Interview Question 1- part 1
1-Name:
My name is Aaesha. My mom calls me Awashy. My friends call me Tashy.
All of those names, Awashy, Tashy, and Oweash are me.
2-Country:
Now I'll talk about my country. I live in United Arab Emirates and I love my city very much. One of the he most famous cities in UAE is Ras- al-Khaimah and we proud by this city because the first is the place I born in it and live in it. there are many beautiful places such as, the beach , mountains , Wadies and desert. All of these places have slightly different traditional. For example, the people who live near the beach or sea have specific job such as, fishing, dividing and songs marine. However, the people who live between mountains have different job like farming and they depend their foods by dates and vegetables. On the other hand, the Bedouin who live in desert herding camels and goats. But all these Emirate's people have the same customs such as, entertainment of visitors, celebrations, Eids, and visit relatives etc…
3- year in your major:
My major is Applied Linguistics TESOL. Therefore this is the first year in my major. I'm interesting when I learn something new that related with my major. More thing, the reasons why I like my major are my class has gotten very close and we all work well together and help each other. I see the application value of all the classes I'm taking , so this major corresponds to my goals and ambitions.
4- Do you feel that your high school in your native country have prepared you adequately to adjust to the UAE university educational system ? (e.g., writing academic papers, reading critically, speaking fluently with professors and classmates, etc.)? Why?
The Education established in UAE ,1971. My country is developing constantly for all areas such as education, health and industry. Therefore, I think the education system in UAE between high school and UAEU is different. Therefore , high school not prepare me to adjust UAEU education system. Because , In high school we learned to write small essay and my mind was close. Then, in school gave us simple stories and that not help us to think critically. Furthermore, speaking was not good in high school because we most speak Arabic. On the other hand , In UAEU I'm writing long essay, speaking with foreign teachers and I have many good reading appropriate to me as a student in University. Today, UAE will use educational strategy . I heard ,about the Ministry of Education and Youth has established a plan, to be applied over the next 20 years, to further develop the education system of the UAE. Their major concern is to make sure the development of methods and programs that stick to the latest international standards, with particular focus on introducing the latest IT resources at all levels. I hope that.
5- Have you taken any language preparation program? Was it useful?
Yes, I use the Internet to take English language preparing. Therefore, I'm being able to speak English fluently is essential for study as well as being successful in today’s global community. The Taylors English Language Preparation program, delivered in 12 week terms, ensure I use English confidently and correctly. Throughout my studies become an active language learner. Everyone I met with them be using English such as ,friends, teachers, families and local people. I think, living and studying in an English speaking country is without a doubt the best way to improve my skills. In this program, I'm studying language studies ,formal writing styles, note taking, assignment writing, intensive listening and reading. Of course it is useful and good program to improve my English language.
Interview Question1 continue
6- Do you feel that the English language could be a problem in understanding the content and concepts in your discipline or doing presentation or participation in classroom? How?
Yes, sometimes when I present and my language is bad, I face difficulty to present. That maybe because I do not have enough experience and skills.
7-Is writing papers difficult for you? It dependent on the content of writing.
Do you start with Arabic in your writing? Do you use
dictionaries? Do you visit the writing center or obtain any other assistance with your writing
Actually ,I do not start by Arabic in my writing .Because that way will not help me to learn . However, I use the dictionary when I need some words from Arabic to English, but I never translate all the sentences. Moreover, when I do my writing ,I always go to writing center because that helps me to improve my writing and knows my mistakes.
8-Do you feel comfortable working with your classmates when doing class presentations or writing projects, or prefer working independently?
I think working with group is the best way to present together or write projects because, I feel more confident and strong to do the best work. However , working independently not help me to do my works on time.
9-Do you feel comfortable discussing with your teachers your academic difficulties and
challenges in your classes?
Of course, I feel comfortable to discuss with my teachers ,because they open their hands for all students .
- 10-Do you think senior students could provide you with mentorship? (e.g. course
assignments, literature reviews, etc.) Please explain why
Yes, I ask Senior students when I need help .
