The Best Education

A new report into world education shows Finland has the best system. The global study is called “The Learning Curve” and is from the British magazine “The Economist”. It aims to help governments provide a better education to students. The 52-page report looked at the education system in 50 countries. Researchers analysed millions of statistics on exam grades, literacy rates, attendance, and university graduation rates. Asia did well in the report, with South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore finishing second, third, fourth and fifth. The United States came 17th in the study, while Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia filled the bottom three positions in the top 50.

The Learning Curve reported on five things that education leaders should remember. The first is that spending lots of money on schools and teachers does not always mean students will learn. Second is that “good teachers are essential to high-quality education”. The report said teachers should be “treated as the valuable professionals they are, not as technicians in a huge, educational machine”. Numbers three and four are that a country’s culture must have a strong focus on the importance of education, and parents have a key part to play. Finally, countries need to “educate for the future, not just the present.” The report said: “Many of today’s job titles…simply did not exist 20 years ago.”

Questions

1. What does the phrase “Learning Curve” mean?
2. Do you think that spending more money on education systems will make it better?
3. What do you think are some things that are wrong with the current(right now) education system in your country?  (classrooms, technology, subjects, teachers, exams, hours, society)
4. What did you like about your education?  What didn’t you like?
5. What did you think of your teachers? Did you have a favorite teacher?  Why was s/he your favorite?
6. What do you think makes a good teacher?  A bad one?
7. Do you think that teachers should get paid more like doctors, bankers, and lawyers?
8. Why do you think that Finland’s education system is so good?
9. What advice would you give students who are currently studying?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”.^[2] Maslow subsequently extended the idea to include his observations of humans’ innate curiosity. His theories parallel many other theories of human developmental psychology, some of which focus on describing the stages of growth in humans. Maslow used the terms Physiological, Safety, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations generally move through.

Maslow studied what he called exemplary people such as Albert Einstein, Jane Addams, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Frederick Douglass rather than mentally ill or neurotic people, writing that “the study of crippled, stunted, immature, and unhealthy specimens can yield only a cripple psychology and a cripple philosophy.”^[3] Maslow studied the healthiest 1% of the college student population.^[4]

Maslow’s theory was fully expressed in his 1954 book Motivation and Personality.^[5]

From: Wikipedia.org

Questions:

1. What is a hierarchy?
2. Have you ever heard of this (Maslow’s) hierarchy/ pyramid of needs? If yes, where?  Have you ever heard of soemthing similar?
3. Do you think that this pyramid/ hierarchy is accurate?  Do you think that there are exceptions?
4. Where do you think you would be on the pyramid?
5. Have you ever studied psychology?  When did you study it?  What do you remember from those lessons/ classes?

Clean or Divorce?

Most people believe that the biggest grounds for divorce are either infidelity or arguments over money. However, a new report from British law firm Gateley suggests otherwise. According to its analysis of 350 divorce cases, seven out of ten divorces occur because of disputes over who does what household chores. Twenty per cent of divorces are due to unfaithfulness. Gateley says gone are the days when the wife did all the cooking and cleaning. Dual income marriages now mean split responsibilities for vacuuming, doing the dishes and tidying. Gateley advised couples to discuss who does what before walking down the aisle. A spokeswoman said that, “going into a marriage blind could be a recipe for disaster”.

Conversely, a study in Norway suggests that couples who share household chores are more likely to split up. Thomas Hansen, co-author of the report ‘Equality in the Home,’ said the divorce rate among couples who shared housework equally was 50 per cent higher than for those where women did all the work. Mr Hansen said that in Norway women did most of the housework in 70 per cent of marriages, and were “largely happy” to do so. An adverse side effect of marital discord is that many families are now “too poor to split up”. The U.K. charity Relate said that in many middle-income families, couples stay together because they can’t afford to divorce. Relate says this results in a “toxic” home environment.

Questions:

1. What are some examples of household chores?
2. Do you enjoy doing household chores? Why or why not?
3. Who does most of the household chores in your household?
4. What do you think about this study? Do you think it is logical?
5. Do you think that this study would differ if it was done in another country?
6. What do you think are some of the reasons that people in Korea get divorced?  Do you think that divorce is common for these reasons?
7. Do you find it interesting that the study shows that couples who share chores are most likely to divorce, than couples where one person does the chores?  Why do you think this is true?
8. Do you think that the statement, “couples stay together because they can’t afford to divorce.”  is true?  Why or why not?

