News Archives 2006

December, 2006

Christmas Wonders.

The day of magic and wish–come-true has come to American Culture Center in Ust-Kamenogorsk.On December 24, there was held a Christmas party for Sunday School children. The party turned into a merry competition between two teams: Angels and Elves. New Year Tree, a fireplace where Christmas stockings hang, children dressed as fairy characters made this holiday fantastic and bright. It was the party where fun went along with learning. The children guessed riddles, learned new words, recited poems, and were very happy to meet Santa Claus and Snow Maiden speaking English. “Though Angels have won in this competition, we think everyone benefit here”, said the parents, who enjoyed the party with their children.

English Teachers at ACC

The day December 12, 2006 appeared to be rich for events at the ACC. In the morning a group of oblast teachers (12 people), trainees of Oblast Teacher development Institute, visited the Center. They were introduced to the resource of the ACC and had a training on electronic editions specially arranged for teachers. On behalf of the group Zelenskaya N. N. (Semey) expressed their appreciation for useful information and effective attention to teachers’ needs.

In the afternoon the auditory of 45 EFL teachers experienced two-hour session with Anthony Samuel, English Language Fellow. Anthony Samuel currently works in Almaty; his visit to our city has been organized by Kuralai Omarova, Cultural Affairs Assistant, US Embassy, Astana, on the request of English Teachers Association.
From the very start Anthony has involved the teachers in the process of solving student-oriented tasks, and the former really enjoyed having kept busy. “It’s  a rare chance to have native EFL specialist, and we are happy we have used it”, the teachers said.   

ACC Has Joined USINFO Webchat

Combating Corruption: The U.S. Role in the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) was the topic of the chat in the evening on December 12, 2006. Having been registered as guests we followed the topic with Elena Shnitkova, a representative of the City Center of Analysis and Prognostication.  At the moment the center is carrying on investigation of effective ways combating corruption and they find the chat topic to be the source of new information

November, 2006

Education Abroad

Developing the collaboration in providing international programs the ACC carries on its information mission. On November 28, Aigul Nurpeisova, coordinator of educational center “Bilim Central Asia” visited Ust-Kamenogorsk. About 80 school and university students and teachers attended meeting to find out more about education programs abroad. “In general, we know about these programs. But the thing is, that here we were given full overview of existing grants and scholarships, and the sites to address to. Such meetings are very important and useful”, said   Sergei Tatarenko IV-year student of VKTU.

International Education Week

IEW 2006 is going on. On November 15, a workshop on what is TOEFL and how to work with it was held by Jay Chen. The auditory of about 30 high school and university students were not just passive listeners; they worked with printed versions and have tried listening part. The participants have found practicing TOEFL very useful and asked for having similar seminars regularly. Before the seminar the presentation in recognition of IEW 2006 was performed and Jay answered students’ questions on how the curriculum is organized in US universities and what are their opportunities to study there.

On November 15, there was held a chat devoted to International Education. Galina Vasilyeva, an English teacher and  Artykov Ruslan, a third year student, took part in the chat. Ruslan and Galina had a chance of direct contact with Saule Kusaeva and Maira Tungatarova, IREX managers of educational programs, and another 15 participants from different regions of Kazakhstan. The questions on program conditions and requirements were under discussion. “Chatting actual questions is a beautiful opportunity to find and discuss urgent points and problems. I think, it was a good start”, said Galina Vasilyeva, gymnasium #10 teacher.

Mini – party “So Many Tastes, So Many Nations” was held in Children Sector. There was displayed an exhibition of ACC resource on how various different nations cuisine is and Nazym held a little speech whether the kitchen reflects nation’s character. There were ACC users and German volunteers, Greg and Conrad (both speaking English) present at the party, and some food and drinks. Everyone has enjoyed warm and cheerful atmosphere.

