Essay on “Productive Curriculum in Pedagogy”

Essay on â€Å"Productive Curriculum in Pedagogy† Introduction By definition, a curriculum is a set of selected courses usually offered by schools, universities, or colleges (Squires, 2008). For this reason, to meet curriculum needs, different subjects are included in a school’s curriculum, and in most regions. There is valid literature research demonstrating that classroom teachers fail to dynamically participate in applying relevant models in curriculum growth. As a consultant, it is imperative to pinpoint that curriculums need to include Quality Teaching Model prescribed. A case study in Saudi Arabia would be helpful in showing the benefits of quality teaching framework. Thus, from the analysis the strength of the curriculum, its misalignment, and recommendations would be fronted before concluding the topic. Quality Teaching Model in general and Saudi Arabia The Kingdom Saudi Arabia is located in the western part of Asia. It occupies approximately 8% of the Arabian Peninsula. Education has been the focus of its leaders since its foundation in 1932. The Ministry of Higher Education usually supports the system. Currently, the state has a nationwide education system and provides free education from the kindergarten level to the university level for every citizen. The system is categorized into four levels including primary years of one to six years, middle school of seven to nine years, high school of ten to twelve years, and tertiary (Ramady, 2010). Gender segregation is one of the major attributes of this system since males and females learn in separate classrooms at all levels. The Ministry of Education implemented a ten-year plan, whose goal was to help students develop positive cultural educational and teaching interactions all over the world. Particularly, students in all age groups were to achieve magnificent progress in mathematics and sciences with regard to global standards and tests. There have been previous attempts to renew teaching and learning in Saudi Arabian schools by the Ministry of Education. The ministry criticized the methods used claiming that they focused on memorization and fail to assist students in development and understanding. Consequently, the Ministry of Education established recommendations that focused on quality teaching and support for radical changes that improved teaching activities in mathematics. This approach focused on a more student-centred approach rather than the traditional teacher-centred approach. The approach also occurred, in mathematics education reforms around the world, to create a more active involvement of students in mathematics classrooms. There are two outstanding issues facing people’s mathematics education in the world. These include the lack of student achievement and disentanglement from the subject. Naturally, this is an occurrence of concern to all systems of education especially of the overall acknowledgement that mathematics is a crucial subject in the curriculum and future careers of students. Despite many attempts to reform curriculum and teaching in mathematics education, the subject remains a mystery and source of anxiety to many students. Students are more likely to continue studying mathematics and putting in greater efforts to succeed in it. This is based on their perceived value of mathematics and its relevance to their life aspirations as much as on their ability in and enjoyment of it (Luttrell et al., 2010). However, in rare cases, the mathematics classroom’s environment includes current concerns and experiences for students; therefore, presenting a worthless theoretical form. Quality Teaching Model is possibly the best approaching in mathematics curriculum analysis in Saudi Arabia. This framework provides a rich set of tools for teachers to use and improve the impact of learning both in the academic and social backgrounds. These approaches assist teachers in critically reflecting on their work, and elevate students’ intellectual reasoning by making teaching and learning much more applicable to their lives. Quality Teaching Model captures the learners’ behavioural, intellectual, cognitive and social-psychological stance, a prerequisite to higher performance (Brady Kennedy, 2010). Consequently, this approach has been employed in integration with a networked-online learning environment in mathematics to create a powerful learning environment. Current Application of Quality Teaching Model at Riyadh High School The curriculum at Riyadh High School encompasses a variety of disciplines that address learning theories, curriculum, and teaching strategies. The students are exposed to various teaching models as parts of their studies. They are able to develop a high quality outcome since learning focuses on intellectual work and engaged students’ substantial cognition and deep knowledge. Teachers, at their professional development stage are expected to familiarize themselves with teaching strategies and students’ needs in relevant to mathematical education (Alhwiti, 2007). Therefore, it is clear that mathematics curriculum in Riyadh High School