High-res
explore-blog communicates:
Fascinating map of heritage languages in America other than English. The picture is even more interesting with Spanish removed:
worldLanguages
Showing 46 posts tagged worldLanguages
High-res
There isn’t an abrupt moment in time when the window of opportunity for learning another language slams shut but rather there seems to be this gradual decline that happens throughout childhood.
“It’s not just nice to know another language; it’s increasingly essential.”
Today we’re introducing something we hope will help: the Endangered Languages Project, a website for people to find and share the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about endangered languages. Documenting the 3,000+ languages that are on the verge of extinction (about half of all languages in the world) is an important step in preserving cultural diversity, honoring the knowledge of our elders and empowering our youth. Technology can strengthen these efforts by helping people create high-quality recordings of their elders (often the last speakers of a language), connecting diaspora communities through social media and facilitating language learning.
Can an adult learn to speak a second language with the accent of a native? Not likely, but new research suggests that we would make better progress, and be understood more easily by our conversational partners, if we abandoned a perfect accent as our goal in the language learning process.
photo via flickr:CC | Presidio of Monterey: DLIFLC & USAG
Too many kids stuck with label of English Language Learner
In California:
Assembly Bill 1767 will foster quicker reclassification of ELL students as “English Proficient.” Anyone with a 3.0 GPA and scoring “proficient” on the annual STAR test will be reclassified. It will help better allocate school resources from pointless programs toward focusing real needs.
High-res
SPEAKING two languages rather than just one has obvious practical benefits in an increasingly globalized world. But in recent years, scientists have begun to show that the advantages of bilingualism are even more fundamental than being able to converse with a wider range of people. Being bilingual, it turns out, makes you smarter.
Condoleezza Rice: Education Could Be ‘Greatest National Security Challenge’
A new report by the Council on Foreign Relations spelled out the need for more science, history and foreign languages in U.S. schools — framing education in a global context. Jeffrey Brown, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein discuss the link to national security.
A modest revival for the Irish language
As the Irish diaspora prepares for St. Patrick’s Day, the Hibernian tongue, once at the brink of extinction, is enjoying a modest revival. A 2009 survey by the Modern Language Association found enrollment in Irish-language classes in the United States numbered 409 students, compared with 278 in 1998, 58 in 1990 and 28 in 1980. Classes at Catholic University drew 18 students this year and 20 last year, the largest enrollments in recent memory.
criticalconsciousness shares:
AP Tests broken down by gender
Interestingly, out of 35 tests, 20 had female ‘over-representation’ (meaning over 50%), 14 had male ‘over-representation’, and 1 was exactly equal.
Now, this isn’t entirely surprising as female college enrollment is outpacing male college enrollment. (females are nearing 60% of the college population)
Looking at the gender-subject imbalance falls soundly on stereotypes. First, I’m going to throw out subjects that are 55%-45% or tighter.
From here, the female-dominated subjects are:
-Studio Art, French Language, Art History, English Literature, Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, English Language, Biology, Chinese Language, French LIterature, Environmental Science, and Japanese.
Mostly art, humanities, and language. The two science classes, Bio and Environmental Sci. are female dominant majors in college.
The male-dominated subjects are:
Microeconomics, Music Theory, Calculus BC, Physics (all types), Computer Science (all types).
Aside from music theory, all very heavy quantitative courses. Computer Science AB has the biggest disparity of any tested subject, at 86% male, 14% female.
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions, but it definitely makes me wonder. In a perfect world, do we want every subject to be 50-50 (or at least identical to the population) Is it okay for certain classes to fall on gender lines?
Teachers Face Pink Slips, Teaching Is China’s Hottest Job
Indeed, a booming population and increased demand for education across the Pacific has left schools struggling to fill teaching vacancies, particularly for kindergarten teachers. According to Asian Correspondent, school leaders showed up to a recent job fair in Hebei province looking to fill nearly 9,000 positions. Only 810 applicants showed up, giving prospective teachers plenty of options.
photo via flickr:CC|cwarnercarey
Curriculum-Based Rock Music For Kids
My project is a curriculum-based rock album for teachers and kids. I began writing and using my original songs to teach with in March 2011. The album I’m making is designed for teachers and students, however it will stand on its own as a great rock record, even if you’re over 10 and not a teacher.
Each song’s lyrics and accompanying lessons are based on Common Core Standards and Language Arts curriculum.
Interactive Musical Map of Colombia
via hoso2g