New Americans in ACC

On November 18, traditional Saturday for Discussion Club, Sam (NYC) and Mary (OK), new PC volunteers were introduced to public (25 people) by Jay Chen. “Life Universities” was the topic of the meeting. “Where are you from?”, “What’s your education?”, “How have you come to the program?”, “What are your first impressions of Kazakhstan and the place you work at?” Both sides, guests and participants, were very active and inquisitive to learn more about each other. The students of MESI Oleg, Azamat and Tatyana were first present at discussion “We are happy we have the opportunity to talk to native speakers and share opinions so informally”, they said.

Speakers, Go On!

Students’ Speakers Club has renewed a little, and has held its presentation. On November 4, 2006 five members of the club faced the public of about twenty people and dwelt on Self – esteem topic. They suggested slide presentation, tables and schemes, evaluating tests, games, but beyond all they suggested the opportunity of listening to and speaking wonderful English. Being the members of the club they benefit a lot developing their speaking skills, and they do a lot motivating others to speak. They are looking for new members. Come and join! Let’s speak together!

October, 2006

It's Halloween

The weekend events in ACC were devoted to Halloween – a scary theme for children and adults. On October 28, the members of Discussion Club (15 people) with Jay and Hilary shared the most mysterious and dreadful stories they had experienced in their lives. The meeting went on peacefully and merrily though the participants tried to frighten each other very much.

On October 29, about thirty Sunday School students held the Halloween Party at the conference hall. They told the history of the holiday, danced, recited poems and performed little plays. Dressed as witches, vampires, ghosts, they played a lot of games and had a lot of fun. “I am glad the children have got acquainted with this tradition and they learn another culture in such a lively way” Tatyana Petrovna, Natasha's mother said. Happy Halloween!

On October 7 and 8, Laurie Travis , Regional Director for Education Programs, IREX, held sessions on the programs: TEA, UGRAD and MUSKIE. At both sessions there were present more than 60 people. Secondary school teachers were introduced to the changes in TEA-2007 program and Laurie prepared special presentation where they found good advice what to write and don't write in their application essay.

The meeting with students and university graduates went on in interactive way and concerned the terms and conditions of national programs as well as two presented. Kurmangalieva A. and Aubakirova A., UGRAD alumni, inspired the public a lot sharing their experience of one-year education in the USA.

ACC partnership with IREX, an international organization providing leadership and innovative programs, results in real people who benefit participating in the programs. Let this year be successful and fruitful.

Lessons at ACC

One of the services the ACC suggests its users is video information lessons for secondary school students. On October 12 and 19 #38 school students attended ACC. Before lessons they were introduced with the brief history and resources of ACC. The first lesson devoted to the USA was presented by Zhamankulova A. The title of the second lesson was “Astana – capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Zhamankulova A. told about her travel and impressions about America. Students were very impressed by picturesque photos and interesting facts. The second lesson was arranged by Tleubekova N. She dwelt on the history of Kazakhstani capitals, Astana history and its sightseeing. There were mini-discussions in both cases. Such informational lessons help to broad students' mental outlook. Aigul Asanova, a teacher, says “These informal and colorful lessons are very useful. They help us, teachers, and they demonstrate the variety of opportunities how to learn English willingly to our students”.

Public Lectures

Good news! Public lectures have started at Pushkin library. The season has been opened by Pat Sween with the lecture “Crossroads. What to Do if Addictions Hit your Home?” She and 38 people audience, mostly school psychologists and supervisors dwelt on such hot problems as alcohol and drugs addictions among young people.

Another auditory, school and university students and graduators had a session with Tom Lyster on Successful Living/Ethical Living on October 8. As it had been experienced the previous year the session consisted of a lecture and group work. Six groups discussed how to solve a business ethical dilemma and presented their projects. “They all have suggested original technical ideas and, what is very important, put human values at top”, Tom remarked, greatly satisfied both with the auditory and the discussion.

E-Government for State Officers

E-government is one of the new technologies of the 21 st century. The seminars on e-government for state officers of the oblast have become traditional at the library. This time the ACC contributed to the seminar dwelling on how electronic service organized in the USA. Gulzhan Kuanisheva has made a special presentation and described such population service as tax payment and obtaining different documents, US passport was taken as a sample. The participants were very attentive: “We see where we are to go and the conveniences e-government brings to population. The study of this kind helps us to understand the service more deeply and to use the experience in our work”, remarked they.