helps students develop quality knowledge, understanding, values, and the overall intellectual quality. The students of Riyadh High School, similar to other high schools, are subject to learning mathematics on a daily basis. The contact time for this unit is one hour daily for four days a week, and students are required to learn some mathematical methods (Alhwiti, 2007). Strengths of Quality Teaching Model The mathematics curriculum at Riyadh High School has shown substantial effect on the overall performance. Based on Quality Teaching Framework adopted, numerous facets conjoin to improve performance of mathematics. First, there is employment of well-educated, knowledgeable and experienced teaching staff members. In the event that a teacher is under practicum (that is, a student teacher), that teacher is accorded a mentor. This provides students with a rich arena to tap into such vastness of knowledge in their midst. Moreover, the teaching staffs explicate critical thinking ability, use metalanguage, and subjective communication (Keddie, 2005). The institution has an explicit policy on utilization of language specific communication that integrates with conventional communication approaches. In such a case, students are able to not only communicate with the teachers but also communicate using subject specific terminologies. Second, the facility makes provision for an integrative framework such that students are actively engaged in the learning process. Mathematics may not be such a practical subject especially for higher classes but active engagement during lessons and in verification and feedback (Keddie, 2005, Brady Kennedy, 2010) on their work has become an integral part of Riyadh High School. Third, there is an element of cultural integration with cross-cultural approach in admission at the institution. This enables students to have cultural tolerance and to learn from one another. Misalignment of Quality Teaching Model On the other hand, there is some level of misalignment between Riyadh High School’s mathematics curriculum and the quality of teaching in place. This is because the school’s curriculum is strictly based on textbooks as the ultimate source of teaching material for mathematics. This however, is a challenge especially for male students who detest too much theoretical learning aspects. This may explain such continued poor performance in mathematics in the institution. Students rarely get a chance to connect the theories learnt from class and the real world situation despite years of study. Textbook-oriented mathematics curriculum also restricts the teacher from establishing activities that assist students to link the mathematical knowledge acquired in class and the real world beyond the classroom. Additionally, students are not capable of taping into their higher cognitive thinking arena with regard to mathematics. This therefore waters down a potential philosophical student’s intelligence leading to students later on engaging in malevolent acts since their creative minds are left idle. Recommendations To create a much bigger outcome from quality teaching model students need high teacher and societal support levels. To ensure higher achievement of intellectual quality and acquisition of the greatest significance, the teachers in Riyadh High School need to support their students in learning theories, and creating a quality-learning environment whenever they are implementing learning frameworks. There is need for all stakeholders in the education system of Saudi Arabia to put more efforts that help students attain higher significance levels. There should be an improved level of the quality-learning environment by employing practical activities, lessons ideas, and examples in the learning environment. Utilization of real world problems in class is imperative to capturing students’ cognitive aspects and edifies their mathematics understanding ability (Keddie, 2005). Second, the institution should implement utilization of ICT technology especially given the fact that computers nowadays have interactive programs that can be used as an integrated learning approach (Graham, 2006). In so doing, teachers can use simulation models to exemplify on different mathematical concepts. Third, it is important for the Ministry of education in Saudi Arabia to come up with an integrated curriculum that emphasizes on teaching students to tap into their cognitive abilities during problem solving to harness their gifting (Keddie, 2005). This will ensure that students understand and appreciate the need for critical and creative thinking in all aspects of life. Apparently, current curriculum tends to favour girls than boys since there is a lot of literature within. The ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia should develop a curriculum that embraces gender with their proclivities. It is also good to note also that girls tend to lag behind in terms of mathematics and science-based subjects. The development of a system that emphasizes on subjects reported to receive poor performance can facilitate better performance among the students (Keddie, 2005).

