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Tyson Seburn

NNESTs and NESTs are both ok (unless you’re Bob Dylan)

I hadn’t heard this term until I started reading about it on blogs like Cecilia Lemos’ (@CeciELT).  In fact, it’s her post from November 2010 entitled Nothing More… Nothing Less… that inspires my post today. When I dug up this post, it actually surprised me how she introduced it, like admitting to being a NNEST was equivalent to facing the fact that you were addicted to a life threatening drug.  Indeed, Ceci had felt ashamed, “felt less of a teacher” and “as if [she] were admitting to a flaw.”  Portuguese being her mother tongue, despite years of classroom experience and learning in an English-speaking environment, it kept her feeling separated from and defeated by NESTs. What struck me most of all was this:Read More »NNESTs and NESTs are both ok (unless you’re Bob Dylan)

My toaster doesn’t make coffee either

It’s a national holiday in Canada, Canada Day, and I am working at the university.  Despite this, I wanted to share with you a post by Danika Barker, an Ontario teacher at my former high school, entitled My Toaster is Broken: An Analogy about the Current State of Education.  Danika is witty, insightful (check out these analogies) and integrates blogs, nings and other tech tools with her classes.  Plus, she’s been “putting the racy in literacy since 2008”–with this paragon of characteristics, who could resist a new follow?Read More »My toaster doesn’t make coffee either

That’s not my name; instead call me Sally.

In the brilliant guest post, Tara Benwell inspired everyone (at least a bunch of us) to continue with my thoughts on making Twitter’s Follow Friday #FF more meaningful.  In this case, it’s all about spending some time reading through your favourite ELT blogs and dusting off some valuable treasure.  You can read more about the specifics of the challenge in this post.Read More »That’s not my name; instead call me Sally.

#FF Spinoff Challenge

When Tyson invited me to be his first guest blogger as a result of winning his blogaversary guessing contest, I got to thinking about a topic right away. First I asked for a deadline, because without one I’m more inclined to spend my free time tweeting with Shelly and Ceci or drawing Transformers. Tyson suggested I write something about material writing, and I agreed that would be a worthwhile subject for a guest post. With his suggestion in mind I did what I always remind writing students to do; I worked on narrowing down my topic.  How many of you brainstorm your blog posts in a lined notebook with an old school bubble and branch diagram? I do!Read More »#FF Spinoff Challenge

Influential ideas on my approach to ELT

The sound that rocked the movie theatre (Pulp Fiction)

Fiona Mauchline wrote a post on Henrick Oprea’s blog that ended with two small challenges, the latter of which has had me doing some thinking.  What ideas, people and events have influenced the way I approach ELT?  Do I associate outside influences with my teaching philosophies?  Why don’t I have instant answers as when asked about my favourite musicians?  Shame, really.  Influences deserve due recognition, especially when on such a colossal part of my life.  Through a lot of contemplation, I’ve started to piece some together and shall introduce them and how they have an an effect on my teaching in a series of posts.Read More »Influential ideas on my approach to ELT

#FF could be better

Every Friday, the infamous Follow Friday (#FF) Twitter hashtag bursts at the seems with recommendations of everyone’s PLN members, sometimes within one tweet, and if that’s not enough to mention everyone you want, several tweets with as many @names as you can fit into the 140-character limit.  At first, it seemed like a great way to find new follows that have similar interests, careers or friends.  This worked for me for a while; I met a number of incredible teachers both inside and outside the ELT industry.  I’m done though.  I’ve all but stopped participating in the traditional way.Read More »#FF could be better

A 1st blogaversary celebration!

Happy 1st Birthday, Blog!

May 24, Victoria Day, is fitting for a celebration in Canada.  It’s not only Queen Vickie’s birthday though, this blog turns 1 today!  Sure, it’s hardly a fair comparison between the longest reigning monarch and TESLtree/eltrie, but one that is memorable just the same – a time when spring is sprouting leaves on trees and tulips (my favourite) are everywhere.  Green grass is appearing; lawns are being mowed; gardens are being weeded.  Awakened life is returning to the air, so what better time to celebrate the online venue where I can share and collaborate on ideas, resources and ELT thoughts with my supportive, nurturing and growing PLN!Read More »A 1st blogaversary celebration!