The Art of Photography

On October 3, 2006 oskemen citizens had a chance to meet an American art-photographer Brian H. Neely. His visit to our library became possible due to partner collaboration with US State Department in Kazakhstan. Well known in his country Brian Neely participated in several regional and international exhibitions. In Kazakhstan he had held “40 Images” and “Faces & Figures” exhibitions and conducted his master class in Uralsk . In Ust-Kamenogorsk the photographer has brought some samples of his previous works and the new ones from “Almaty: the Abandoned City”, and “Silk Way Moments”.

The public at presentation varied from college and university students to media representatives and photographers. “Why do you prefer black and white photography?”, “What is it to be a professional photographer?”, “What is your purpose in performing negative sides of Almaty?”, “Did you travel a lot?”- these and other questions were asked at stands and during web presentation.

Svetlana Birukova, a President of Ust-Kamenogorsk Photographer Club “Kristal”, mentioned with enthusiasm “It is great to have the opportunity to share the ideas with a foreign colleague. You will never find two photographers viewing the life from the same position. Brian's perception of life as evolutionary process reflects in his work and makes it really original.”

September, 2006

Discussion Start

On September 30, Discussion Club took a start in a new academic year. “My Investigation of America” under this guideline Aiman Zhamankulova SUSI-06 lead the meeting. The cards with American views were demonstrated and participants made their suggestions on what is performed and where it is situated. So, they found the route and investigated the famous sights of South Western States: Santa Fe, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas… All together they enjoyed slide version of the tour.

Among the members there were 6 students who participated in CCUSA-06 and they shared their own perception of the country and the discussion went on in a lively and captivating way.

Crossing Cultures

The meeting of EFL teachers' Association took place on September 21. Under the guideline “Crossing Cultures for Professional Development” a presentation “An Interdisciplinary Investigation of America” and a workshop “Multiculturalism” were held. 22 participants got across some new ideas how to teach culture and intercultural communication to students with T. Kolesnikova. They made their own discoveries of America with A. Zhamankulova, who shared her impressions on Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) Program she had participated in summer. It was decided to continue the investigation organizing special seminars for teachers during the year. Four main topics were chosen, and the first seminar on five core myths of American culture and life is to be held in October.

On September 20, a representative of USAID Ruth Freedom Pojman (senior anti-traffing advisor) paid a visit to ACC within her business trip to Ust-Kamenogorsk. She was interested in the history of ACC, and how its activity is organized. Ms Pojman got acquainted with the resource of the Center and appreciated the variety of ways and directions we use to work with it and our readers. Ainur Sadikova (US Embassy) accompanied Ms.Pojman in her trip. She used the chance and discussed the perspectives of ACC development with us. The set of books on Graduate and Professional Programs – 2006 was presented to Education Advising Center.

English for Everyone

On September 16, there was a meeting with future Sunday School and English for Teenagers' participants. More than forty children and their parents gathered at the conference hall. They were introduced to an exhibition of ACC resource, curriculum and conditions of English courses. Parents were inspired by the possibilities of using authentic audio and video resource, meeting native speakers and having extracurricular cultural activities for their children. The popularity of the courses has increased that reflected in arranging three groups instead of two. English for Teenagers' (13-15) was added to traditional Sunday School groups.

German Librarians in ACC

Ulirika Kattolie and Jusef Kirschbaur, librarians from Germany are used to spend their annual vacation investigating other countries. Visiting local libraries is an essential part of their travel. On September 1 , they called in our library. Within their 4-hours' visit they paid special attention to the International Resource Center and American Culture Center in particular. “The resource the Center possesses is really huge. We are impressed by the activities you hold in your Center. It is remarkable that they reflect in your users' initiatives and ACC has become a real center of English Language development and intercultural communication” – our guests said. We were pleased to hear the words of appreciation from our experienced colleagues; they are going to come as readers while they are here. Welcome!