The Powerful Truth of Machiavellis The Prince Essay

The Powerful Truth of The Prince Before 1513 conventional thought defined a ruler as a man who used generosity, truth and justice to govern his kingdom. Machiavelli saw the conventional thought of the time as a fantasy and only applicable in a utopian society. His work The Prince shatters all previous political thought by stating that a ruler must not only use the traditionally accepted means of maintaining power but also be able to use brute force, deceit and even cruelty as the situation requires. In the tumultuous political climate of renaissance Europe his theories were proven valid repeatedly. Niccolo Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 into an old Florentine family with a history of political involvement.†¦show more content†¦He ultimately gained favor with the Medici family and was called back to work for the last two years of his life. The Prince is a result of studies of ancient history and of his experience as a secretary of the Florentine Republic. It was written for the ruling Medici family. Machiavelli hoped that by reading and understanding his writings the Medicis would realize that he was the top political analyst of his time and give him a high-ranking position in the government. In The Prince, Machiavelli states that in an ideal world, it is virtuous for a prince to be good. But in reality, princes who distance themselves from ethical concerns and do whatever it takes for the benefit of their states rule best. Therefore, it is better to be greedy than generous, cruel than loving, crafty than honest. Machiavellis general rule is to be as good as circumstances allow, but be willing to resort to any means necessary for the good of the country (Coleman, 147). A prince must be willing to resort to evil if that is what it takes to ensure the happiness and future of his subjects. Proper cruelty is done at one time and serves a specific purpose. Improper cruelty is repetitive and threatening to the citizens. A wise prince must be willing to practice proper cruelty in order to maintain power, but avoid improper cruelty so that his subjects do not turn on him and revolt. Perhaps the thing most emphasized by Machiavelli is the need for the support ofShow Mo reRelatedNiccolo Machiavellis The Prince810 Words   |  3 Pages Niccolo Machiavelli’s most famous book, The Prince, contains the most valid information for a prince, a president, and even a king, to keep hold of their own power. Machiavelli tells about the importance and power of political action, his opinions, and most of all philosophy at it’s finest. Throughout the twenty-six chapters of this book he describes the bold, brave, practical, and powerful prince and how the prince’s life should be lived. Machiavelli’s view of human nature is used as justificationRead MoreAnalysis Of The Prince By Niccolo Machiavelli1192 Words   |  5 Pagesbest. Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian Humanist, wrote  The Prince  as a guide for his own prince, Lorenzo De Medici, to promote himself into the political arena of Italy. He analyzed power and the way Italy could become its own state and keep control. His extensive explanations were driven by his own fascination with power and his desire for an independent Italy. The Prince expr esses the effectual truth of things and the idea that a prince must not be just and fair when coming into power, but followRead MoreSocrates Vs Niccolo Machiavelli Essay1606 Words   |  7 PagesRenaissance era, Machiavelli’s Italy was in a divided state with the Medici family holding rule over his native Florence. It was during this period when Machiavelli’s harsh views on how a prince should obtain power and use that power came to fruition. Apology and Crito exemplify Socrates’ strong beliefs regarding the importance of the individual and the massive role questioning played in Socrates’ life. Machiavelli’s beliefs leaned towards a feared ruler and strong nation state as shown in The Prince and theRead MoreSimilarities Of Socrates And Machiavelli1669 Words   |  7 Pageswould be critical of Machiavelli’s concept of a Prince we must understand the similarities and differences between the two philosophers, and then analyze if Socrates would find his ruling system to be efficient. Socrates and Machiavelli value the qualities of a strong and fair ruler, however they differ in their beliefs on what means a ruler should use to remain in power over his people. In the end, Socrates would have found the amorality and absolute power of Machiavelli’s Prince to be a disserviceRead MoreA Comparison Of The Apology And Niccolo Machiavelli And The Prince1513 Words   |  7 PagesPlato’s The Apology and Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince provide two opposing views of the ideal ruler and government. The seminal works attempt to uncover the true definition of justice