Your Best/ Most Memorable Vacation

Hello Everyone,

Today we are going to talk about your best/ most memorable vacation.  Tourism has become a giant industry by piggy backing off of technology.  With current affordable transportation, accommodation, and the globalization of culture, tourism is now something a lot of people can enjoy.

1. When was the last time you went on vacation?  Did you go out of the country? Where did you go and who did you go with?
2. How did you plan for your vacation trip?
3. What was the best part of that vacation?
4. Was your vacation affordable, or was it expensive?
5. What was the most memorable vacation you have ever been on? Who did you go with and where did you go?
6. What was the best part of that vacation?
7. What was the worst vacation you have ever been on?  Why was it the worst?
8. Where would you like to go for vacation in the future? Why there?
9. What do you think are the differences between traveling now, and when you were younger?

Global Warming is Shrinking Fish Size

The size of fish in the oceans is shrinking. A new report from the University of British Columbia in Canada states fish may shrink by as much as a quarter in the coming decades because of global warming. The research team conducted extensive tests on the effect of rising ocean temperatures on the size and number of over 600 species of fish around the world. They concluded that most fish are likely to shrink in size by 14-24 per cent by the year 2050. The biggest changes will be seen in tropical regions. The scientists said there is less oxygen in warmer water so fish cannot grow at the rate they should. They added that many fish will migrate to cooler waters outside the tropics.

Lead researcher Professor William Cheung said: “We were surprised to see such a large decrease in fish size. Marine fish are generally known to respond to climate change through changing distribution and seasonality. But the unexpectedly big effect that climate change could have on body size suggests that we may be missing a big piece of the puzzle of understanding climate change effects in the ocean.” He added that human activities such as overfishing and pollution will worsen the problem: “Our work shows a very concerning future for the oceans and so it is very important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop better fish management policies to adapt to these changes,” he said.

Questions:

1. What is global warming?
2. What causes global warming?
3. Do you think that Global Warming is causing fish size to shrink?  Do you think that other things might be causing fish to shrink?
4. Why is it important for us to keep an eye on fish size?
5. What do you think the situation might be like in the year 2100?
6. Some people think that global warming is not real, what do you think?
7. Do you think that climate change is natural, or man-made?
8. How will climate change affect people’s lives in the future?

Jeans That Clean

An innovative blend of fashion and science has resulted in the design of a new technology in jeans that cleans the air. Helen Storey, professor of fashion and science at The London College of Fashion, teamed up with Dr Tony Ryan, pro-vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Science at the University of Sheffield, to create what could be a ground-breaking solution to our environmental problems. They discovered that when denim is coated with tiny particles of the chemical titanium dioxide, it reacts with air and light to absorb and break down harmful emissions in the environment. The emissions become harmless and are washed away when the jeans are cleaned. This means we can help clean the air simply by going for a walk.

Ms Story and Dr Ryan have created a company to showcase their invention, called Catalytic Clothing. Their website says: “Catalytic Clothing seeks to explore how clothing and textiles can be used as a catalytic surface to purify air, employing existing technology in a new way.” The technology is similar to how a catalytic converter in a car helps clean the fuel mix. Ryan makes bold claims about how effective the innovation could be. He maintains that if all of Sheffield’s half a million residents wore the jeans to become walking air filters, the dangerous chemical nitrogen oxide in the city would disappear. The improvement in air quality could significantly reduce deaths and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

Questions

1. What is air quality?
2. Do you think that this is a good step in the right direction for fashion?  Why or Why not?
3. Would you want to buy a pair of these jeans?  Do you think other people would want to buy a pair of these jeans?
4. How much would you pay for these jeans?
5. Do you think that people should continue to focus on making technology like this?
6. How much do you think the air quality would improve if everyone in England wore these jeans?
7. Do you think that this is a realistic solution to the air quality problem?
8. What do you think causes air quality problems?
9. What do you think about the air quality of the world? Which country has the best?  Why?  Which country has the worst? Why?
10. Do you think that Korea has a problem with air quality?  Where do you think Korea ranks?

Venice Wants to be a Country

Thousands of protesters in Venice gathered in front of the regional government building on Saturday demanding independence from Italy. The separatists called for an immediate referendum on the region’s independence from Rome. The pro-independence activists have also referred their case to the European Commission to start the legal process for self-rule. A survey taken in September showed that support from local residents for autonomy is very high, with 80 per cent favouring it. The new Venetian state would be known as the “Repubblica Veneta” and would be home to around five million people. Separatist leader Lodovico Pizzati told reporters: “It will be the second-richest country in Europe.”

