Barbara Franceschini
About
Hi. I'm Barbara. I am an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor. I have been teaching online ESL for the past 3 years. Now, here at Lessonface, I will be working to integrate music into the ESL lessons so you have an enjoyable experience learning English instead of the usual "grammar lessons" you have have had in the past. I have in-depth experience as an ESL professional, 40 years worth, and have worked as a teacher trainer, curriculum designer, and program coordinator. As for music, I have played the piano since I was 4 years old. I learned to read music before books. Music is a big part of my life.
English as a Second language classes can sometimes be boring and dreary for students. I always find ways to liven up the lesson with music and games. I firmly believe that language acquisition is faster when students are experiencing joy. It makes them want to learn more. If students are focused on "learning grammar" or "speaking accurately", they can have fun while doing, and actually retain more of the lesson. I have a grand daughter who is 2, and I'm singing her a Brazilian lullaby in Portuguese every night. After only a week, she is able to sing it herself. That's how easy it can be.
I have two master's degrees: Masters in the Arts of Teaching from the School for International Training, Brattleboro, Vermont, and another masters in International Education from Lesley College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I did a certificate program at UCLA Extension in Online Learning Instructional Design"
I have always worked as a student-centered instructor which means I design lessons around the students needs and preferences. In the case of Lessonface, I might use a book called "Jazz Chants" by Carolyn Graham. They are rhythmic chants that are actually reinforcing English grammar or functions. Instructors are also able to use them to teach and reinforce pronunciation in English as well as idiomatic expressions. I can also imagine using songs to work on pronunciation. Students can suggest a song they want to learn the lyrics to, and I would help with pronunciation.