which becomes the basis from which they craft their vision of effective civil leadership. The two men, both influenced by the times of similar conflict and chaos in which they worked, espouse divergent beliefs regarding proper and effective authority. This difference is rooted in a fundamental incongruity betweenRead MoreNiccolo Machiavelli s The Prince1699 Words   |  7 Pagesderisive description than an accurate representation of that person’s philosophical views of power. This popular depiction is due to Niccolo Machiavelli’s harsh portrayal of the interlaced relationship between power and p olitics in his treatise, The Prince. Machiavelli begins his work by contending that it is â€Å"more effective† to reveal the â€Å"practical truth of a subject† rather than â€Å"depend on [his] fancies for it†(Machiavelli 2524). His rejection of idealism and focus on realism impels him to claimRead MoreThe Prince By Niccol à ¡Ã‹ Ã‚ˆ Machiavelli1570 Words   |  7 PagesThe Prince by Niccolá ½â‚¬ Machiavelli was quite interesting and at the same time quick shocking. It is basically written as a book with a set of rules of how he governed his people and how other government officials should govern their people and territories. This book is one of the main reasons that some people link Machiavelli to Satan and sometimes call him Satan’s son or rightful heir. This book is also what brought the term â€Å"Machiavellian† into existence which basically means: â€Å"Being or acting inRead MoreThe Machiavelli s Political Philosophy1575 Words   |  7 PagesRevisiting Machiavelli’s Political Philosophy Precede It is fundamentally important to preface the discussion hosted in this essay by addressing ourselves to the most mundane question-why consider Machiavelli in the context of philosophy, least of all, political philosophy? This question dominates any philosophical inquiries of the Machiavelli’s political ideologies. Put differently, do the contributions by Niccolà ² Machiavelli to the various salient discourses in the Western thought, most notablyRead MoreThe Prince By Niccolo Machiavelli1182 Words   |  5 PagesThe Prince was written by Niccolo Machiavelli in July 1513 and dedicated to Lorenzo De Medici as he considered it would bring stability during the political turbulence in Italy. The Prince is simple and its logic straightforward. These traits highlight Machiavelli’s need to provide practical, easily understandable advice on how people should be ruled but, he does not set forth a vision of what society would be like without a civil government. This piece is a literature served as a political guideRead MoreMachiavelli s The Prince And The Discourse Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesNiccolà ² Machiavelli wrote a book which called The Prince. It is about the political ideology of Machiavelli s political realism, which means the effective truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. In this book, he talks about the importance of the concept of virtà º. He claimed that rulers have to suppress their personal virtues while sometimes committing improper acts in order to maintain powers and protect their principalities. In Discourses, Machiavelli becomes to extols the

A Hero Within Free Essays

Everywhere you turn society today seems to be keen on portraying African Americans as a scapegoat to white societal issues and inadequacies. Ernest Gaines exemplifies this idea in the novel A Lesson Before Dying in which a young black man, Jefferson, is sentenced to trial and execution for what can be considered a â€Å"wrong place and wrong time† incident. Grant, who is an educator in the community, plays the role of a cynic and buffer between Jefferson and the rest of the community. We will write a custom essay sample on A Hero Within or any similar topic only for you Order Now He begins this novel as a somewhat worn out empty husk of what his full potential can fully allow. In a society that is dominated by white people in a post slavery pro-racist world very few opportunities present themselves for African Americans, such as Jefferson or Grant, that allow for growth and fulfillment of one’s existence. As the novel progresses Gaines provides the right elements to allow for self-fulfillment and growth for both characters that lead to life changing epiphanies and ultimately allow for a hero figure to rise. Although almost opposite in composition both Jefferson and Grant lack elements that allow them to feel whole and truly live. As individuals both struggle to live in a world that seeks to oppress causing each to barely live, but through their combined experiences and shared struggles, each are able to break the chains of oppression and rise to their ultimate potential. Grant begins the novel feeling distanced from the other members of the black community while at the same time feeling intrinsically bound to them. He feels pressured