June, 2006

Novelties of McMillan

On June 20 there was held a seminar – presentation of McMillan publishing house books at American Culture Center. Mukhamadieva Kulzira, methodologist on foreign languages and Kuratova Nazira, methodologist on English language presented educational supplies for secondary schools. They are: “We ahead”, “Move ahead”, “Laser”, “Way into English”, “Smart” and “Prospects”. Kuratova told advantages of these books and carried out different activities on them. “We are glad that these books will be methodological support for English teachers” said Podhomutnikova S., (school № 32 ), one of the 16 participants of the seminar

Going-away party

On June 2, 2006 there was held the next Going-away Party in American Culture Center. This time we were parting with Daniel Ach and Jonathan Cangas. Our readers and the staff of ACC said a lot of warm wishes to the volunteers. Letters of Gratitude were given and little souvenirs were presented to the volunteers. During 2 years they have found many friends here in Ust-Kamenogorsk and they were thankful to everybody. Good bye, friends!

 ACC Resource for Future Translators

Withing professional trainings from June 5th till June 8th workers of ACC reviewed the lists of books of publishing houses and internet shops. Book collections on http://www.buy.com/ ; http://www.shop.com ; www.ebay.com ; www.colibri.ru ; http://www.finebooksmagazine.com were studied and the lists of preferable literature were made.

On June 10th the teachers of “Translation and Interpretation” Faculty (VKGU) examined the review and paid special attention on Learn to Translate by Translating from English into Russian Colibri collection. “These books are of great demand for our students and teachers. Having them in the library would provide studens with additional opportunities in developing in their field”, said Grudina G.B, a teacher of VKGU. Such kind of monitor will help librarians to consider readers' request in ordering new books.

May, 2006

Build your Future

The American Culture Centre and KAFU Visiting Faculty arranged the next workshop. This time it was “How to Pass a Successful Interview to Get a Job with International Company ” by Mark Harrol , a Founder & Managing Director of Lighthouse Recruiting Corporation.

The topic turned up a public interest for the conference-hall was full with audience. Mainly there were students of VKGU and KAFU, future interpreters. Speaker began his workshop with requirements of the interviewer. The audience was surprised to find that in the USA a person interviewed can ask questions as well. Dr. Harrol presented commonly asked questions in the interview and job interview blunders. The workshop was mobile and interactive. “It is of great help for us and we are certain to use this advice building our careers.”- said Hasenova Ainur, the 4th year student.

Public lecture

The collaboration between the American Culture Center and KAFU Visiting Faculty is going on.

On May 10, a public lecture “How to Do E – Commerce” was held. The speaker Mr. Walter Stokes, Chief Financial Officer, Despair Corporation, gave a general survey and history of ecommerce in the US, overviewed the infrastructure required for Ecommerce and figured out the effect of ecommerce on the US marketplace.

The audience, though not numerous (about 30 people), paid great interest to the topic and kept the lecturer busy almost for two hours. Both sides came to the point “Ecommerce for Kazakhstan is a matter of future. But this future is steadily approaches and success is with those who are informed.”

Essay Writing Training

What is the difference between essay and composition? Thus, Jay Chen, a volunteer of the Peace Corps, began his Wednesdays' training “Essay Writing”. Jay said that students don't distinguish essay from composition and explained to the participants pecularities and features of the essay. He dwelt on each steps of the essay and gave some examples. The training was held on the initiative of English Teachers' Association. The ACC conducts all the arrangements and supplies the available resource. Such books as "Writing a Winning College Application Essay", "The Admission Essay" were at hand. Labukova Irina, one of the 7 trainees, said "This training is of great help for us and I'll try to teach my students to write essay step by step." Essay Writing Training is to be continued in September for another group of EFL teachers

April, 2006

“English is a Mediator of Friendship and Collaboration”

The American Corner in Ust-Kamenogorsk is to acquire one more tradition. That is a Conference of high school students' research papers. On April 29, the Conference – a joint project of the ACC and City Education Department was held for the second time. Within the year the ACC resource and available instructional programs had been working for potential researchers purposes. Out of 31 applied works written in English after preliminary selection 9 were chosen for presentation. The independent jury, university teachers, Peace Corps volunteers, marked participants' high language skills and encouraged the public for further discoveries in research field.

