On Picketing

Picketing has become a common form of protest.The organizers and participants claim that blocking streets is the only effective way to draw public attention to a cause while other people sustain it does nothing but undermine the constitutional right of free circulation.

Firstly, opponents of picketing usually argue that new ways of protest should be thought of. As they see it, the circulation of citizens is a right that must be granted at all costs. Consequently, demonstrations in stadiums or big open areas ought to be encouraged. Besides, the public force should not hesitate to use riot control measures so as to discourage the blocking of streets.

Secondly, the media strongly disagrees with picketing. Whenever a block on any street is broadcast, the focus is always set on the chaos the city’s traffic has been turned into rather than on the picketers’ demands. The reports usually include interviews with drivers who have been prevented from going through and are, thus, furious and cannot provide a balanced reflection.

In contrast, a part of society manages to understand that picketers represent the lower classes, unemployed or underpaid workers, young mothers, and such other people who tend to be ignored by most. As Eduardo Galeano (1) calls them, the “nobodies,...those who are not, even though they are, those who are not human beings but rather human resources.” Therefore, the best course of action they have found to be heard is annoying fellow citizens.

Furthermore, all citizens have rights and it is hard, if not impossible, to decide whether some outweigh others. The right to the circulation of people is an example, but so is the right to equal treatment. Nourishment and housing as well as a decent job are connected with survival. Although it is the State’s obligation to respect, protect and fulfil these rights’ essential features, not always do priorities benefit the weakest.

All things considered, it must be said that having a clear stand on picketing seems hard as far as its appropriateness and effectiveness are concerned. As I see it, the right to hold demonstrations must be treasured as much as any other. All citizens are equal and it is our duty not to let individualism prevail.

SCs & AWRs

Ecuador

I've just heard the news about our dear Ecuador. I can't believe this is actually happening. It's so sad and frightening at the same time. Why is our Latin America constantly threatened by these violent intolerant people.

Poster Presentation

Well, what can I say about yesterday presentations... I really enjoyed listening to my fellow classmates talk about the topics they had chosen, they were all really enthusiastic. And the posters! They were wonderful.

As for my own presentation...well, well. To begin with, my poster looked as if it had been used as a tablecloth in Palermo on Sept 21st. I must say the poor piece of paper had travelled in the San Martin train, the 146 bus and the subway. Anyway, this excuse is not good enough. My classmates' comments are definitely subjective. Only ONE thought I needed to improve my visual aids. Thanks for stroking my self-esteem but let's face, it can be better.

As regards the presentation itself, I forgot to say the most important thing at the right moment. GRRR! Again, the feedback sheets from my fellow classmates said things like the information being in the poster. Still, bad girl. If I had given out the copies of the abstract (which I had run!) I could have organised my talk more effectively.

I wish I could speak more slowly! I can't help it. On top of it, I imagined that at any moment we were going to be interrupted by the drill so I stepped on it! I had recorded myself and it took me 10 minutes so, in my mind I was thinking I had to make it in 5. You witnessed the consequences.

I suppose my voice and attitude were ok. Even though I don't like these talks, I look friendly and somehow confident. If only you knew what's going on deep inside!!!

That's about it! I suppose I'll be sharing my poster again next week. I'll do my best to improve! What a challenge!

Here is the abstract I never shared with you - selfish me!

Teaching English to Low-educated, Low-literate Adults.

Increased demand of high-skilled workers as well as social prestige often make people face the challenge of learning English. In the case of low-educated, low-literate learners, the test is even greater.The number of hours of instruction required for grasping concepts and perceiving progress are almost discouragingly long both for students and teachers. Most instructors working with these groups have not been sufficiently trained. Thus, even the most experienced ones may shy away from this slow and often rather frustrating task. This poster presentation is empirically based and focuses on some of the strategies tried out as well as the failures and achievements in some privately-run courses in the City of Buenos Aires.

My experience of writing

Last summer I was at my aunt's and out of the blue she produced two pieces of paper from a drawer. One was a letter I wrote when I was a little girl complaining to my mum about my uncle asking me to take a nap every afternoon. The other was a short poem about animals I made up after spending an afternoon on my granpa's farm.

When I was a child, writing used to be fascinating and meaningful. Even if it was a task from school, it meant a chance to share. I suppose I was enchanted by this universe of letters and words that allowed me to discover other people's universe and them to peep into mine.

As I grew older I found myself writing only when it was strictly necessary, when I was asked to, for instance, by teachers. I never found it difficult, though. Ideas always seemed to come to mind and putting them together was not complicated. However, the aim was always to fulfil someone else's expectations. And, by the way, I sometimes failed to do so!

Time went by and nobody asked me to write any longer. Having said that, I have turned back to some paper and a pencil when there are too many confusing thoughts in my mind. I guess it has always somehow helped me cope with trouble, reflect on my ideas, ponder. Whenever obstacles seem overwhelming and decisions hard to make, putting concepts in black and white helps me to think more objectively.

Now I am writing as a student once again. I must say it feels good. Maybe I can manage to put together both the amazing world I once knew as a girl and the tool for having it off my chest. As a teacher, I have already started learning from the feedback I get from my classmates and tutors. So, I suppose the outcome will be a freshened-up writer and educator as well.

Biodata

Silvina Bustos is a year 3 student at Joaquin V Gonzalez Teacher Training College. She has taught English to adults for 15 years. She has worked on literacy and self-steem programs to help students develop their learning strategies.

Who am I ????

Hi Everyone!

I'm Silvina, one of your classmates from Language III. Although I haven't graduated yet, I've been working as a teacher for more than 14 years! I must say that I've tried many things and yet, I've never found anything as exciting, challenging and rewarding as teaching.

I was born in Cordoba, in Traslasierra. I came to Buenos Aires on the day of my 15th birthday. This was 18 years ago, so more than half of my life has gone by in this huge city . Still, there's a clear bond with nature within me that prevails. That's why the best roommates I've had so far are my two dogs, my cat and my beautiful plants (a shrink would probably find a better explanation!).

I love Latin American folklore - its music takes me to amazing landscapes and cities. I play the charango and could spend a whole night dancing chacarera.

Working as a teacher, I don't have much free time. However, I manage to get on my bike, squeeze into a swimming pool and quite often go down to Tigre for a nice row. My boyfriend is a good partner and we share these interests.

Being curious encourages me to try many things out but finish few. That's why this year is very important since I'm back at the "Joaquín" - a great challenge. I hope we can share and enjoy a nice learning experience.

Check my Linkedin profile HERE