Movies. Give a review of the movie “Dangerous Minds”. How did Louanne Johnson change lives of her students?

Dangerous Minds is a 1995 American drama/hood film directed by John N. Smith, and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. It is based on the autobiography My Posse Don't Do Homework by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, in 1989, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East Palo Alto, a then-unincorporated town at the opposite end of the school district. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Johnson, the film was released to an overwhelmingly negative critical reception, but became a surprise box office success in the summer of 1995, leading to the creation of a short-lived television series.

So, to understand the main problems touched upon in this film, let’s appeal to its plot. A former marine became a teacher at high school. At first her students didn’t take her seriously, but she managed to attract their attention by karate and philosophical poems. She made them shoes their future and their way of life. One more her “ruse” was to reward the pupils for their attempts. Since they were “difficult children”, she had to solve a lot of problems and there was a situation, which she wasn’t able to improve. One of her students was killed, so she made up her mind to leave school, but the pupils didn’t let her go.

Now I’d like to say a few words about acting. Here I should say that it was very impressive and natural. If it wasn’t an almost unreal plot, I’d believed. Michelle Pfeiffer was perfect. It’s also important that there were not famous actors among children, so they were so sincere that it seemed as truly as in life.

As for directing, it’s well-done, but I still don’t believe in reality of the whole situation. If the changes were not shown so quickly it would probably seem more natural.

To crown it all, I’d like to say that I like this film first of all because it’s biographical. It gives us, as future teachers, a brilliant example of the way we should behave with children. For me personally it’s an urgent problem. This teacher didn’t give up. She worked hard and struggled to teach his pupils and make the best ones. I think that there should be more such vital films, which can teach us something we don’t know or if we are not sure how to do something in a right way, especially being teacher. Such a wonderful example of a leader, who is able to ignite children’s hearts is necessary for those who is still in doubts.

The Ron Clark Story

Movies. Give a review of the movie “The Ron Clark Story”. Comment on its tagline, “No one believed in them. Except him.”

The film under consideration is The Ron Clark Story. It was produced in 2006 by the director Randa Haines starring  Matthew Perry, Judith Buchan, Griffin Cork, etc. The genre of this film is defined as biography and drama. The action takes place in one of New York public schools.

So, to understand the main problems touched upon in this film, let’s appeal to its plot. Having worked in a public school in a small town, an ambitious young teacher Ron Clark moves to New York, where he finds vacancy of a teacher in one of the toughest classrooms in the country. Almost all kids in this class are problem children, who receive the lowest grades at their exams each year. Teachers don’t believe that they are able to study and moreover achieve good results. The problem is that the pupils are also sure that they are losers. However, Ron Clark is going to change the situation. He sets a number of rules to unite children and create the atmosphere of support and mutual understanding, to make them feel a family. However, he comes across rejection. Nevertheless, he doesn’t give up and step by step “tame” these aggressive kids. The further they study the better progress they make and eventually get the highest grades in the city.

Now I’d like to say a few words about acting. Here I should say that it was very impressive and natural. If it wasn’t an almost unreal plot, I’d believed. Matthew Perry was perfect, I even forgot that actually he used to be a comic actor in “Friends”. It’s also important that there were not famous actors among children, so they were so sincere that it seemed as truly as in life.

As for directing, it’s well-done, but I still don’t believe in reality of the whole situation. If the changes were not shown so quickly it would probably seem more natural.

To crown it all, I’d like to say that I like this film first of all because it’s biographical. It gives us, as future teachers, a brilliant example of the way we should behave with children. For me personally it’s an urgent problem. This teacher didn’t give up. He worked hard and struggled to teach his pupils and make the the best ones. I think that there should be more such vital films, which can teach us something we don’t know or if we are not sure how to do something in a right way, especially being teacher. Such a wonderful example of a leader, who is able to  ignite children’s hearts is necessary for those who is still in doubts.