to conform to a society in which white people are superior and give little to no privilege to blacks. This idea is furthered as Dr. Joseph visits Grant’s school and compliments his students mentioning that they are a â€Å"good crop†, insinuating that the black students are subhuman or objects for a slave type of work. Although Grant’s inadequacies leave him feeling conflicted, hollow, and helpless to do anything but run away, he often remembers the pride and excitement surrounding black heroes such as Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis as they stood up to the white men and society. A hero as seen through Grant’s eyes is â€Å"a man who does something that other men do not do or cannot do. † Although Grant believes he is not a hero, he believes that Jefferson can embody the idea of a hero and that he can stand up to defy the white people proving that African Americans are human too. Grant continues by explaining to Jefferson while crying that he (Grant) needs him (Jefferson) more than Jefferson needs him. The crying and showing f helplessness marks the first transition for Grant towards the hero he can become and shows the character’s positive growth. This transition also marks where the individual struggles between Jefferson and Grant end and unification towards the embodiment of heroism begins Grant continues to embody the idea of a hero and show character progression while drinking at the Rainbow Club by standing up for Jefferson, when it would have been much easier to ignore the situation and derogatory comments. Grant’s passion and inability to sit back while the mulatto bricklayers demean the idea of Jefferson promotes the hero within, by standing up for the weak and doing something when others would not. Even though a fight breaks out and Grant is knocked unconscious, it is still another positive step towards the inner fulfillment he desperately needs. Grant also embodies a non-traditional hero in the sense that he keeps his loved ones, Vivian, at arm’s length at all times. This typically is done to protect the loved ones from impending harm; however this differs because in this instance it stems from his own inadequacies and lack of conviction in himself. Although Grant lacks the ability to see his true inner potential, others such as Tante Lou have shown positive encouragement and ultimately given everything in the belief that Grant can be great. In this instance Tante Lou has kept hidden the fact that she works incredibly long hours and works her fingers to the bone, just to send Grant to college. These outside positive factors have helped pave the pathway so that one day Grant can find his inner hero and live up to his full potential. Another important transition into Grant’s heroic path is the belief in himself which stems from an important connection with Jefferson whom he felt provided an idea he lacked, wholeness. Grant explained to Jefferson that he felt lost and needed Jefferson to believe in something so that someday he (Grant) can look to Jefferson as an example and start believing in himself. Through Jefferson, Grant has learned to stop hiding behind his own fear and inadequacies. This marks the change in status for both men as Jefferson for the first time exemplifies strength, which is shown in his posture and offer to provide Jefferson food. Grant steps back from a teaching role and exemplifies a student role in which he feels inadequate, realizing that perhaps his opinions and cynic views on life have been wrong. This is an important point in the book because it marks the final transition into the fulfillment of both men’s existence. At this point he reader has seen both characters come full circle and grow from empty husks into in depth complex people, both of which can be considered as heroes. On Jefferson’s last night Jefferson apologizes to Grant for crying when he realized that Grant would not be at the execution, stating that nobody had ever been as good to him as Grant had been during his incarceration. This kindness shown by Grant once again exemp lifies the hero role as doing something that other men do not do; in this case it was treating Jefferson as a man, a human, and as an equal. Finally Jefferson’s diary shows how Jefferson has grown into his potential and indicates that his faith is placed not in God but in his friendship with Grant. His finding of faith is the last part needed by Grant, to fully believe in himself and become the man Tante Lou and everyone else knows he can become. Although both individuals started on a path of isolation, cynicism and were shown as empty husks of their true potential, they each found fulfillment and growth. Even though it was unintentional both Jefferson and Grant grew from the experiences provided by the other and were finally able to break the chains holding them back to fulfill their potential as heroes. Upon the epiphanies that each had based on the others actions and conversations, both characters were able to grow and accomplish what individually they could not. Even though in the end Jefferson was still put to death, this book shows that two men who have nothing in common can create something so great that it shakes the very foundation on which they are built. This can apply to present day society as well as to society in the past. How to cite A Hero Within, Papers