Venice was an independent republic for a thousand years before it was annexed to the then Kingdom of Italy in 1866. There have been calls for a break away from Rome since the 1970s, but Italy’s current economic downturn and similar calls for independence from Catalonia in Spain have added momentum to the Venetian cause. Italy’s economic crisis has caused a lot of anger against the Italian government. Mr Pizzati said: “The economic situation here is really desperate, with the recession hitting small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, of the 70 billion euros we pay in taxes to Rome, we only get back about 50 billion euros….We are losing out on 20 billion euros a year.” Pizzati said that was “unbearable”.

Questions:

1. What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘independence’?
2. What do you think of the idea of Venice as a country? Do you think it will happen?
3. Should all people who want self-rule be able to get it?
4. How would you feel about the richest part of your country breaking away to become a separate country?
5. Are there separatist movements in your country? What do you think of them?
6. What are the reasons for people demanding independence?
7. Are there any dangers of regions becoming countries?
8. Is it unfair Venice pays 70 billion euros to Rome but only gets 50 billion back?
9. What countries have gained their independence over the past few decades and how are they doing?

Americans Waste 40% of Their Food

Americans are wasteful when it comes to food, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). It has released a report called “Wasted: How America Is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill”. The study highlights how much of the food produced in the USA ends up in the trash. It says the 40 per cent of uneaten food equates to around $165 billion a year. This figure has increased by 50 per cent since the 1970s, suggesting Americans are becoming more wasteful. The NRDC highlighted the effect on the environment, saying US food production “eats up 10% of the total US energy budget…and swallows 80% of all freshwater consumed in the United States”.

The NRDC points out how a change in behaviour could help America’s health. It says: “Reducing food losses by just 15% would be enough food to feed more than 25 million Americans every year at a time when one in six Americans lack a secure supply of food to their tables.” The Council offered three tips. It suggested the U.S. government should “set national goals for waste reduction,” that businesses needed to “streamline their own operations, reduce food losses and save money,” and that “consumers can waste less food by shopping wisely…knowing when food goes bad…cooking only the amount of food they need, and eating their leftovers.” It said the average family could save up to $2,275 a year.

 

Questions:

1. Did you like reading this article?
2. What comes to mind when you hear the word “waste”?  What is food waste?  Is it when you leave food on your plate, or when you throw it in the trash?
3. Were you surprised by the 40% figure?
4. Are you aware of how much food you waste?
5. How much food do you think you waste?
6. Why do you think Americans, and others around the world are so wasteful?
7. What are some things you do to be less wasteful?
8. What do you think the wasted $165 billion could be used for?
9. What do you think about the 3 tips the NRDC gives about wasting food? What other ways could the government reduce food waste?
10. Do you think it is a personal responsibility to waste less, or a government responsibility?

Office Etiquette

TIP #1

In the American culture, coworkers are almost always friendly, but not always friends. That means no one is expected to share a lot of personal information in a work setting. In fact, telling too many personal details can make others feel uncomfortable and asking too many personal questions can be considered prying, that is, pressuring people to tell more private information than they want to. You should not be afraid to ask a personal question of a co-worker, but you should do it with care:

“Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?” or

“Could I ask you something personal?”

If someone asks you a personal question and you choose not to answer, you can say:

“I’d rather not answer that.” or

“I don’t really like to talk about that.”

TIP #2

At business meetings, you may not like everything you hear. If you want to reject a co-worker’s suggestion, be polite:

“That’s not a bad idea, but why don’t we…?

“I’m not sure that’s the right way to go. What if we…?”

“Well, let’s consider all options. Here’s my suggestion, and you tell me what you think.”

TIP #3

Not all jobs can be done by one person. Many projects are given to teams not individuals. Even if you are not working on a team, you should not hesitate to ask for help when a task becomes too difficult. As long as you do not require assistance with every task, you will not be seen as incompetent. Catch your co-worker at a good time, and try one of these approaches:

“Do you have a free moment? I could really use some help. …Thanks. I owe you one.”

“Do you mind giving me a hand with this? …Thank you. That was a big help.”

“Could you help me out here? …Thanks! I really appreciate it.”

