pawian
19 May 2011
pawian
19 May 2011
Work / Teaching English in Krakow. Is there still enough work? [9]
Even natives can be homeless one day. :):):)
BTW, do you know where they are sitting?
the 2 guys on the left are the 2 homeless folk who "camped out" near my flat on Starowislna!
Even natives can be homeless one day. :):):)
BTW, do you know where they are sitting?
pawian
19 May 2011
Work / Teaching English in Krakow. Is there still enough work? [9]
Exactly. Competition might be die-hard.
Krakow is flooded with natives.
Exactly. Competition might be die-hard.
pawian
19 May 2011
Travel / Poland in photo riddles [3134]
The cartoon series was produced in Bielsko Biała. Is it there?
The cartoon series was produced in Bielsko Biała. Is it there?
pawian
19 May 2011
Life / IS Poland in danger of becoming the next multi cultural sink hole? [201]
Don`t forget it was whites who brought coloured people to America.
A nazi? No!
Don`t forget it was whites who brought coloured people to America.
pawian
19 May 2011
pawian
19 May 2011
Travel / Poland in photo riddles [3134]
Every Polish kid should know Bolek and Lolek.
Is it a museum or what?
:):):) It seems we have another SeanB.
what's happening on that picture?
Every Polish kid should know Bolek and Lolek.
Is it a museum or what?
It looks like the little, pink babushka'ed, mistress of the bronze coated robots is directing them to crush Britain by squeezing its likeness upon that globe.
:):):) It seems we have another SeanB.
pawian
19 May 2011
Life / IS Poland in danger of becoming the next multi cultural sink hole? [201]
Diversity can be fun. I have nothing against Polish streets becoming more colourful. Polish culture will prevail anyway, and the colour of skin doesn`t matter. I know a few black/Asian students who feel as Poles and it is perfectly OK.
The baby in this pram will be Polish with a strong Indian/African cultural background.
Can poland maintain its identity now the western european trash can cross its borders when ever it feels like? Will white become shite ?
Diversity can be fun. I have nothing against Polish streets becoming more colourful. Polish culture will prevail anyway, and the colour of skin doesn`t matter. I know a few black/Asian students who feel as Poles and it is perfectly OK.
The baby in this pram will be Polish with a strong Indian/African cultural background.
pawian
19 May 2011
News / Failures of Poland and Tusk`s government [191]
So, you have learnt sth at last! :):):)
I knew it !!!!
So, you have learnt sth at last! :):):)
pawian
19 May 2011
Travel / Cheap hotel price in Warsaw? [16]
I could also recommend this Krakow hotel.
The address: Planty Park, 6th bench to the right of the Barbican
Nice sopt, i like it.
I could also recommend this Krakow hotel.
The address: Planty Park, 6th bench to the right of the Barbican
pawian
19 May 2011
News / Failures of Poland and Tusk`s government [191]
Exactly. Anything wrong with it? :):):)
Of course not. What do you know about socialist Poland? You are too young to remember.
Of course, you are an example of a guy who perfectly knows what Polish culture is. :):):)
I have read many of your chauvinistic posts and I can tell you as a Pole - if guys like you tried to introduce their "Polish culture" into this country, I would have to emigrate.
Simply speaking - God save Poland from possessed Kulturkampf activists!
Exactly. Anything wrong with it? :):):)
What conditions ?
PO government is a continuation of PRL-bis, by now mature and fully grown. You can feel it, you can see it and you can hear it.
Problem is people who support them out of stupidity, do not even see that their stability is simply a continuation of sovietseque Poland with few changes.
PO government is a continuation of PRL-bis, by now mature and fully grown. You can feel it, you can see it and you can hear it.
Problem is people who support them out of stupidity, do not even see that their stability is simply a continuation of sovietseque Poland with few changes.
Of course not. What do you know about socialist Poland? You are too young to remember.
Their parents or grandparents had been field-hands or unskilled laborers and all their learned about Poland and Polish culture was filtered by the commie propaganda. They simply have no clue what is Polish and what is not,they could trip over it and still wouldn't have recognize it.
Of course, you are an example of a guy who perfectly knows what Polish culture is. :):):)
I have read many of your chauvinistic posts and I can tell you as a Pole - if guys like you tried to introduce their "Polish culture" into this country, I would have to emigrate.