For example, I ask sometimes my older sister to help me in my projects, how I
can organize it and do homework . because she has experience and she is an English teacher. However,
sometimes my sister busy work so, I have to go to "tutorial center" .
There are teachers and senior students there and they all help me.
Interview questions2
Write your answers in more details, examples from your own experiences. It should be grammatical sentences.
1-What are your dreams and ambitions (in tem of your future career)?
There is different between dreams and ambitions. That the definition of dreams are visions or imagines of what I want to accomplish. However, ambitions are goals or levels I want to achieve. When I dream, my visualize a direction I want to follow, such as ,I want to be the best English teacher in UAE or famous. This dream could be achieved but for the long term. While , planning for Future is important in our life. We must plan and put our goals to success in our life. Everybody has his own future goal. Achieving the goals may be difficult for some of people and it may take long times to achieve but it need hard works and motivations. My Future goals and ambitions include getting a future job, continue my education and establishing my small business. The other ambition is to learn a new skills so that I can become more productive and creative teacher in school.
2-What are your actual plans to implement your dreams?
Plan makes a person to think suitably about their positive and negative aspects. All about their interest and about their creativity. I started to draw my plan, when I finished higher school education. After that level, I want to get higher educational degree after finishing study in UAEU, which would help me out to have a good job opportunity according to my skills and experiences in my major. Then, I don’t want take job without more training, so, I hope to practice in different schools by different levels of students from the children to young students. Plan for future is a life time process we are always learning and growing, and as we do, our interests and needs also change. Career planning is not just making plans to obtain our career, but it also help us to make many adjustments there will be along the ways we learn throughout our lives. Of course, I want to be a good teacher so, I'm working hardly and I will continue to work seriously, Honestly and faithfully. In short, plans are like mapping our future.
3-Do you face any obstacles to achieve your dreams?
Actually yes in my studying in UAEU. The first obstacle is my family refuses for any trip or conference outside the university, even if there are useful and scientific because of their fear. The other thing, I Faced other problems such as academic pressure and the injustice of doctors. Another thing, some students resort to the use of intermediaries to enter specific class ,which was closed and not allow any student to enter there. However, this kind of problem delays or changes my plan of study.
4-How do you improve your personality and skills?
The "personality" is the typical pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaviors that make a person unique. When we say that someone has a "good personality" we mean that they are interesting and pleasant to be with. However , the skills mean people have many abilities like mental and physical skills. So, there are many ways I do to improve my skills and personality. Firstly, I'm trying to be a better listener such as, listen to English music and watch films but the majority of films that display on the TV in the vernacular. Secondly, I read more by the internet rather than books. For example, I prefer to read News every day and I like to know what happen in World. Moreover, when I meet new people it gives me the opportunity to share what I know and to exchange my views with them and that change my personality to be more confidence. Finally, I work hard and organize my time to my works by the best way.
5-Do you have teachers who encourage you to improve your-self in your study and for your future career?
Yes I have teachers in UAEU who encouraged me to improve myself but only in my study. One of my teachers gave me advices about how I can be successfully in my life. He said" Becoming successful is not a walk in the park, it takes time and effort and Be motivated and determined, and you will be that much closer to your goal". Other teacher helped me to know how I can organize my study plan and what I can do when I have problem. On the other hand , my sister is a teacher and she still encourage me until today about study and for future career. Nobody is perfect in their study or future career. We have strengths and weaknesses that we should have to accept and try to improve it.
I face a few difficulties in my current study. For example, when I was in school I was fear of failure in Exams. However, now I have a rule, when I study I always say I'm a intelligent, good student, Excellent and the exam is easy, clear and simple to understand. This way help me to face the fear and take high grades. I think, Aan explanation in English could be very confusing, especially when the word is unfamiliar to students. It would be better to give examples in English and then to give a translation of the word. An advantage of using students’ own language is that the situation or the lesson can be explained more quickly and easily, leaving more time for practice. As to using English in class, it provides useful listening practice and helps students by giving them some of the words they need. Most importantly, it is probably best to give explanations in clear and simple English, and repeat some parts in students’ own language to make the meanings clear.
