Graciela Valdez Vera

I am Graciela Valdez Vera. I usually give the students a list of expressions and typical vocabulary to use in class. This makes possible to use as much English as possible from the very beginning; even for beginners.Then I focus on learning strategies and learning styles. I give the students strategies to memorize, strategies to read, to listen and to answer exams.
I explain what really means to think in English and how to achieve it progressively.
I Identify the learning styles to help the students use their strengths to overcome their weaknesses.

Errors help the learners, so they must be analysed to see where they are coming from; to efficiently correct them. Pronunciation and fluency require specific activities.

The receptive skills ( reading and listening) are always easier than the productive skills ( writing and speaking). Using the Thematic Approach; I give as much information as possible about a topic if interest for the learners. They will read and listen We will analyse the vocabulary and grammar and then the students will be able to write about those topics. Finally they will be able to fluently talk about those topics.

Written language requires very specific training. It is important to understand the difference between cohesion and coherence. A good paragraph can be brief and sweet, or thorough and dense, but always thought for the reader.
Descriptive writing requires other vocabulary and arrangement than Narrative or Academic writing. Correct use of Paraphrasing, citations and writing style are key to avoid plagiarism not only in the University, but also in the Working environment.

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