Debut Albums and Jerry free essay sample

Two students, Fee and Jerry, talk about a popular hobby Jerry: Hi Fee, hows the new Job going? Feb. : Its very exciting and Im really learning a lot. At the same time, Its also quite tiring. I need a break today. Jerry: How about If we go to lunch together? Feb.: No, I want to do something more active. I have an Idea. Why dont we go to the park and fly a keel Jerry: Are you kidding? Fee: No, Im serious. Flying kites is an ancient tradition here. Look, I have this kite my uncle gave me. Jerry: Hey, its a butterfly.It must look really cool flying high in the slyly Fee: So, are you up for it? Jerry: Okay But where can we flay kite in such a big city? Fee: We can go Just down the street, at the Workers Stadium. We will write a custom essay sample on Debut Albums and Jerry or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Jerry: You can fly kites in the stadium? Fee: Well, not exactly. But we can fly them in the parking lot. Lets go! Jerry: Okay, Im right behind you! (Twenty minutes later, they arrive at the north gate of the Workers Stadium. ) Jerry: Wow! So many kites! Fell: Watch your step! Dont get run over by the roller-skating, Jerry: I have to watch out for those football players too! I didnt know this Is such a popular place.Fell: I used to come here as a kid to play, and at night my mother and grandmother sometimes came to dance. Jerry: All of these kites are really beautiful. Look at that long one over there. It looks like a dragon to me. Fee: Thats right, it is. The dragon is really impressive, but I prefer the bird kite over there. Dont you think its amazingly graceful? Jerry: Yes, it looks like a real bird flying! It obviously takes real skill to fly these special kites. Im eager to see your butterfly up among the clouds. Fee: Okay, hold onto the kite while I get the string ready. On the count of three, let go. One Two Three. .. Here we go!!! English Conversation 2: Fee is helping Jerry decide what gifts to give to his family back home Fell: HI Jerry. Jerry? Oh,Jerry!! Jerry: Oh, Hal Fell. I didnt hear you approaching. Fee: You were really lost in thought. Or were you sleeping? Jerry: No, I wasnt sleeping, just thinking. Fee: About what? Jerry: Well, Ill be going back home to visit my family for a couple of weeks. Fee: Thats great. Its been a while since youve seen them, hasnt it? Jerry: Yes, its been quite a while. Fee: So, you must be thinking about how happy youll be to see them again.Jerry: Yes, thats true. But Im also thinking about what kinds of gifts I should bring back from China for everyone my brother, my sister, her husband and daughter, and of course, for my parents. Fell: Of course, you want to bring back some traditional things. How about some Chinese kites? Jerry: Hey, thats a good Idea! You and I had a lot of fun flying kites together. Im sure my niece would get a kick out of flying a Chinese-style kites too. Fee: And maybe you could bring back some masks from the Beijing Opera. Exotic too! My parents will really like them.Okay, now I have to think of something to buy my sister. Thats a tough one! Fee: Dont be so pessimistic, Jerry. Does she like exotic fashions? Maybe you could bring back a equip, a traditional Chinese dress. Jerry: Of course! Another great idea! How do you think of these ideas so easily, Fee? Fee: Hey, you said it before Im a genius! Ha ha ha. Jerry: Okay, now the toughest people to shop for my brother and my sisters husband. What in the world could I bring back for them? Fee: Didnt you tell me that your brother is studying Chinese now? Jerry: Yes, thats right.He hopes to come to China after he graduates from university. Fee: So why not buy him a DVD so that he an watch a movie in Chinese? Jerry: Sure, hed love that. Hes crazy about gung if movies, so he can have fun and learn at the same time! You amaze me, Fee. Fee: Geniuses will do that! Okay, now for your brother-in-law. I think youre on your own there! Jerry: Well, I could Just get him a Ive been to the Great Wall t-shirt. Fee: Or maybe hed like a Chinese kite too. Or maybe a gung if DVD. Jerry: Right, or maybe a equip! Fee: Thats a silly idea!! Jerry: Yes, youre right. Hes much too fat to wear a equip! English Conversation 5: Jerry wants to visit the Great Wall, so he asks Fay for some suggestions Jerry: Fay, Ive heard it said that you are not a true man until youve stood on the Great Wall. Id like to visit the Wall this