At the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a bespectacled Dr. Jones (in suit and bowtie) addresses his students: “The archaeologist work is not a treasure hunting, there…
“The computer is not working”: being let down by technology
I have always hated to rely on technology. Maybe it is because I grew up in a place where computers and electric devices never seemed to work properly, and repairs…
A lecture is a performance: do not forget your audience
Giving a lecture is not very dissimilar to a performance. In both activities, it is not only important what you say, but how you deliver it. Your movements, your body…
Not for school, but for life
According to a collection of Danish books for teenagers I used to read, “Not for school, but for life” is the motto of many secondary schools in that country. I…
Can you ever stop learning? : The clay jug
An ancient Arabic story tells about a scholar who was growing old. He was very worried that his knowledge would be lost after his death. To prevent this from happening,he…
Using film in the language class
One of the biggest advantages of teaching foreign languages is that you can include “fun” learning resources, such as songs or videos. Listening exercises always make the lesson more entertaining.…
Do not panic. It is just grammar
As soon as I uttered the sentence, the classroom became the setting of a horror film. Thunder and lightning were heard in the distance. My language students’ faces were invaded…
Latin lingua viva est: why the Classics are necessary
I recently read an article on a national newspaper, mocking the suggestion of the Minister of Education that state school pupils should study Latin and Greek. The author (a comedian…