This morning, I had my own English workshop for an English-lover. She has 2 kids: one is a 4 year-old girl and the other is a baby. I usually visit her house to study together. ;D
We met for the first time in a month.

At the beginning of the class, we checked the homework I'd given her. Although it took most of our time, it was helpful for me because I could review.
After that, we got started on reading an article. The article wasn't hard to read and understand, so we could learn without any stumbles. ;D

Next week, we're going to meet again. ;D I hope the number of our "English time" will be increased to bolster our English abilities up more and more.

I met a English-lover to have time for English after two weeks of our last meeting. She's going to take an English proficiency test next year, so I teach English and give her some tips to pass.
The test she'll try to take is the second hardest level, I can learn as well although I passed the grade last year.
It was valuable for me.

Well, after I picked my son up and went home, I checked a message-note from his teachers: it's called "連絡帳" in Japanese. Then, I noticed a letter for him from his classmate.
Wow! It was a love letter!!! XD I was surprised and happy rather than him...lol He seemed not to be interested in that kind of letters because he doesn't understand the meaning. lol I told him " one of your classmates loves you!!"; however, he just said " I see...." Oh, what a cool boy..lol
Anyway, I asked him whether to reply or not, he said " I'll reply, of course. ;D"

It is said that there is the heyday in our lives; we have not less than once. I hope it's not in his heyday...lol

To improve my English skills, I keep reading some English news papers, listening to news in English, posting my diaries and making use of English magazines I'd subscribed to.

Recently, I've reviewed back numbers of the magazine. While learning English from one of the back numbers, I found out an interesting article: "Brits bear with poor service."

According to the article, a report for Easynet says that, if businesses in England get bad service, they are more likely to put up with it than other countries'.
Italian and Spanish firms are most likely to complain to the suppliers straight away; the Dutch are least likely to do; German firms are most likely to switch suppliers if they're unhappy.
(It was merely a survey, though..)

I wonder what the reactions of Japanese firms would be like...

This morning, I visited an English leaner's house to have time for studying together. While our kids were playing, we could be immersed in the time.

This time, we a certain article which I'd picked: "Doctoral students offer value to schools." I'd like to talk about the article.

" Highly educated working poor". The phrase has become common in recent times. It's difficult for postgraduate students to land steady jobs even if they're highly educated such as doctoral degrees. The author wondered if there wasn't a way to make good use of such highly educated personnel.
While doing research for a doctoral dissertation at Nagoya University's graduate school, the author worked as a part-time English teacher. He found the work was more rewarding that he'd initially thought even if the working conditions such as pay were not good. He didn't only teach English to his students, but he also did foreign cultural activities, art and so on. Needless to say, his lessons spurred them to take interests in different cultures and languages. He believes students will study hard if we can give them motivation to learn needed languages or get their interests to do so. Unfortunately, students are generally not interested in learning languages under the present education system.
The research lab where he belongs has many students who are doing research on foreign regions. They have basic knowledge of thoughts or philosophies from various countries.
The author believes the education system should be adopted a practical teaching method that takes into account difference between Japan and foreign cultures from them. These highly educated students should make good use of their experiences and knowledge in the fields even if they are called " highly educated working poor".

After we studied, she served rice balls and some snacks for my son and I. :D Whenever I visit her, she serves something. I really appreciate her kindness. ;D

I have 3 English workshops, which are private lessons. I held one of them this morning.
Actually, we were supposed to have the time this Tuesday, but, we postponed it due to my son's cold.

This time, I recorded the class because I wanted to notice my speaking level. ( The learner allowed me to do that.)
How did I feel about my speaking? Uh.....I should practice speaking, of course. lol I'm not contented with my pronunciation and intonation. Although I can communicate with others in English to a certain extend, I want to shoot for an advanced level like the woman about whom I've talked before on this blog.

To achieve the level, I should imitate the ways of native speakers or advanced learners over and over again. In addition, I'm to record my speaking every workshop or club and check it.

Someday, I'd like to take a speaking test of the TOEIC, which there are some tests such as speaking and writing; reading and listening.