The Student Success Blog will update you with useful resources, services and activities in our ESL Program and throughout the college. You will also find useful links for self study and study skills tips. Visit the blog often as information is updated weekly. Submissions, links or ideas for the blog are always welcome! Have a wonderful session at the School of ESL!
Showing posts with label Study Groups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Study Groups. Show all posts

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Week 6 is already here!!

Today, Monday, June 4: Presentation Skills, 3pm, D309: 
Last chance to get assistance and feedback on your presentations.  Bring your presentation draft to this workshop to get feedback before you present!

Tuesday, June 5: Listen Up Study Group, sign up at D304A

Wednesday, June 6: Speak Up, 3pm, D309

Thursday, June 7: Writing Strategies (12pm D308; 3pm D309)

Friday, June 8th: Movie Club:  
The Devil Wears Prada!
Sit back, munch on some popcorn and enjoy this hilarious film with friends.
MOVIE TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zicgut4gpwU









STUDY GROUPS!
Drop by D304 or D304A to sign up for a study group or one-on-one assistance in speaking, reading, writing or listening or to get assistance with your presentations!!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Workshops and Study Groups

Monday: Presentation Skills D309
Tuesday: Listening Strategies by appointment; register in D304A
Wednesday: Speak Up D309 (this week begins at 3:30 due to Amazing Race info and sign-up session
Thursday: Writing Strategies (12pm D308; 3pm D309)
Friday: Drama and Club (D309)
              Volunteer Info Sessions (D302)
Study Groups:  start a study group and have the Peer Leaders support you.  Drop by D304A to sign up!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Week 4 is here. We've hit the halfway point!

Study Group and Workshop Schedule

1.  Monday:  Spelling Bee Practice Session
D309 3:00-4:00pm
Come out to learn spelling strategies and get a head start on the Spelling Bee Competition starting Tues, March 27th.
Sign up TODAY in D304A to join the Spelling Bee!

2.  Tuesday, March 27th:  Spelling Bee Begins!!
D301 12-1:00pm; 3:00-4:00pm


3.  Wednesday:  Speak Up 
D309 3:00-4:30 pm
Grab a coffee/juice and a cookie, practice conversation skills, improve your speaking confidence and meet new friends.

4.  Thursday:  Writing Strategies 
D309 Schedule B,12-1:30pm  Schedule A3-4:30pm
Practice Paraphrase, Summary, Brainstorming, Outlining and Effective Writing Skills.  

5.  Friday:  Improv (Acting/Drama) with Natasha 
(please note that this will replace the Games Workshop Week 4) 
D309 3:00-4:30 pm
Kick back and learn English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere!  Get out of your shell!!
Other Study Groups by Appointment in D304


Also:  Don't forget about:
  • Tutoring in the Library:  Tues and Thurs, 12-1pm
  • TLC Tutoring (C503):  9:30-5:30 Daily

    Monday, March 12, 2012

    Week 2: Time to get started on the right foot!


     TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE FREE SUPPORTS AVAILABLE TO YOU:
    1.  Visit our Peer Leaders in D304A for support--don't wait until the last minute!  Come early to ensure your success.  Below, see the workshop schedule:
     2.  The Tutoring Learning Centre is available for English Language  and Math Support.  The TLC is located in Building C, room C503 and is open from 9:30 to 5:30 daily.   
    3.  Tutoring with TESL teachers is available in the ESL Library, D313.  Beginning next week, drop by every Tues and Thurs at 12pm  for English practice.



    Schedule for Study Groups, Workshops and Activities:



    Study Groups and and Ongoing Weekly Workshops led by your Peer Leaders:



    Speak Up
    Grab a coffee/juice and a cookie, practice conversation skills, improve your speaking confidence and meet new friends.
    Wednesdays D309 3:00-4:30 pm

    Writing Strategies
    Practice Paraphrase, Summary, Brainstorming, Outlining and Effective Writing Skills.  
    Thursdays D309 Schedule B,12-1:30pm  Schedule A, 3-4:30pm

    Games Club and Improv (Drama) with Natasha
    Kick back and learn English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere!
    Fridays D309 3:00-4:30 pm


    Listen Up  and other Study Groups
    Would you like to improve listening strategies or practice listening logs?  Improve your listening skills, build your vocabulary and enhance cultural knowledge?
    Drop by D304A and speak to the Peer Leaders about joining or forming a listening study group to meet your needs.  
    Would you like to practice a particular skill such as reading, grammar?  Drop by D304A to sign up for a STUDY GROUP.  
    Speak with one of your Peer Leaders or look for the sign up sheets posted under the windows outside of D304A.
     