7-Do you benefit from your courses you have taken in the university?
Of course I benefit from course. The main benefits of university study are internationally recognized qualifications and skills, because I will serve the society and earn my living costs in future. Other thing , I take many experiences and will education degree. Then take a good job.
8-Do you learn leadership skills in your classes?
No I didn't do leadership skills exactly but I think presentation give us good chance to be leadership as a teacher.
9-Did you do any torturing sessions for other students?
No I didn't. But if any student need help, I help her directly.
10-Do you prefer to use Arabic language in your classes?
That dependent on classes , if the class in Arabic ,I prefer to use Arabic language. However , If class in English material, I should use English language. I feel that I will not learn English if I speak Arabic. Sometimes teachers allow us to use Arabic language in the classroom in some form or another such as dissections for something important and we can't express in English. If the teacher uses English most of the time in class, it will give students more practice in listening and responding to spoken English. This will help them “pick up” words and expressions beyond the language of the textbooks. Besides, the language used, in the lesson itself, is often unnatural and artificial. The situations that occur in the classroom, however, give opportunities for real and natural English to be used. Also, if the teacher uses English to say real things to the class, it will give students the feeling that English is not just a language that belongs to the textbooks, but a real language used for communication. It is pretty certain, of course, that teachers should not use English all the time. There are many occasions obviously when it can be useful to use the students’ own language. How much a teacher uses English depends on the level of the class and the teacher’s own language ability.
Interview questions3
Answer these questions with more details, examples from your experiences and explanations.
Students
1-Why your English language is good or not good?
English is the most widely used language in the history of our planet. There are many reasons to explain why my English language is not good. Firstly, because English language is the second language after my language of course Arabic. Secondly, I love the English language since childhood until now but the role of my school in the founding of the English language was very weak. Wherefore, We did not gain the English language quickly despite the long period that we studied English twelve years. The other reason that related to school is teachers did not give us practices on speaking, listening ,writing and reading. Moreover, they did not encourage us to speak English with my friends etc…but now I'm better than before.
2-When do you use English in your daily life?
Actually, there are many people take the English Language as a second language shows its importance and relevance in our modern society. Because of increasing foreign people on our country. Absolutely I use English language every day. For examples, the most teachers in UAEU are foreign and do not speak Arabic, so I speak with their in English language. The other, I use English when I go to college restaurants and buy a meal . Because most of workers there are from different nationalities of the world but they speak English. Furthermore, in the weekend we back to home and go shopping with my family like Dubai Mall. Dubai Mall is the one of the most crowded places with people especially foreigners. So, workers in the shops speak English because most buyers do not speak Arabic. then ,I use English when I travel with my family to other country in hostel, street and with my sisters , I really want to improve my English language. Finally, I want to learn English faster, I'm trying to communicate with my close friends or relatives in English, although they laugh. That's the reality, but I never mind that and I
avoid speaking with m own language/dialect. At first, it is OK to speak some English mix with "some of my language", and then later, I have to change "some of my language" that I might not know before into the English language. By the time I'm doing that and I'm already improving my communication skills in English. And if I make this as a habit, I will know how to speak English fluently.
3- Do you read before your classes?
Yes, every day I read news papers such as; Emirates Today, Gulf News, Al Ittihad and Al-Bayan by Arabic and English Language. Some information are repeating for these New papers because all of it from making in UAE. The other thing, most of my subjects in University by English because my major is Linguistics TESOL. Also, my teachers on this major encourage us to read more in English to develop our language. As I'm become more comfortable of reading English, I become sure to read things other than instructional materials. For example, reading books and news in English can really help me to improve my English language. It can be beneficial to choose topics in which I'm especially interested, which not only will increase my motivation to read, also I will be more familiar with the subject and might be able to understand the material better.
4- Do you use Arabic in your classes?