weekend. Do you know how I can get there? Fay: There are two ways to go there. You could go there directly by bus or train, or you could Join a group tour. Jerry: Is one way better than the other? Fay: Going with a group is certainly more convenient. Everything is taken care of for you, including lunch and tickets to places of interest along the way.It usually costs around 100 ARM. Jerry: That sounds like a good deal. Fay: On the other hand, if you go directly, you wont stop along the way, which means oh can spend more time at the Wall itself. Its also cheaper. Jerry: Well, I like to go off on my own. I think going directly would be better for me. Do you know how I can get there? Fay: Ive heard the cheapest way is by minibus number 919, which you can catch near the Justinian subway station. It costs only 10 Yuan! Theres also a train which starts on the west side of the city which goes directly to the Wall, but Ive never taken it. I know theres a small station outside the west gate of Beijing Aeronautics University. You could go there and ask around. Jerry: Thats very close to where I live, so Ill check it out! By the way, have you ever been to the Great Wall? Fay: Yes, I have. It was VERY impressive! Not only is it so long, but I was surprised at how steep the steps are. Its almost like climbing a mountain! The scenery from the wall is quite spectacular. Looking out from the Wall, you can really get a sense of history. Jerry: Great! Im really looking forward to it. So Fay, since youve been to the Great Wall, you are a true man, right?Fay: Yes, now I drink lots of beer and even smoke cigars! Jerry: Really?!? Fay: Of course not, Im Just kidding! Fee: Hi Jerry, whats wrong? You look a bit under the weather. Jerry: Im not feeling ere well. I seem to be coming down with another cold. Fee: Not again! You had a cold last month, and the month before that, too. Jerry: Well, theres not much I can do about it. Im not sick on purpose. All I can do is take some medicine and take it easy. Fee: Would you mind if I made a suggestion? Jerry: No, I dont mind. Go ahead. Fee: Maybe you should try some traditional Chinese medicine.Jerry: If it can help me get rid of this cold, Id be willing to give it a shot. Fee: Actually, it might not make a difference with this cold, but it can make your whole body stronger so you wont catch so many colds. Jerry: Whats so special about traditional Chinese medicine? Fee: One special point is that its all natural. Chinese medicine is made from plants, not chemicals, which means there are few side-effects. Jerry: Thats a big advantage. Some people cant stand the thought of taking medicine because of all the chemicals. Fee: Another advantage is that Chinese medicine works slowly, so it keeps your body healthy in the long run.Jerry: That sounds like Just what I need! But, how does traditional Chinese medicine work? Fee: Basically, it helps balance two opposing forces in your body. In Chinese, we call these forces Yin, which is cold, dark and diet, and Yang, which is hot, bright and active. If you have either too much Yin or too much Yang, your body is out of balance, and you are more likely to get sick. The purpose of traditional Chinese medicine is to put Yin and Yang back in balance. Jerry: I see. So how can I get my hands on some Chinese medicine. Can I buy it in any pharmacy?Fee: First, you should be examined by a traditional doctor. I know a good doctor Just around the corner. Jerry: Im a bit afraid, Fee. Will he give me any shots or anything like that? Fee: Dont be afraid, Jerry. The doctor will Just feel your pulse and check the color of your tongue. Its very simple and painless! Jerry: Great! I have some free time at the end of next week. Hows your schedule on Thursday or Friday? Fee: Im free both days. Ill call the doctor to set up an appointment, then let you know what has been decided. Jerry: Thats wonderful Fee. It should be a very interesting experience for me.English Conversation 4: Jerry tells Fee about his first visit to a primary school Jerry: Hi Fee, how was your day? Fee: Hi Jerry, Ive been looking for you. Where have you been? Jerry: I Just had a very interesting experience. I spent the whole day with dozens of little children! Fee: That sounds like fun. Jerry: Yes, it was fun But exhausting! Kids have so much energy. Fee: Where did you meet all these kids? Jerry: At the primary school down the street. I visited some of their classes in the morning, then taught them some simple English in the afternoon. Fee: English must be very difficult for them.Jerry: Actually, they were very eager to learn. I was quite impressed. Fee: What did you teach them? Jerry: One teacher gave me some sentences to practice. The kids love to repeat things times I whispered, and they whispered back. They were very cute. Fee: Yes, I can imagine. Jerry: We also sang songs and played some English games together. Fee: Thats