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APPEMI

By Dr. Pam Young, Academic Team Lead (APPEMI)

I

n 2015, the English Language School had the pleasure of hosting two APPEMI (Advanced Professional Pro-

gram in English-medium Instruction) groups: twenty as a cohort from various universities in Shanghai (funded by the China Scholarship Council), and twenty four as a cohort from Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu, China.

The Shanghai professors began their program on August 31, and completed it on November 10. The SWJU professors arrived in July, and participated in six weeks of ESL classes prior to beginning their APPEMI courses in September, completing their program on December 4.

The eight APPEMI courses help to prepare the professors to teach their courses using English, where English is not their first language, or the native language of their students. The courses address such topics as motivation and engagement, instructional design, teaching with technology, and lesson planning. Throughout the program, the professors continue to work on their English language skills. The program ends with each professor teaching a 20-minute mini-lesson on a topic of their choice.

In addition to the APPEMI courses, the professors have all been involved in classroom observations of UAlberta professors who teach in the same discipline. Students have been able to learn about various teaching methodologies, and to make research connections with UAlberta professors.

The professors also participated in various social and cultural events, arranged for them by the English Language School, such as attending the Canadian Finals Rodeo, visiting the museum, art gallery, downtown library, Winspear Centre and City Hall. They have also been independently discovering other parts of Alberta and Canada, as well as finding opportunities in the community to experience Canadian culture and practise their English language skills.

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ELS Student Corner

W

elcome to the ELS Student Corner. Here you will find unedited written reflections by ELS students at

different proficiency levels. In this edition, you will see Canada from the lens of our students as they reflect on their first day in Canada. A panel selected these three entries as the winners for this issue’s ELS Student Corner.

My First Day in Canada Yansi Lei, EAP 140

W

ith snows falling and silencing the night in January 2013, I arrived in Canada, accompanying with my

passion and anxiety. I still remember that the first time when I saw the white and beautiful snow in my life was so exciting. Besides, when I inhaled the fresh air, I felt like a

My First Day in Canada Bader Al-Khuwaysah, ESL 105

I

bird that regained freedom. I knew, everything was new, and something was going to change in my life, and I believed, Canada is a kick start for me to make a difference.

Life is not as easy as we expect, especially in another country that contains cultural differences and conflicts.

came to Canada 6 month ago. I flew to Toronto and

The challenges shocked me when I wanted to buy a ham-

then I came to Edmonton. I was very tired. I was

burger at the first day as I had no idea how to speak out

afraid because it was far from my country. My friend told

what I wanted to put into my hamburger. At that time, I

me that Canada was very cold. I wore a warm jacket, a

realized the unavoidable problem-- English is not my first

hat, and boots. Then next day it snowed. I stayed at my

language! As a result, I always struggle with communi-

friend’s house for two days. I didn’t know where anything

cating with local people by using appropriate words, cor-

was. I didn’t know the streets. I didn’t how to use the

rect pronunciations, and decent expressions.

bus. My friend lives in Edmonton. This is why I came to Edmonton. The next day I went to Tim Horton’s with my friend because he had Canadian money. We bought an English muffin with egg and cheese. My first day in Canada is special and different but I like it.

Moreover, I had no friends, no aspects that I used to be familiar with. Loneliness slightly invaded the depth of my heart.

However, I cannot stop fighting and I wish I can participate the activities as a Canadian one day. Therefore, I took various of courses that could assist me to improve English. Meanwhile, I met friends from other countries too! Thus, I could understand and respect more about the differences among the world. Furthermore, I tried to get a job as a pet groomer that worked with Canadians, it was a great chance to practice English.

In a word, the first day in Canada can be interesting or enjoyable for every new comer. But, as the second day comes, more and more challenges and obstacles come at the same time. We have to adjust ourselves to accept the differences and pursue a higher level of living. As a saying goes, “your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”.

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Arriving in Canada Aolie Yu, ESL 135

C

anada, a “new” country---which I had never been

and worried about how I should do.

there before and only known it on the internet.

“May I help you?”

When I was on the plane, many feelings rushed into my mind like in a blind marriage, a woman gets into imagining her future husband. I stepped down the plane when I

I turned around, and saw a woman smiling in front of me.

At that time, I was astonish and shook my head to search

arrived in Canada, and looked around in the airport. It

around. Nobody was there!

was a blizzardy night, darkness surround my soul. I felt

“Yeah! Excuse me, do you know which bus I should take

lonely; that is one man only left on earth. I put my hand

to go to downtown？” Poor pronunciation with low voice

into my pocket to take out a “cigarette”, imagined smoke floating into the sky to relax my mind. It was two o’clock in the morning, my luggage with me. I was waiting for a

made me repeat it three times.

“I am so sorry, no bus to downtown in this bus stops. But

couple to take me to their home. This was my first time to

you’d better change the bus.”

feel helplessness and loneliness, but it lasted only half an

Perhaps she saw my blank face, then said, “Don’t worry

hour.

about that, I just go to downtown to buy something. If

“Hello”, the greeting broke the silence.

you don’t mind, I will go along with you”.

“You’ve had a long flight, let’s take you to our home,”

I trusted her and followed her, I didn’t know why. Maybe

they smiled and gave me a hug, then said, “Make yourself at home”.

“Sure”, I nodded my head and thought that was not a cold night due to their warmth.

