a transplanted life in China 

Home Posts tagged "Sichuan" (Page 5)
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learning curve

Published on March 19, 2012, by in Teaching.

Students in my class concentrate on their study book activity, identifying and sharing their personal skills.   We’re now in the sixth week of the new semester, and what a ride it’s been. I’m performing a juggling act between my regular job of teaching 16 class periods a week, and being an IELTS examiner three weekends a month. I work pretty much all the time; in February I had a total of two days off. I barely had time for a healing massage, a trip to the grocery story, and a couple of trips to the gym. Another challenge is teaching two new programs: reading class for the Singapore study abroad program, and English for Academic Purposes for the Victoria University program in Australia. The Singapore class is reading Madame Doubtfire; this provides some opportunities for levity, as when we role-played a talk show and I was Madame Doubtfire, the cross-dressing housekeeper (no, I didn’t dress the part). I had to respond to a question about which toilet I would use, men’s or women’s, and I said “Well, dear, I’m not exactly sure.” I’m slowly trying to build my students’ confidence to give dramatic readings, a challenge in a foreign language. Reading shouldn’t be just another boring class. The EAP class is full of creative students, even if a few of them seem only to find creative ways to sleep in class. I’m teaching study skills, which consists mostly of student-directed group activities, such as exploring your personal skills and

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Huanhuaxi Park / re-C art space

Published on February 4, 2012, by in Chengdu.

tulips outside Dufu’s Cottage entrance     Huanhuaxi Park     statue     cafe, re-C art space Tweet This Post

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holiday week in Chengdu

Published on January 30, 2012, by in Chengdu.

The official Spring Festival holiday week has ended, shops are re-opening, and the city is slowly returning to life as people return from their travels.  I can’t honestly say that I’ve enjoyed all the peace and quiet – it’s been like living in a state of suspended animation – but I’ve had lots of time for guitar practice and reading. Here are some miscellaneous photos from my restless wandering: wave to the camera – temple fair, Wenshufang       Astro Boy     dog Tweet This Post

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kitchen

Published on January 28, 2012, by in Chengdu.

Wenshufang, big cooking pot Tweet This Post

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First Ring Road, afternoon

Published on January 23, 2012, by in Photography.

Colourful Town – KTV Tweet This Post