There were about 70 people at the Conference, to their attention an exhibition of reference works: dictionaries and encyclopedias were displayed in the hall.

The ACC team presented their own gifts to the most active users among the presenters: Zhakayev Kanat and Nastya Fedorova. We were pleased to found them as the owners of the first and second places according to the jury's decision.

Going – away Party

There was an unusual meeting of the Discussion Club on April 29, 2006. After the questions on Kazakhstani and American people peculiar features had been discussed the library administration representatives joined the meeting. “We are parting with Heather, Ryder and Tom today” said Gulshat Daribayeva, ACC Director. “Being a part of American land our Center tries to make Americans feel comfortable and useful in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Within passed years the present volunteers' team is the most active one. We believe, the experience you have got there will help you to build successful careers in your country. Thank you! Good luck!” Letters of Gratitude were delivered to the volunteers, original souvenirs presented and a lot of warm words said from both side. Good – bye, dear friends!

INFO-CARAVAN IS GETTING START

Obtaining information results in a more prosperous nation. Under this motto Info-Caravan has got start. Its first route led to Zyryanovsk Central Library. There an exhibition of 76 books of American Culture Center was displayed, a workshop "Writing a Basic Essay" with Tom Dalcher was held, and a presentation "Kazakhstan in the Internet" was demonstrated. The participants, about 40 high school students and EFL teachers, met with great enthusiasm the opportunity to use ACC resource within several months. They underlined how much such actions contribute in English development and learning new information technologies. Denis, 10 th grade student of school #11, was happy to find books on American and British English, slang and idioms. The girls of school-lyceum #9 said: "Learning English is not a fashion, it is the necessity. Our future careers are not closely connected with English but its knowledge will help us to become highly qualified programmer and economist. Because if we know English we can get any information we need".

Tom Dalcher, a member of Info-Caravan team, was pleasantly surprised to find there so many language-advanced students. "You must apply for a Piece Corps volunteer and he could do a lot for your town" was Tom's suggestion. Satisfied with a lucky start we are arranging next Caravan route.

English for Young Learners

The days April 19, 20 were marked as ACC for EFL young learners teachers' purposes. 53 city and village teachers, the trainees of Oblast Teachers' Development Institute, have visited our Center. They were offered a big program, which included the excursion round American Culture Center, an exhibition of ACC resource “Teaching Children English” and a workshop on e-resource of the Center. Each of two groups worked about four hours; the teachers explored a great deal of material. A young teacher of secondary Abai school of the village Georgievka, Zhadyra Abdullaeva, expressed village teachers' opinion: “We are so greatly impressed by the resource of the ACC and the activities you have there. This visit showed us how much you do for EFL teachers. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get the information via e-mail, I am sure to try it for there is so much in your Center I need for my work.”

Ust-Kamenogrsk pupils in the USA

Different meetings are held in ACC not only for students but also for pupils. This time city pupils gathered to listen to #10 gymnasium pupils, who have been in America, state Arizona for month. They told that it was a great experience for them. Teenagers and their teachers shared with their impressions about way of life, educational system and traditions of the USA. The audience could see photos, cards and flag of Arizona. Such meetings broad regional knowledge and stimulate another pupils to continue their education abroad. ACC plays a big role in studying English and I am glad that I had a chance to visit Flowing High Scholl in Arizona.- said Zhenya Kim, participant of the exchange program.

"A Travel to English"

Advertising action on Children sector novelties has started. On April 7, 2006 pupils of school No. 44 visited Children Sector. There they enjoyed “A Travel to English” starting from ABC , moving to ABC Jobs and diving into the depths of the Ocean . They learned how to use a Tool Box and about Building Machines ; and got introduced with multicultural art and Imperial China . Children got easily involved, they read the books, examined pictures and even recited the poems from Poetry for Children . On April 11 grown-ups, elementary EFL teachers, enjoyed the travel with the same enthusiasm. The ideas of new projects were born and days for watching DVDs with children were chosen. The aim of action – to attract new users to the Children Sector is becoming real. Welcome and join us in English Travel!