TIP #4

At some point we all get sick. When it is your turn and you are physically unable to work, you will have to call in sick. What will you say? Try this:

“I’m very sorry. I’m not feeling well today. I’m afraid I’ll have to take the day off.” Or

“I won’t be able to come in today. I’m afraid I’m sick. I’m so sorry.”

TIP #5

Everyone needs a break. Some people break for coffee; others need physical activity such as a lap around the building. If you’re working closely with others and want to suggest a brief rest, you can say:

“Do you mind if we take a break? Let’s meet back here in ten minutes, all right?” or

“I think we could all use a break. Anyone up for coffee?”

TIP #6

It is not uncommon for American office workers to put in long hours, but sometimes it is best to go home and finish the work the next day. As long as you do not miss a deadline, you can suggest:

“Let’s call it day, okay?”

“Why don’t we finish this first thing tomorrow? It’s getting late.”

“How about we head home now? We can pick up where we left off tomorrow morning.”

Questions:

1. Do you consider your co-workers friends or just a people you work with?
2. When do you think is a good time to ask personal questions to a co-worker?
3. Have you ever rejected an idea at a meeting? What did you say?
4. What kinds of activities have you done/ do you do with your co-workers?
5. What do you think the differences are between American office culture, and Korean office culture?
6. Have you ever asked a co-worker for help?  If so what did you ask?
7. Have you ever called in sick? Do you just come to work when you are sick?  Have you ever called in sick when you weren’t sick?
8. Do you take breaks during work?  What kinds of things do you do on your breaks?  How often are you allowed to take breaks?
9. If you have unfinished work, do you stay at work and finish it, or do you take it home?  Do you get deadlines?  Have you ever missed deadlines?

Dinner Conversation and Etiquette

In this lesson we will study dinner table etiquette.

Meeting Strangers

Relax and listen. Most conversational errors are committed those who talk too much.

The practical rule for continuing a conversation is just take it one word at a time. Don’t think about the entire conversation, just respond to one-step-at-a-time.

NEW ACQUAINTANCES (PEOPLE YOU MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME that know someone you know)

Introduce yourself immediately. Many times it is up to you as a guest to make your own introductions.

Always start by giving your own name. “Hello. I’m George Washington,” you may say, extending your hand if you wish. You can also add, “I’m a friend of Judy’s.” If this does not elicit a response other than “Hello,” you may then say “And you are… ?” or “And what is your name?”

In talking to a person you have just met and about whom you know nothing, the best approach is to find a common interest.

Start by referring to your host or hostess: How do you know them?  Then you can use what you learned in the first lesson, about conversation etiquette.

Think First

Listen carefully to your own words and pay attention to the reaction of the person you are speaking to. You must think before speaking.  Also, you need to know the audience you are speaking to.

Conversation Topics

Make sure that you don’t start the conversation with a heavy topic.Keep the conversation light at first.  Make sure that the people you are talking to are comfortable with you at first.   It is taboo (not socially acceptable) to talk about very controversial topics such as; same sex marriage, abortion, politics, and religion.   The reason that these topic are dangerous, is that in a group of people (dinner setting), you may not be sure where people stand  (what their opinion is) on the topic, and they may be offended (hurt).  They may also become angry, and try to argue with you.  However, these topics are normally okay to talk about in a group of close friends, or like minded people.  Use your own judgement.

If you don’t know what to talk about

Even if you have nothing in common (similar) with your neighbor, look around. You can talk about:

1. the food and wine
2. the decor, (decorations)
3. the music,
4. the fashions on display,
5. and the people around you.

TABLE MANNERS

Table manners show other people that you have respect for them.  Here are few manners that should be kept in mind when eating dinner.

Utensils = Forks, Knives, and Spoons

1. Don’t put your elbows on the table. It is considered rude to put your elbows on the table in Western culture.
2. Don’t interrupt someone who is telling a story.
3. Try to listen, and ask good questions after someone is finished speaking.
4. When handling utensils (if you don’t know what to do), start with the outside utensils,and work your way to the inside utensils (closest to the dish).
5. You can start eating, after everyone has been served their meal.
6. When you are finished eating put your utensils on your plate. Never put dirty utensils on the table.

Questions:

1. What are the similarities and differences  of dining etiquette between Korean and Western culture?
2. What do you think are the similarities and  differences between a dinner between family/ friends/ co-workers?
3. Why do you think religion and politics are taboo in a dinner conversation?
4. Can you think of any other topics that may be taboo? What about in Korean culture?
5. What are some other table manners you have heard of?
6. What are some table manners in Korean culture.