Rarely I use Arabic in class, that when I don’t understand something exactly , I ask my colleague in Arabic. Also, when I don’t know some meanings of words I use dictionary . I can use in English classes many other learning tools such as audio and video recordings, computer programs and books . That I can purchase or even find for free. One of the best things to do, however, is to read, write and speak English as much as possible. The more I practice the language in out of classes. I think, it is best if it is taught by a person whose first language is English. Some courses might focus on reading, writing or speaking, but others will teach students in all three areas.
5- Do you benefit from group work?
Absolutely , We all have experienced times when we were part of a great team and there are other times when we struggle along in isolation. In my experience there are six main benefits of team working are More creativity leading to more ideas and better results. Then, Increase confidences of our self, cooperation and organization . wherefore, it is the opportunity to develop and acquire new skills ,the speed at which things can be achieved and a chance to express our ideas and thoughts. On the other hand , if I work alone , I will not finish my works quickly and I will not find any one to help me except the internet. So , I need human's mind not computer's mind and I think work with group is the most beneficial for me.
6- Do you have a study group that you usually work with ?
Yes of course, most classes need to work as a group. So, in each class I have study group I usually work with them. When learning in college, many students join study groups. Moreover, we Learn faster when we works together and students in study groups can generally learn faster than students working alone. For instance, some part of the textbook that seems completely confusing to you could be quite clear to another student. In a study group, instead of spending valuable time puzzling over the difficulty, you can learn quickly by simply asking a question. In addition, you can help your friends also when they have difficulties understanding something that you do understand.
7-Do you do many presentations in your classes?
Yes , I do presentation every course for each class. So , I gain many skills and experiences about how to present and use the best way to be more interesting and understanding. Watch Movies with subtitles help me to know how I can attract the attention of students with using sounds and pictures. English language is not my first language, so I consider watching movies that are in English, with subtitles in my native language.. Either of these methods will help me associate the English words and phrases with the corresponding words and phrases in my language.
8- Did you present in a conference?
No I didn’t but I hope to present in conferences. That will be the biggest challenge for me to Show that in front of a huge audience. Actually ,the largest number of the audience I was presented in front of them reaching one hundred twenty students last year.
9- Did you write a research paper?
Yes I wrote a research paper but in Arabic. However ,I wrote a report paper by English. I think a research paper is an essential part of academics. Most students will be assigned at least three research paper in high school and many research papers in college, include of their major. The center of a research paper comes from sources. The sources should be cited and actively discussed within the text of the paper. There are two main types of research papers argumentative research papers and analytical research papers. The process of researching and writing both types is the same, just with a different goal. Now I'm trying to write a research paper by English by following and organizing the steps to do it.
10- Do you prefer tests or projects?
I prefer tests. I think I waste too much time to project unless testing take one to two days to study. I Also ,I think I learn less from project. Sure I learn more about a small part of the class subject while Tests however teach a bit less about every part of the subject but teach me the whole subject. So ,tests are usually easy and, if I know the material and I can manage my stress well, they're quite easy. Projects demand effort and time beyond learning the course materials.
11- Do you care more about grades or learning?
Both of them are my goals , that if I learn what I study and I connect the information to our life. The information will prove more in my mind other than memorizing and forgotten materials. Nobody will take high grades without efforts. Using thinking ,doing discussions in classes and pay attention help us to learn.
12- How do you improve your English language in your daily life?
There are many ways to improve my English language. I Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English well and try to imitate them. Furthermore, I listen to English music, television and movies to get familiar with the language sounds. For example, I watch the English news on television channels like CNN (for American English) or the BBC (If you wish to study British English). The news is very helpful because their speech must be clear. Other way I use the dictionary like ,I write down words and their definitions in a notebook for future reference. Also, I buy stories by bookshop. In the last, I usually speak English with my sister in our hostel. The more I use English language at home. For example, I have brothers who are learning English at school, I can improve my English by talking to them in the language and helping them with their English homework. It also can be helpful to use English in public, such as in conversations with people at the grocery store, on the bus or around your neighborhood.
13- What strategies do you want your teachers to use to facilitate your learning?