School Education in Britain and the USA

1. What types of schools do they have in the UK?
They have state and public schools, mixed (co-educational) and single – sex schools.
2. When do children start/leave school?
They start school at 5 and leave at 16
3. What are the stages of schooling according to age?
5-7 – infant school
7-11 – junior school
11-16 comprehensive (grammar /modern school)
4. What exams do pupils have to take?
SATs, GCSE, A-level
5. Do school leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university?
Yes, they are to take A-levels
6. It is well known that there is no written constitution in the UK. Is there such a thing as a national curriculum?
Yes, it is.
7. How long should it take to complete full-time compulsory education?
11 years
8. What should primary school and secondary school concentrate on?
Primary –the three R’s and secondary – foreign languages, science and maths
9. In what case can entrance exams be abandoned?
If a person doesn’t want to get higher education.
10. What should be admission requirements to primary and secondary school?
Admission to the primary school is age and to the secondary – satisfactory academic results and absence of records of disruptive behavior.
11. What is the purpose of elite school education?
To provide children with opportunities of further entering a higher society.
12. What subjects should be an integral part of school curriculum? What subjects can be optional for university students?
Foundation subjects should be a foreign language, history, maths, science, history, English , Physical Education, History and Geography. Religious and creative subjects should be optional.
13. What is the essence of private schooling in Russia?
Private schooling in Russia provides  fee-paying education, but it isn’t considered  to be much more prestigious than state one.
14. What is a problem pupil?
A problem pupil is a pupil, who plays truant, misbehave and gets bad marks.
15. What is your idea of a good teacher?
I think that a good teacher is a qualified, clever, self – disciplined and objective person, who is able to get along with the pupils.
16. Looking back on your school days, what experiences can you describe as the most 1) memorable, 2) exciting, 3) painful?
1) The most memorable school experience for me was  the moment, when all my classmates and I were standing near the classroom, waiting for a test and singing  the song “¨Хорошо, все будет хорошо!”. It was very pleasant for me to realize that we were so united.
2) The most exciting were the first days of studies, the 1st of September, when I met my friends and classmates after summer holidays.
3) The most painful experience was when in the 11th grade the whole ma class plaid truant to celebrate a boy’s birthday. It was very shameful.
17. How do you feel on the morning of an exam?
I feel excited and curious, since it’s interesting for me which card I’ll get. l love exams, since it’s like a lottery.
18. In your opinion, which exam is easier to pass: oral or written?
To my mind it’s easier to pass oral exam, because there is always an opportunity to improve some mistakes and develop your thought.
19. Do you prefer to be the first to answer in an oral exam?
Maybe not the first, but in the first five.
20. Do you use rough-work sheets in a written exam? Why?
Yes, because everything should be legibly.
21. Do you feel uncomfortable if a teacher stands next to you during a written exam?
No, it’s ok, because I don’t crib, so there is nothing to be afraid of.
22. Do you think a crib can be of any use?
For me a crib is of no use. It’s better to store knowledge in my head that on a sheet of paper.
23. Have you ever panicked during an exam?
A little bit, when I got the text, the sense of which I didn’t understand. But then it was ok, I realized the message right before my turn to answer.
24. Do you think it is a way out to copy from other students?
No, if you copy out, you don’t learn thosething s which you are to learn. It’s a silly thing to play the fool and then use smb else’s work to get a good mark.
25. What is the most difficult thing about exams?
To make yourself learn something.
26. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools (boarding schools, co-educational vs single-sex schools, school uniforms)?
Boarding schools teach children to be independent, but at the same time children miss their parents. Coeducational schools is a better way to socialize than single-sex ones, however, the latter, make children more self-disciplined.
27. Is it a good idea for pupils to specialize in their “best” subjects at school?
I think it’s a good idea, because it’s necessary to develop skills.
28. What’s the best age for children to start primary school? Why?
A posteriori I can say that the best age for starting primary school is 6. I started schooling at 6 and it was quite easy for me to cope with all difficulties.
29. Should children stay at school until they are 18 or 19?
No, at this age they are to be at university.
30. Is it a good idea for pupils to participate in the running of schools?
Yes, it is. They can bring some fresh ideas and make life school interesting. Moreover, in this way they become more independent and at the same time learn to work in a team.
31. Are national and international exams necessary? What are the pros and cons of regular performance tests and continuous assessment by teachers and lecturers?
Yes, these exams are necessary to check the progress and stimulate further development.
32. Can computers assess learning?
Sometimes yes, but not always. For example, it’s impossible for computers to assess a person’s creativity.

Lab. Work #4

MP3 AUDIO 3.4

1. Listen to two people discussing the issue of public vs. state schooling. What are they saying about: cost, quality of education, increased life chances? What do you agree with most?

 They say that there are more opportunities in a public school. If you attend a public school, you have got better facilities and an opportunity to make useful connections. Employers are ready to take on students of public school. However, for somebody it can be interesting to study at state school, because it’s attended by different people. I think that it’s true that some companies consider students, who finished a public school to be better, however, nowadays, it’s not as important, as it was earlier. Today it’s more important what you can that what you finish.

