Finally at TESOL!

Well, I was finally able to find the time and location of a computer to write a blog entry! The Convention has been great...have gone to many sessions about pronunciation. The big ideas is syllables and suprasegmentals. Segmental (phoneme) is addressed indirectly, or through homework, or through listening lab assignments. Went to a presentation where we were shown a diagnostic tool foir measuring and keeping track of syllable stress patterns, AND the presenter wants us participants to email him with our comments and findings. (it is nice to be part of a --free-- pilot project). It was amazing to sit in a room with other pronunciation folks who have written the textbooks I use, or are presenters at the convention, or I have seen their names in research articles. The exhibits have been great. Picked up some books on classroom assessment and adult ed ESL standards. Other materials--esp software/tech materials--have been very tempting as well. It is also amazing to see people literally from all over the world here, something that I hope ASHA Conventions encourage more of in the future. And, last but not least, Howard Gardner was truly inspiring. His new work focuses on "5 Kinds of Minds" for the 21st century, based on research he has been doing. (these can separate entries by themselves, so I will save that for another time, soon). So I am having a great time, learning lots, and hopefully getting a little smarter each day.