As usually ,I want teachers have a plan or syllabus to show us the order of all chapters that will include in courses. Also, I prefer they used many strategies such as direct methods: lecture, recitation, presentation and ask questions. Because that raised by students to high levels . For examples, working in the textbook Work in textbook, Administration row , Discussion and dialogue, to ask questions , review the information and training & exercises.
14- Do you participate in organizing activities or workshops in the university?
Yes , I mostly participated in organizing activities that related to our culture and traditional. That I participated last semester in National Day celebrations of the UAE 40th . Also, I participated in many competences such as, drawing competence and other arts.
15- Do you attend conferences and workshops related to your fields?
Yes ,I attend conferences but not related to my fields. However , I attend workshops that related to my fields, so, I like to go these places to what is the new and gain experiences.
Teachers
1- What strategies do your university teachers use in their teaching?
Most teachers use these methods of teaching in University direct methods: lecture, recitation, presentation and ask questions. For example, providing an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom. Furthermore, There are a variety of ways to stimulate discussion. For example, some faculty begin a lesson with a whole group discussion to refresh students’ memories about the assigned reading. Other new Idea, Distance learning or distance education as a teaching pedagogy, however, is an important topic of discussion on college campuses today. Finally, Integrating Technology. Today, educators realize that computer literacy is an important part of a student's education.
2- Do your teachers prepare their presentations to use in teaching?
Of courses , they prepare their presentation before coming in class and they are ready to face the students questions. Then, they are trying to explain and give many examples to understand the content of materials.
Are the presentations in English?
That depend of subject if the subject in English , the presentation will be in English and vice versa. On my opinion , that presentation in English is easier that in Arabic to learn.
3- Do your teachers use Arabic in their teaching?
Sometimes they used Arabic when students don’t understand the content , so, teacher give us examples in Arabic.
4- Do your teachers’ asset you using tests mostly or projects?
Using tests because it is more important that project and test will determine our level. However, teachers give us in project the same grades but tests dependent of our learning in lectures.
Using tests because it is more important that project and test will determine our level. However, teachers give us in project the same grades but tests dependent of our learning in lectures.
Interview with my brother
If you have brother or son or cousin or nephew in school, just sit with him and ask him if he likes school, enjoys being there or not? Why? You can bring hard copy and electronic copy to class.
I asked my brother Mayed who is 9 years old. He likes his school" Al Ghad School". More than, he enjoys there because always when he learns something new, he tells my mother. Other thing, he prefer class when teacher uses a variety of material to discuss subject including gaming as a kind of teaching. At the time of break , he meets with his friends to play and eat together. My brother is an excellent student. Therefore, he confidents by himself and he never depend of my mother or sisters to help him. I observed, he is smart such as he Loves to play complex games like chess. Consequence, he likes to play this game in order to receive awards with his friends in school. On the other hand , I asked my brother who is thirteen years old. He is studying in high school. Unlike my little brother, he hates school. As he said , there are many reasons why he hate his school. First, classes are boring because most teachers do not use the technology in school such as smart board. Second, fear of the teacher that most of them use the method of beatings and threats. Third, aggressive boys in school causes many problems. For example, student use mobile phone , firecrackers and fights in classroom. Fourth, he said that some subjects are difficult to understand and the teachers give him too much assignments, quizzes, reports etc…Fifth, Laziness and indifference by some teachers. For example, some teacher do not do the review for students.sex reason, is the lack of diverse activities and appropriate for his age. Seven reason, he said lack of good extension services in the school. More things, I think that ignorance of the students in ways that recall the proper materials is other reason. Last thing, he only likes activities such as sports ,music and Art classes and enjoys being these classes .I have some solution for these reasons . That I think ,use diversification of teaching methods, the use of various means, raise teacher dialogue and debate and do exercise games in the classroom will encourage student to love their school. Furthermore, the encouragement and praise in the classroom, tell them a little story suitable for students and instill confidence in students and accept their views and their discussions. Finally , If all schools apply these solution, all kinds of problems will be increased.
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