March, 2006

Amazon Books for Students' Purposes

The books recently received as US Embassy grant are running on among university students. Histories… World History (encyclopedia), History of the English Language, the History of the Internet have been taken “hot” straight off acquisition. These two days the books on phonetics are of great demand. For example Philip Carr's English Phonetics and Phonology was in use with 9 readers of ACC! Tatyana Plotnikova, an EFL student says: “At the moment we are working hard over our term works. These new books on phonetics are of great help. Here I've found both theoretical and practical material and I am to create a perfect work. I am sure a lot of students benefit by using these books. Thank you!”

 “UK: a Modern Tradition”

Under this title an unusual and exciting discussion was held on March, 18, 2006. The discussion was organized by the ACC workers on the request of the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Paul Brummell. Within his three days visit to Ust-Kamenogorsk he arranged a special meeting with English speaking audience and got involved as a participant into a lively informal discussion with a group of our active users. All participants divided in two groups: the first group – traditionalists, the other – modernists. They discussed the traditions and modern life of Britain. After discussion Mr. Brummell made a conclusion and he said that everything was on top level. Then he presented books to all participants and the special collection of books to American Culture Center.

 Discussion club meetings in our American centre are becoming more and more attractive. This time 22 people gathered to discuss the topical theme "Women in Politics". The discussion was held under Jay Chen and Ryder Rodger guidance. Jay spread cards with questions among the participants. Thus all people were involved into conversation. They discussed if there a lot of difference between a man and a woman, women's role in society and well-known women-politicians in different countries. The male part of the audience agreed that man and women should have equal rights.

News of 11 March

In case you haven't heard the Internet is not a superhighway . Under this title a workshop for KAFU students was held. EFL students have Internet Study in their curriculum and trainings organized in the library are of great importance to them. They learned the basis of Internet and found out how to open their own e-mails. "We are so much grateful for this brilliant opportunity. As future teachers, we are not only to learn how to work in the Internet but how to use it in English classroom as well. So we are looking forward to further meetings", Novikova Irina said on behalf of the group.

The International Women's Day is Coming…

On the third meeting of Speakers Club (March 5) the topic “Men vs. Women” was discussed. Five members of Speakers Club prepared a lot of interesting and useful information for its audience of about 30 people. First the audience was informed about psychological difference between men and women. The main speakers collected the sociological information that was depicted on diagrams and schemes. To reflect the difference between male and female ways of thinking two little plays were shown. That was funny! The audience had an opportunity to learn more about misunderstanding existing between two genders and the way we have to overcome difficulties in communicating with an opposite sex. The leaders have mentioned about some biological and psychological peculiarities of both sexes. They often involved the audience into discussion that made the meeting interactive and more interesting.

“My Dear, Dear Mommy”

On Sunday, March 5, little listeners of English Course were busy with making cards to their dear mothers. Under the guidance of their teachers they learned to cut beautiful flowers, to glue them on cards, they fill in little English poems devoted to spring, women and beauty. The children were happy to take cards home and surprise their mothers.

" What kind of place would you like to visit?" This question was under discussion in the club on March 4. Hillary Murphy and Jay Chen conducted it. Everybody of 13 participants shared their opinions on the topic. They spoke about different countries, their interests, and customs; they discussed Kazakhstan's cities, sights and places of interest. Almaty the south capital and Astana the capital of our country were named as the most interesting cities for tourists. The leaders caused everyone to interesting discussion, and made the participants feel comfortable and easy at speaking.

The next meeting with Natalia Krasikova (TEA , 05) was hold in ACC. Natalia Krasikova presented her ideas on working with texts on English lesson to school and college EFL teachers. She demonstrated different post-reading activities such as reflection, writing, vocabulary development and comprehension development activities. Besides, she told the most interesting ways of performing poems devoting to the Father's day. “These activities are useful for presenting different texts and I'll use them without fail in my teaching career", said Grishina A. (school № 10 ), one of the 14 participants of the seminar.

