Lilica Margarita's photos

The joy of our lifetimes, Lilica Margarita Govea -

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=73735&id=610291522&l=4d25bc07c7

Dissertation for MA in TEFL, U. of Birmingham (U.K.)

For anyone remotely interested, here is a link to my 99-page dissertation I wrote to complete my studies in the Master of Arts in Teahing English as a Foreign Language programme at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B7g4PkKvSN5lNTBjOWI2YjQtZTcxMy00YWEzLWJlNzktNWM3ZTI2ZDNjODk1&hl=en

Below is an abstract of the dissertation in 100 words:

Abstract of Dissertation

What effects do the prevalent sempai/kohai (master/apprentice or senior/junior) powerdistance relationships, especially between teachers, have on the introduction of genrestudies in Japanese EFL classrooms?

By JOHNNY MENDOZA GOVEA; A dissertation submitted on March 20, 2008 to the School of Humanities of the University of Birmingham in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

The four challenges of (1) teaching English through communicativemeans, (2) encouraging the hone use of communication in English, (3) utilizing the ALT effectively in the classroom, and (4) sensitizing students to the cross-cultural relationalities between how Japanese culture and English-speaking cultures perceive language use were reformulated into the dissertation question. Exploration into what power distance relationships exist and why genre studies was the focus were expounded upon through a combination of research, including informal classroom research and an online survey of native English-speaking teachers/teacher assistants. Premises gathered were streamlined to ascertain how to meet some of the above-mentioned challenges.

My New Year's message, 2007: "Fuku wo maneku" or "Come happiness"

Over three years ago, I wrote this message above on January 5th in Seto, Ehime. Now, we live in Fukuda, or "happy field." Soon, we'll move to Fukushima, or "happy island." No matter where we go, we seem to find the perfect spot for more happiness.

At a new frontier

Lilica posing on her Miffy tricycle near Taki-gawa stream behind our apartment

Within a few weeks, we'll pack up all of our belongings, load ourselves up in a rental car and head on out for Kurashiki, Okayama, our new home. These are exciting times, though a bit sad, since we must say goodbye to the good friends we've made here in Akaiwa.

I've loved our walks around the area, sometimes all three of us, but mostly just Lilica and I. We've ventured between many rice fields, seen different kinds of birds, streams and rivers and, always, felt the sheer power of the surrounding mountains when talking these walks. At first sight, I felt like these mountains were old "ronin," the masterless samurai that sought a retainer to commit their loyalty to. They overshadowed us with their stories of old and their legends of bravery.

Now, I know that that was just a mental reflection of how I felt, being an employee of a company so far away, yet being a teacher locally. Now, there is no conflict of loyalty, nor any doubt as to my true purpose in profession. In any case, I'll continue to strive to be my best as a teacher, a learner, a husband, a father and a human being.

Yes, Lilica, we're moving on up and the best is yet to come! Let's cruise on down that promising road together with Okaachan and keep one another company as we walk the path to success.

In transition (aka the attempt to capture this rising tide)

In the quiet, white slush of night
my ladies are dreaming
Our future plans are bright
our transition, gleaming

As I reminisce of work done
and contemplate the new
I know I am the one
who will keep on shining through

A teacher is a student
a student, a teacher
beyond accounts prudent
the "human potential" feature

Humility is best
Cooperation is key
Love above the rest
Smile gratefully

wavering muse
sporadic voice
spark a new fuse
make a new choice

The new dream begins
follow the signs, live the ceremony
The new song spins
an ever-evolving harmony

Official new start on April 1st

Morning view near Yoshii Junior High entrance

I can now say officially that I've have been offered a job as a Native English Teacher (NET) for the Kurashiki Board of Education and that we'll be moving the family to Kurashiki, Okayama at the end of the month. We've already arranged a moving service to help us with this move and, soon, we'll begin packing and sorting things out for this departure from Akaiwa. My 7-month term here in this amazing community has been highly fulfilling, both professionally and personally.

Lilica and Katsumi, especially, have had a chance to make some good friends here among the other neighborhood mothers and children. I've befriended not only the local children and school teachers, but also others who have shared part of their life stories with me. It's going to be hard to say good-bye to everyone around here. Yet, we'll be moving into a new position with great potential and a bright promise for our family's future. Wish us luck!