great. You know, when I was in primary school, we never had English lessons. Jerry: How about in middle school? Fee: We studied English, but only for a test. It wasnt very practical. Jerry: Well, youve managed to learn English very well.I guess its because youre a Super Student. Fee: Ha ha ha. Not me! The kids you saw today seem to be much more super than I am. Theyre the future of China. Jerry: Yes, they are, so China must have a bright future! I wonder what this country will be like in 15 or 20 years when these kids are adults English Conversation fee invites Jerry to go sing some songs with her friends Fee: Hey Jerry, my friends Just invited me to go to aka la okay with them tonight. Would you like to come along? Jerry: Where are you going? California? Do you mean karaoke?We pronounce it carry Oh key in English, with the emphasis on the Oh. Fee: Oh, I see. Do you want to go to karaoke with us? Itll be fun! Jerry: Fee, I feel nervous when someone hands me a microphone. I freeze. I know Im not a very good singer. Fee: Thats strange! I thought Americans were very outgoing. Jerry: Not me! Im very shy, especially in front of a group of strangers. Fee: Hey, my friends arent strange! Jerry: Strangers Just means people I dont know. It doesnt mean they are strange! Was it easy for you to sing the first time you went to karaoke? Fee: For me it was very easy, I love to sing!But now that you mention it, some of my friends were very shy the first time they went. One of my friends says he has to have some beer before he can sing in front of people. Maybe you should have one or two drinks before singing. Jerry: Yeah, one or two beers might help Or twenty! Fee: Does that mean youll come? Jerry: Okay, Ill give it a try. At the karaoke club Jerry: Oh, its a private room! I thought wed be singing in a crowded bar or restaurant. Fee: No, we have this all to ourselves. Jerry: That will make it easier maybe. Now, how does this work? Fee: Its simple. Just choose a song and sing.Do you know Hotel California? Jerry: Sure, everybody knows it. Fee: Great, here it comes now! Good luck Jerry! Jerry: What do you mean? Im not ready to sing yet. I havent even had ONE beer! Fee: Youll Just have to do your best. You know what they say: Just do it! Jerry starts to sing. Two hours later. .. Fee: Jerry, how many songs have you sung? Jerry: Oh, at least 10. Fee: I think its been more like 20. Time to go home! Jerry: Time to go home? But were Just getting started. Lets stay half an hour more. Fee: Sorry, we have to go to work in the morning and you have to study. Well come back some other night. Jerry: Great! How about tomorrow? Fay: Hi Jerry. The school year is almost over. Do you have any plans for the summer holiday? Jerry: Im planning on sleeping all day, every day! Fay: Oh, come on Jerry, you must be kidding. Jerry: Yeah, Im Just pulling your leg. Actually, Im going to go down to Gaucho Province. Fay: Really? Why would you go to Gaucho? Its not a very popular tourist site. Jerry: Exactly! Its not very popular, so it wont be too crowded. I enjoyed my trip o the Great Wall, but there were so many people there. I think it spoiled the atmosphere a bit.Fay: Im sure Gaucho wont be so crowded. But wont it be too hot in the summer? Jerry: No, according to one of my students, its very cool in the summer. He said it is naturally air conditioned. Fay: Well, that sounds good. I wouldnt mind getting away from the Beijing heat myself. Still, I wonder Is there anything worth seeing in Gaucho? Jerry: Sure! For one thing, theres the beautiful natural scenery. Im sure youve heard of the Hang Guy Shush Waterfalls. Theres also the Mailing Gorge which is said to be spectacular. There are mountains everywhere in Gaucho, even in the capital city of Gunning.Fay: Yes, I have heard of Hang Guy Shush Pub, but wont you get bored Just looking at the scenery? Jerry: Come on Fay, theres lots of things to do. I can go hiking in Asian Ling Park in Gunning, visit Miami villages in the southeast, and I know youve heard of Gunny, a very historical city. Its where Mao Zee Dong first became the leader of the Red Army. Fay: Gee, when you describe it like that, it sounds really interesting! Jerry: And thats not all. Ill be able to eat very delicious, spicy food, drink world-famous amatol, and my student told me I can meet mom very beautiful women there!Fay: Im sure youll have fun Jerry, but let me give you some advice. Be sure to hold onto your wallet AND your heart! Jerry: Well see what happens! Fay: Do you have a place to stay in Gaucho? Jerry: Yes, Im very lucky. My students sister is the manager of the Gaucho Park Hotel, the best hotel in the province. Ive seen some pictures on the Internet, its really nice! But I think outside Gunning, Ill stay in a Miami village or maybe buy a tent and go camping. Fay: Thats great, Jerry. Im looking forward to seeing your photos when you get back.