    JOIN or FORM A STUDY GROUP and have a peer leader assist you.  

    Remember:  We learn 
    • 50% of what we Hear and See
    • 70% of what is Discussed with Others
    • 80% of what we Experience Personally
    • 95% of what we Teach to Someone Else
    So, join a study group with your Peer Leaders and STUDY SMARTER, NOT HARDER!



    VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
    Would you like to:   meet new people?  get Canadian experience?  improve your speaking skills, listening skills and boost your confidence? make a difference in someone's life?     Kurt is our volunteer coordinator and is happy to speak with you about volunteer activities at GBC and in the GTA.  Drop by D304 on Mondays and Tuesdays to meet with him or drop him a line at kaydiner@hotmail.ca





    Current opportunities:
    • 50/50 Ticket Sales for Raptors and Toronto Maple Leaf Games to benefit Kidsport!
      Date
      Team
      Arrival Time
      April 1 – Sunday
      Toronto Raptors
      4:30pm
      April 5 – Thursday
      Toronto Maple Leafs
      5pm
      April 13 – Friday
      Toronto Raptors
      5pm
      • Doors Open Toronto, May 26th and 27th:  a fantastic opportunity to be an ambassador for Toronto meet new people and to learn more about the architecture in the city.   Doors Open Toronto — one weekend, once a year — is an event when approx. 150 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public for a city-wide celebration.
        The program allows visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Many locations have organized guided tours, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience.
      Orientation for this event  is March 29th--see Kurt in D304 for details.
      Kurt also has information on long-term volunteer opportunities.
      Drop by and see him or email him for details.




      LIKE us on Facebook for updates on what's happening at GBC and in the GTA, volunteer updates,  as well as study tips and resources.
      www.facebook.com/GBC.ESL









      Read more about Kurt and the Peer Leaders on the Peer Leader link at the top of the page.  

      International Student Scholarships:  Deadline is approaching fast:  March 15th.  Submit your application to the ESL office, D313.  Information on your application is here or see 'scholarships' at the top of this page.



      Monday, May 9, 2011

      Week 2 is here: check out the supports and resources available to you!

      Resources to make the most out of your learning!
      1.  Tutoring at the TLC (Tutoring Learning Centre):  Speaking and Writing Tutoring in C503 with Peer Tutors.  Check out their blog for more information.  Tutoring at the TLC begins May 12th. 
      2.  Student Success workshops and Peer Leader assistance:  Check this blog (http://www.eslatgbc.com/ for upcoming workshops and clubs, as well as info on study tips and events. Start a study group and we'll support you!  Drop by our office:
       Peer Leaders are available in D304A.


      Workshops this week:

      1.  ESL Lab Orientation 
      with Amber:  
      Tues, /Thurs:  3pm, ESL Library, D315.





      2.  Speak Up (levels 4-8) :  
      Practice conversation and public speaking skills in a relaxed atmosphere and make new friends in the process.
      When:  Wednesdays
      WhereD309
      Time: 3:00-4:30 pm




      3.  Games Club
       Fun Opportunity to Practice your English and meet new friends.  Join the Games Club with Marcela to learn English and have fun at the same time.
      When:  Thursdays
      Where: Meet at Peer Leader Office, D304 A for room schedule
      Time: 10:00am-1:00 pm


      Workshop Beginning Next Week:  
       Listen Up Workshop on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  
      • Watch sitcoms and interesting listening material to improve your listening skills and build your vocabulary.
      Looking Ahead:  Opportunities Coming Up:


      Week 3:  Monday, May 16th:  Library Research Workshop with Bill McAskill for levels 4-6 students.  Sign up with your teacher this week.


      Week 3 & 4, Thursdays:  
      Stress Management and Memorization Skills Workshop with Mehrangiz and Alireza.  
      Sign Up sheet will be provided to your teacher.

      Week 5:  Career Planning Workshop:  
      Levels 5 and up.  Space is limited.  Details for sign up to come next week!


       Video Competition:
      Create a 2-3 minute video on the topic of Life in Toronto or at GBC.
      Win an iPod Nano, Flip Camera or Movie Passes for 2!!
      Email or See Dorothy for details. 