We got into the car and then on the way to their home, they said, “Take it easy, we think you’ll like living in Canada for one year, Canadian are friendly”.

she was a liar, just like those people who I met in China, or maybe she was only a kind person. Whatever, I just followed my heart.

Finally, we arrived at downtown. On the way to downtown, I got the stories from her; she was an old immigrant 20 years ago, and she lost her way as well. What’s worse, she knew English less. And she sat on the bus, from one stop to another stop, just made sure every stop

Actually, I knew their meaning. If you lived in an old place

was close to her house. Fortunately, the bus driver helped

for a long time, you will print “surroundings” into your

her to point out the stop what she wanted.

head naturally, social value, lifestyle and so on. I doubted what they said first, wariness was my flood flowing in my body for almost 20 years. That was because in China people had told me not to trust anybody in the world since I

“Thank you very much!” I said. Not only because she took me to the exit of the maze, but also she taught me one thing, that was open your heart to trust people first.

was kid. I accepted that before, and then at that moment

Trust one man, and this man will trust another man, just

I doubted that and hoped to find out whether that was

like Chain Reaction, spreading over a group of people in

true or not.

your community, and then over Canada. So we call

After a couple days, I had a chance to breathe some fresh

“Canadian are friendly!” they trust people first and help

air to kill my claustrophobia. That day, cloudless, blue,

them.

sunshine filled the sky. I took a bus to downtown happily,

Here, Canada is my other home! I have joined new family

but it was unlucky for me to take a wrong bus.

members living here, we trust each other, love each other,

Then I got off the bus at an unknown stop; I lost my way

help each other. We are all Canadian, friendly!

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@ualber Instag

W o r d T r a v E L S | 10

rtaels on gram

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A New Student Centre

By Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator

A

fter months of construction, the English Language School is excited about the new Student Centre that

opened in October. Our Dean, Dr. Katy Campbell, welcomed everyone to the new space in October and addressed some of the highlights of the new, innovative space.

The new Student Centre is accompanied by four new state-of-the-art classrooms with smart technology, which will enrich student learning. The smart classrooms give Extension teachers a greater flexibility throughout the class by using new learning technologies such as smart boards and enhanced audio/visual capabilities.

The foyer also contains tables and chairs for an open study space as well as computers and a printer for student use.

The space is also used for study support, lead by Bart Lambrecht. An English-only space to foster language development, the Student Centre is often the scene of different student events and workshops.

The new space also features a new contemplative room, complete with a sink in which users can perform wudu (ablutions) before prayer. One of our students, Hamed Khojh, wrote a short article about the prayer space, which can be read (in Arabic) here.

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Final Words Upcoming Events

ELS Staff Q & A

W

e interviewed one English Language School staff

December 30 - March: Edmonton’s Ice Castle is ready to

member. Based on their responses, who do you

be explored. Stop by Hawrelak Park for your chance to

think this is? *The answer is at the bottom of this page.

Q: What is your favourite place that you have visited?

A: Probably Kashgar, in Xinjiang Province, PRC, with Langkawi Island, Malaysia, a close second.

visit this winter attraction.

January 1 - February 29: Do you prefer ice skating or swing dancing? Head to City Hall and Churchill Square for Swing ‘N Skate Sundays to try both (for free)!

Q: What is your favourite food?

January 21 - 24, 28-31: Edmonton is iced over for the Ice

A: Unfortunately, I like all food. But if pushed, I'd say Per-

on Whyte Festival. Participate in various winter activities

sian food.

while enjoying the sparkling sculptures.

Q: What is the last book that you read?

A: An Inconvenient Indian, by Thomas King; "a curious account of Native People in N. America"

February 8: Lunar New Year February 14: Valentine’s Day

Q: What was your favourite subject in school?

February 15: Family Day

A: Languages and Physical Education Q: What is your favourite pastime?

February 12 - 21: There’s a silver lining in every cloud!

A: Building things and reading, not necessarily in that

Edmonton’s Silver Skate Festival offers plenty of winter

order

activities to keep you busy in Hawrelak Park.

Q: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?

February 24: Last day of class for IDP students

A: Not sure, something that would help others.

February 25: Last day of class for EAP students

Q: Tea or coffee?

A: Coffee by myself, tea in company (3 parts Earl Grey, 1 part Orange Pekoe)

Greg’s Top Ten... ...New Year Resolutions

By Greg Sowak 10. Use way less punctuation!!!!

9. Do the Macarena 8. Finally watch Avatar 7. One word: Synergize!

6. Star in an info-mercial

H

ave something to share? Please contact Tracey Hilden at hil-

are always looking for contributions,

using the handle ualbertaels. It’s a

whether you have a piece of writing,

great way to stay up-to-date with

artwork, poetry, or photography.

events and announcements from

Contact us!

the English Language School. facebook.com/UAlbertaELS/

*Answer: Bart Lambrecht is this is-

4. Renounce Global Warming

sue’s Q&A staff member.

1. Party like it’s 1985!

social media. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

from Beta to VHS

2. Get with the program

English Language School on

den@ualberta ca (ESQ 1-004). We

5. Transfer all those old ER episodes

3. Eat some Surströmming

S

tay connected! Follow the

twitter.com/UAlbertaELS instagram.com/ualbertaels/

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