Simply speaking - God save Poland from possessed Kulturkampf activists!
pawian
19 May 2011
News / Failures of Poland and Tusk`s government [191]
Fools are those who cannot accept the obvious fact that no other government would do better in such conditions. I hope you realise you are one of them? :):):)
Fools are those who cannot accept the obvious fact that no other government would do better in such conditions. I hope you realise you are one of them? :):):)
pawian
19 May 2011
Life / Living in Krakow from scratch :) [7]
Yes, Polska language is difficult jezyka.
I once started to watch some Polish movie with no English subs - I couldn't get a word. :-)
Yes, Polska language is difficult jezyka.
pawian
19 May 2011
Travel / NOT COMING TO KRAKOW- KEEP IT! [30]
Guys, how about No 13.5? OK?
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe, Krakow is maybe number 19. Fix up your roads, and clean it up and then we can talk again.
Be nice, it's probably more like 10... ;)
A great castle, a beautiful market and two important churches.... that's quite a lot in Central Europe.
A great castle, a beautiful market and two important churches.... that's quite a lot in Central Europe.
Guys, how about No 13.5? OK?
pawian
19 May 2011
Travel / Cheap hotel price in Warsaw? [16]
Here you are: hotel for free. Do you want the address?
Somebody asked me about the cheapest hotel in Warsaw. I'm not really up on hotels.
Here you are: hotel for free. Do you want the address?
pawian
19 May 2011
News / Failures of Poland and Tusk`s government [191]
I didn`t mean the medical care at the basic level, like having a sore throat and temperature treated. Come on, delph, we are no Africa where a doctor is a rarity. After all, we are situated in Europe.
We also don`t have problems getting our kids to the family pediatrician or 24 hours doctor.
I talked about specialised care.
It can be hit or miss really - I went last night to the all night doctor, no queue, and the doctor spoke English. So - from that side of things - no complaints here.
I didn`t mean the medical care at the basic level, like having a sore throat and temperature treated. Come on, delph, we are no Africa where a doctor is a rarity. After all, we are situated in Europe.
We also don`t have problems getting our kids to the family pediatrician or 24 hours doctor.
I talked about specialised care.
pawian
19 May 2011
News / Failures of Poland and Tusk`s government [191]
The same phenomenon took place in the past, that is why no Polish government have remained in power longer than one term so far. Each elections created a new government.
That is also nothing new. I remember such poll results in 1990s.
Polls are showing Tusk, the PO, and Komorowski popularity is dropping, and PiS and Jaroslaw Kaczynski favorability is rising.
The same phenomenon took place in the past, that is why no Polish government have remained in power longer than one term so far. Each elections created a new government.
Also trust in government and politicans in dropping. Dissapproval ratings of Sejm and Senate for very high 70% for Sejm and over 50% for Senate
That is also nothing new. I remember such poll results in 1990s.
pawian
18 May 2011
News / Failures of Poland and Tusk`s government [191]
https://polishforums.com/news/achievements-tusk-government-51445/8/
The above link, started by a veteran poster, Grzegorz, allows you to get to know the achievements of Tusk`s government.
However, it is not all roses here in Poland. The living standards are much below the Western European level. It is true that many people benefited from the system change. Yet, still even more Poles remain completely lost and have not found out yet how to make ends meet.
How did Tusk and his team fail to fulfill hopes and expectations of people who voted them 4 years ago? Was it possible to do more during the global crisis?
The first thing that comes to my mind is health care. It seems really inefficient. An example which probably illustrates the situation the best is queues to specialists. People with emergency ailments have to wait 2- 3 months for a consultation. Patients diagnosed with potential cancer also wait.
We want to have our kids examined for shortsightedness, a visit to an opthalmologist is in June though was booked in March. It is no emergency so we can wait. If it was a serious case, I would have to go to private clinics.
A cartoon commentary by renowned Andrzej Mleczko.
Hallo? Guiness Record Book? I would like to report a record in health care category.
Health care in Poland is free if you work and are insured. It costs us about 9 % of our salaries.
https://polishforums.com/news/achievements-tusk-government-51445/8/
The above link, started by a veteran poster, Grzegorz, allows you to get to know the achievements of Tusk`s government.
However, it is not all roses here in Poland. The living standards are much below the Western European level. It is true that many people benefited from the system change. Yet, still even more Poles remain completely lost and have not found out yet how to make ends meet.