2. Think about the similarities and differences between:

• the education system in your country/the education system in the UK or the USA
• wearing school uniform/wearing what you like
• state-wide exams/continual assessment
• Well, in general, the education system in Russia, the UK and the USA differs not very much. All the stages of education are present in all the three countries. However, British kids begin to study a bit earlier than ours, and the way they study differs. While Russian pupils sit at their desks and plug away at their textbooks, British and American children play. Also, the overseas pupils pass more exams than ours and they are to choose more subjects for them. However, they have some optional courses, unlike our kids. Speaking about Britain, we can also say that to enter the university they are to pass A-levels (for which they prepare for two years), while Russian pupils pass the Unified State Exam, which is both outlet and entrance at the same time. The American students pass SAT or ACT, write essays and gather materials about their achievements (as well as in Britain). It’s very interesting that they have the so-called “a gap year” when they can rest from their studies and try some profession. Moreover, it’s not necessary to choose any faculty immediately, because students in the USA possess the right for transferring from one faculty to another.
• As for uniform, I think it’s better when students wear it, because it makes them equal in some way. It’s necessary, since some children feel humbled if their family is poor and their rich classmates mock at them because if their outfit. Moreover, it tune for the serious mood and self-discipline.
• I think that state – wide exams are better than continual assessment, since it allows schools and universities to create the whole picture of what represent their students without making the latter experience the continual stress.

Lab. Work #3.

LIVE AND LEARN

MP3 AUDIO 3.3

1. In your opinion, what are the reasons students stay away from school? Think about boredom, influence of friends, problems at school, family problems. What problems can truancy cause a student?

I think the main reason for playing truant is trivial laziness. Most children miss lessons because it’s difficult for them to spend so much time at school. So they think up “more interesting” activities like sleeping, watching TV or something like that, I don’t know what they actually do. Some pupils just don’t do their homework, thus, they are afraid of a teacher’s reaction to this, so, they play hooky. Weak persons experience influence of their friends, who persuade them to go with them to the cinema or drink beer or whatever. Problems at school also can cause a child’s fear to attend school. If a pupil has got difficult relationships with a teacher or classmates, who tease them, humiliate and mock at they try to do everything but going to school. Unfortunately, there are also those, who stay away from school because of family problems. For example, parents’ illness or financial difficulties make a child try to help their family and earn money, for instance.

2. You are going to listen to the interview with headmaster of East Crompton Comprehensive School Dr. Charles Greenway. For questions 1-7 choose the correct answer (A, B or C).

1     Dr Greenway implies that some children who play truant

A   do so in order to earn money.

B    behave badly in public.

C   are never punished.

2    Why do some parents take their children on holiday during term time?

A   Because it's peak season.

B   To spend time together as a family.

C   To save money.

3    Why is it difficult for schools to convince students to attend regularly?

A   Parents set a bad example for them.

B   There is no good reason to attend.

C   Some teachers behave irresponsibly.

4    How has the government reacted to truancy?

A   They have been trying to stop it for years.

B   They are only just beginning to help.

C   They think it is too late to do anything.

5    Why are the government having talks with travel agents?

A   To convince them to offer parents cheap holidays.

B    To make sure that children don't play truant.

C   To get help from them in combating truancy.

6    What are the aims of 'behaviour improvement projects'?

A   To teach parents to be responsible.

B   To teach students the lessons they have missed

C   To teach students to take school more seriously

7    What does Dr Greenway say about the law against truancy?

A   The law is not strict enough.

B    Parents are not often prosecuted.

C    Many parents face criminal charges.

3. Which of the following things would be most effective in combating truancy? Rank them and give a short account describing your choice.

-         more interesting lessons

-         police involvement

-         more responsible parenting

-         strict punishment

-         teaching students to respect school

1. First of all, it’s necessary to provide pupils with more cognitive and interesting lessons. Some children don’t understand, in what way should they use their knowledge in life, and since they don’t realize that, lessons become boring for them.
2. As for parents, they are to be more responsible for their children, since they are the models to follow for them. Parent’s words are perceived by children as something undeniable, so parents should influence them somehow.
3. Teaching students to respect school is also very important, because if they know how it’s important for them to be educated and socialized in a right way, they’ll treat school more seriously.
4. Police involvement as long as strict punishment are for that case if the worst comes to the worst. Children are to be taught to respect school in a reasonable and perceived way, they are to make sense of it, not to be made to love school. It’s almost impossible.