      Come out to our meeting this Wed, at lunchtime May 11th at 12:45 in D318 (computer lab)!!
        AND.....
      Stay in touch and  "LIKE" us on Facebook!!  www.facebook.com/GBC.ESL
      www.facebook.com/GBC.ESL
      You can see a couple of examples of video entries from last year's contest!!

      And, as always, we encourage you to STUDY SMARTER, NOT HARDER.  FORM A STUDY GROUP and ask a peer leader to assist you.  Remember:  We learn 
      • 50% of what we Hear and See
      • 70% of what is Discussed with Others
      • 80% of what we Experience Personally
      • 95% of what we Teach to someone else

      Monday, June 7, 2010

      We are already at Week 6!!!

      Website of the Week!
      click here: tedtalks

      Great speeches on very interesting and timely topics.
      Improve your listening and make note of effective speaking strategies! "Tags" are on the site to help you find speeches by topic. The transcripts are also there to assist you, if needed.

      A real gem!!


      1. Opportunity: Stress Management Workshop
      with Mehrangiz Pournaseh, a trained and experienced psychologist and Peer Leader at GBC!
      Monday, June 14th
      D309

      3:00-4:30
      Sign up with your Peer Leader this week.

      2. Summarizing and Paraphrasing Workshop
      Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting. Your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!
      When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B)
      Where: D333
      Time: 12:00-1:30

      3. SPEAK UP!
      Want to improve your speaking? Want to meet new people? Improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . Practice conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!
      When: Every Wednesday AFTER SCHOOL
      Where: D309 Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm


      4. Essay Writing Study Group for Level 7 & 8 Students
      Engage in Peer to Peer learning to improve your academic writing skills!
      When: Tues and Thurs
      Where: Meet the Peer Leaders in Room D304A
      Time: 10am

      5. Speaking with Confidence: Presentation Skills Workshop with Stan
      When: Thursdays
      Where: D319
      Time: 12:00 to 1:30pm


      6. George Brown's School of ESL Digital Storytelling Competition
      Create a video or picture slideshow to tell YOUR story. Express yourself and WIN!! The following prizes will be credited to your tuition:

      1st Prize: $200 2nd Prize: $100 3rd Prize: $50
      Length of Video/Digital Story: 2-5 minutes
      See Week 4 (last week's) posting for examples of a digital story (scroll down....)
      CONTACT DOROTHY FOR MORE INFORMATION
      Meeting this week in D318 at 11:30

      ASSIGNMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/FINAL TESTS PILING UP???
      WHY NOT FORM A STUDY GROUP WITH YOUR PEERS--STUDENTS WHO STUDY IN GROUP ARE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS:
       1 hour in a study group can be as effective as 3 hours of studying on your own!
       You remember about 95% of course material that you explain to someone else.

      Monday, May 31, 2010

      Welcome to Week 5! What's on this Week at the School of ESL?


      1. Summarizing and Paraphrasing Workshop

      Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting. Your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!

      When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B)
      Where: D333
      Time: 12:00-1:30

      2. George Brown's School of ESL Digital Storytelling Competition:
      Create a video or picture slideshow to tell YOUR story. Express yourself and WIN!! The following prizes will be credited to your tuition:
      • 1st Prize: $200
      • 2nd Prize: $100
      • 3rd Prize: $50
      Digital Stories Due: end of Week 6, June 11th
      Length of Video/Digital Story: 2-5 minutes
      See Week 4 (last week's) posting for examples of a digital story (scroll down....)

      CONTACT DOROTHY FOR MORE INFORMATION

      3. SPEAK UP!
      Want to improve your speaking? Want to meet new people? Improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

      When: Every Wednesday AFTER SCHOOL
      Where: D309 Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm


      4. Essay Writing Study Group for Level 7 & 8 Students:

      Engage in Peer to Peer learning to improve your academic writing skills!

      When: Tues and Thurs at 10am
      Where: Meet the Peer Leaders in Room D304A


      5. Speaking with Confidence: Presentation Skills Workshop for Level 7 & 8 Students with Stan

      When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
      Where: D332 on Tuesdays; D319 on Thursdays
      Time: 12:00 to 1:30pm



      ASSIGNMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/FINAL TESTS PILING UP???
      WHY NOT FORM A STUDY GROUP WITH YOUR PEERS--STUDENTS WHO STUDY IN GROUP ARE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS:
       1 hour in a study group can be as effective as 3 hours of studying on your own!
       You remember about 95% of course material that you explain to someone else.

