| Kang Guru Connection Bulletin | May-June 2005 Page 3 |
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Great Activities from GREAT Clubs |
On May 5th and 7th, Kevin spent time in Lombok working with Jack and Nada and their interactive radio program - “Pro 2 Talk to Me -Interactive Radio English”, every Friday at 19:00 on 104.2 FM. Together with RRI Mataram Jack, Nada and Kevin hosted a Listener’s Meeting at RRI on Sunday the 7th of May for 150 KGRE - ites from Lombok. The ALFA Club #013 helped to organize that very successful event - thanks to all of them. On Sunday evening Kevin was the special guest on the ALFA Club’s very own interactive radio program also broadcast on RRI Mataram. Thanks RRI Mataram and great job Fadel.
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The Pioneer English Club sent in their tips on how to practice English in order to improve English skills. Here are some of the tips:
1. Perform every classroom activity. Do every task, even if the teacher does not call on you. If the teacher asks someone else a question, make up your answer too. Complete tasks in your head when it’s someone else’s turn to give an answer and check your answer against theirs.
2. Ask questions in the foreign language. As soon as you start studying English you should learn how to ask questions such as, ‘how do you say that in English?’, ‘is it correct to say ...?’, ‘what is the English word for ...? Such simple questions give you a lot of opportunity for learning.
3. Interact with skilled speakers including your teachers or with classmates. Feel free to speak with teachers outside of class. If it is not possible to do that then talking with your classmates can be an easy and enjoyable way to get some practice. Join a conversation club where you can practice your English with other speakers such as your friends, English teachers or even native speakers who are invited by the club.
4. Listen to English programs regularly. This will not only sharpen your comprehension skills but also allow you to practice pronunciation and speaking. Try to listen to Kang Guru Radio English, the BBC or the VOA (Voice of America). Watch English language TV serials and movies. Remember that you do not need to understand every word you hear to understand and enjoy the programs.
5. Read something in English regularly. When choosing reading materials look for texts you can understand without relying too much on a dictionary. You still don’t have to understand all the words in a text. A page a day is good way to start. As you advance, you will find that you can increase the quantity of page and the level of difficulty. Look for magazines, for instance, that reflect your personal interests whether politics, sport, or arts. Many people find that illustrated foreign language magazines are easier to read because the pictures provide many clues.
6. Write in English regularly. Find your own reason for writing if your teacher doesn’t assign compositions or essays on a regular basis. A pen pal is good motivation. You will learn a lot by trying to communicate with someone who shares your interests but comes from another country. If you don’t like to write letters you can keep a diary or write notes to friend.
7. Rehearse silently in English. This is the easiest way to practice because it doesn’t require any particular time, place, equipment or partner. You can look at an apple for instance and think ‘This is an apple. It is red and shiny. But I cannot eat it. It is not mine’.
by Zaenal Abidin, Pionner English Club