February, 2006

New books – new knowledge and new openings…

The collection of American Culture Center was enlarged again. This time there are 50 new remarkable editions and CDs. Among them are favorites of American movies: "Troy", " The Phantom of the Opera", " Star wars"; DVD-collections with Odrey Hepbern, encyclopedias " Sports Illustrated 50 Years" and " The encyclopedia of “World History", educational textbooks "History of English Language", " Stylistics", fiction: "The Catcher in the Rye", " Bloodline", colorful books for children. We are sure it will be a pleasure for our readers to get acquainted with these books and DVDs that will be also quite useful for them.

All Sweethearts' Day

What is the most wonderful holiday when people open their hearts and express their feelings? Yes, it is St. Valentine's Day. And on the 12 th of February the cognitive lesson devoted to St. Valentine's Day was held in Children Sector. There were 11 children of age from 5 to 9. They were told information about history, symbols and celebration of the all sweethearts' day. Children were interested in how this holiday had appeared and how people had celebrated it. Then they were given crosswords to fix the new words like love, loyalty, affection and so on. After that, there was a suggestion to them to make a card for the closest and beloved people. I think their parents will be very happy to get the cards.

Successful start

The Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program (FLTA) provides an opportunity for young teachers of English as a Foreign Language to develop their teaching skills and broaden their knowledge of American culture and customs at colleges and universities in the United States. Six young teachers of English from Ust-Kamenogorsk had an opportunity to take part in this program for the first time. Arai Saniyazova and Talgat Akhmetov have demonstrated their sincere interest in teaching their native language and culture to American students and moved on to the second round. Arai and Talgat are constant users of our American centre. We are proud of them for making it to the second round of interviews for the FLTA program. Let's wish them good luck.

Speakers club

Speakers club organized on five VKGU students' initiative held its second presentation on February 5, 2006. The topic "Fear of Public Speaking" had been announced beforehand. The audience - members of the club, participants, PCVs as evaluators, (23 people in all) enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the meeting very much. It was discovered that the fear of public speaking is known as glossophobia that is one of social phobias. The organizing team presented interesting and challenging materials (the ACC resource was of great help for them), involved the public in impromptu speech and welcomed new members. Jay Chen highly appreciated the way the meeting was held though some considerable remarks were done.

Lesson Designing: How to plan your lesson and assess your students this was a workshop for EFL teachers held by N. Krasikova on January 25, 2006. Within two hours of intensive work 23 city and village teachers have learned what is multiple intelligence, how to design your lesson plan format, which criteria use assessing students. Natalia Mihailovna introduced the participants with helpful opportunities that web sites for teachers suggest, as example she offered http://rubistar:4teachers.org . Next seminar is to be devoted to developing reading and speaking skills.
The winner of TEA'05 N. Krasikova is actively carrying on her alumni responsibilities and our teachers are lucky to benefit by her rich experience.

January, 2006

FULBRIGHT for Young Teachers

Exciting and challenging opportunity was suggested to young school and university teachers of English. On January 6 the US Embassy Cultural Affairs Specialist Asiyat Suleimenova presented Fulbright FLTA Program. The idea of the program is to make studying and learning languages much more meaningful and real.
It is the first time when Fulbright FLTA works in Kazakhstan and its potential participants (there were 8 of them in the meeting) have realized a real chance to refine teaching skills, increase English language proficiency, extend their knowledge of the US customs and traditions and present their own country and language. The first ones tried on-line applications immediately after the meeting. Every day new applicants appear. We believe there will be chosen someone from our city. Good luck!

Club Movement is Going On…

Reading Club opened in October 2005 is regularly visited by 6-12 participants. Club activity is aimed to develop teenagers' skills in reading and oral speech. Each meeting they take different story, play or essay and conduct various interactive activities on them. On January 19, 2006 there was "The Apple War" for reading and acting out. G. Kuanysheva, club-teacher, says the children have become more active and show progress in English. "My further aims are to keep their interest, develop their love to books and attract them to Children Sector as independent readers".