      Invite a Peer Leader to join your weekly meetings!

      Tuesday, May 25, 2010

      Week 4: May 25th to 28th--Check out what's on this week!


      1. George Brown's School of ESL Digital Storytelling Competition:
      Create a video or picture slideshow to tell YOUR story.
      Express yourself and WIN!!
      The following prizes will be credited to your tuition:
      1st Prize: $200
      2nd Prize: $100
      3rd Prize: $50


      Digital Stories Due: end of Week 6, June 11th
      Length of Video/Digital Story: 2-5 minutes

      What is a digital story?
      1st you start with the art of storytelling. Then, you add the use of technology and your storytelling goes digital! There are many forms of digital storytelling that may combine any of the following elements: text, image, sound, voice and video, in a coherent story. The combination of these elements, each of which plays a unique role, gives the digital story its power. Unfortunately, no amount of technology will turn a poor story into a good one, so the 'storywriting' or 'storyboarding' or 'narrating' process is a key element. Pop in and speak to Dorothy in D304 or email Dorothy for details.
      Use your cellphone, a video camera or create a slideshow using Photostory 3, Animoto, Windows Movie Maker, iMovie for example.

      Possible Topics for your Digital Story:
      • Tell Your Audience A Story: Tell your story as a new immigrant or international student OR a story about someone special, your school, an event in your life, your culture or your community here in Toronto or abroad
      • Make an instructional or how-to-movie to teach your audience how to do something
      • Social Issues and Environmental Concerns: Share environmental concerns and social issues important to you, to promote awareness and perhaps even encourage public action
      Here are a couple of creative examples from your teachers here at GBC:
      This one was created by Adeesha Hack, a teacher in our level 7 Biz Program.
      It takes a critical look at the world and asks, 'what if the world were a village of 100...'


      Here's a great example from Andrea Rankin, one of our level 5 teachers. She's incorporated compare-contrast into her digital story:


      2. Summarizing and Paraphrasing Workshop
      Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting.
      Your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!
      When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B), Weeks 2-7
      Where: D333
      Time: 12:00-1:30


      3. TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES Workshops: Part III

      Learn test-taking strategies focusing on IELTS and TOEFL!
      This workshop will be led by two of your Peer Leaders that have taken and excelled at these tests.
      When:
      I. IELTS with Maya:
      Tuesday May 25th at 11:30 in D308 (~45 min)
      II. TOEFL with Mehdi G:
      Thursday May 27th at 11:30 in D308 (~45 min)--bring your lunch



      4. SPEAK UP!
      Want to improve your speaking? Improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!
      When: Every Wednesday AFTER SCHOOL, WEEKS 2-7
      Where: D309
      Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm



      5. Essay Writing Study Group for Level 7 & 8 Students:
      Engage in Peer to Peer learning to improve your academic writing skills!
      When: Tues and Thurs at 10am
      Where: Meet the Peer Leaders in Room D304A


      6. Speaking with Confidence: Presentation Skills Workshop for Level 7 & 8 Students with Stan
      When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
      Where: D332 on Tuesdays; D316 on Thursdays
      Time: 12:00 to 1:30pm

      WHY NOT FORM A STUDY GROUP WITH YOUR PEERS--STUDENTS WHO STUDY IN GROUP ARE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS:
       1 hour in a study group can be as effective as 3 hours of studying on your own!

       You remember about 95% of course material that you explain to someone else.
      Invite a Peer Leader to join your weekly meetings!

      Monday, January 18, 2010

      What's on This Week in ESL?



      1. Library Orientation with Amber: Tuesday, January 19th and Thursday, January 21st. Where: D315 ESL Library. When: 11:45-12:00 pm




      2. Newspaper/Newsblog Club: come out and share your ideas on how to make this happen!! When: Wednesday, January 20th from 3 to 4pm. Where: D306.

      3.Lunch and Learn: Learn about Effective Learning Strategies and Learning Styles on Study Groups. When: Friday, January 22nd at 12:40pm. Where: D309.


      4. Tutoring in the ESL Library, D315 Every Tues and Thurs from 12:30 to 1:30