How did Tusk and his team fail to fulfill hopes and expectations of people who voted them 4 years ago? Was it possible to do more during the global crisis?
The first thing that comes to my mind is health care. It seems really inefficient. An example which probably illustrates the situation the best is queues to specialists. People with emergency ailments have to wait 2- 3 months for a consultation. Patients diagnosed with potential cancer also wait.
We want to have our kids examined for shortsightedness, a visit to an opthalmologist is in June though was booked in March. It is no emergency so we can wait. If it was a serious case, I would have to go to private clinics.
A cartoon commentary by renowned Andrzej Mleczko.
Hallo? Guiness Record Book? I would like to report a record in health care category.
Health care in Poland is free if you work and are insured. It costs us about 9 % of our salaries.
pawian
18 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
Very accurate.
Yes.
No. I failed those 4 students because they knew nothing. 2 of them got 0 points, one got 1 point, another 2 points, out of 20. Somehow, this basic level does check your skills. :):):)
What about the advanced level?
Students are asked to:
1. Describe the provided material which consists of 2-3 colour pictures, 1-2 headlines, a pie/bar chart, a quote/proverb. The material concerns one specific problem, e.g., pollution and environment, jobs and career, food and eating habits, housing, urban versus country, mobile phones etc. Then the student is expected to answer 4 questions refering to the material:
E.g.,
1. Why do you think text messaging is so popular with young people today?
2. Can text messaging become an addiction?
1. Do you think that parents are prepared to talk with their children about addictions?
2. Do you think that drug addicts should be punished?
1. How do you understand the slogan -Recycled Wood Works Wonders?
2. Is it easy to recycle in Poland?
etc etc
Next, the student is expected to give a 2 minute speech. The topics are random:
Extreme sports - fascination with risk and challenge or a passing fashion?
Teaching young people how to earn their own money can help them grow up to be responsible adults. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Women have long fought for the right to be employed on equal terms with men. What have they gained and what have they lost?
Are immigrants and ethnic minorities a potential source of problems or a way to enrich they country`s culture?
etc etc.
After delivering the speech, there is a short discussion during which the student has to explain/elaborate on sth and justify his/her opinion.
A crude example of this type of exam is on the second page of the sheet:
fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/elt/catalogue/9780194309974-a.pdf
If you'd like to check the formula for each task you won't have enough time to finish all tasks. That's first thing. Second thing is that in case of maths it won't help you too much because the tasks require more thinking than just simple use of formula.
Very accurate.
Oral from English is really easy to pass
Yes.
and in my opinion doesn't really check your skills.
No. I failed those 4 students because they knew nothing. 2 of them got 0 points, one got 1 point, another 2 points, out of 20. Somehow, this basic level does check your skills. :):):)
Monia, my wife said she could pass any part. It's the Polish confidence she has. It comes from being forthright.
What about the advanced level?
:
pawian, please tell us how the exam is conducted these days.
pawian, please tell us how the exam is conducted these days.
Students are asked to:
1. Describe the provided material which consists of 2-3 colour pictures, 1-2 headlines, a pie/bar chart, a quote/proverb. The material concerns one specific problem, e.g., pollution and environment, jobs and career, food and eating habits, housing, urban versus country, mobile phones etc. Then the student is expected to answer 4 questions refering to the material:
E.g.,
1. Why do you think text messaging is so popular with young people today?
2. Can text messaging become an addiction?
1. Do you think that parents are prepared to talk with their children about addictions?
2. Do you think that drug addicts should be punished?
1. How do you understand the slogan -Recycled Wood Works Wonders?
2. Is it easy to recycle in Poland?
etc etc
Next, the student is expected to give a 2 minute speech. The topics are random:
Extreme sports - fascination with risk and challenge or a passing fashion?
Teaching young people how to earn their own money can help them grow up to be responsible adults. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Women have long fought for the right to be employed on equal terms with men. What have they gained and what have they lost?
Are immigrants and ethnic minorities a potential source of problems or a way to enrich they country`s culture?
etc etc.
After delivering the speech, there is a short discussion during which the student has to explain/elaborate on sth and justify his/her opinion.
A crude example of this type of exam is on the second page of the sheet:
fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/elt/catalogue/9780194309974-a.pdf
pawian
18 May 2011
pawian
18 May 2011
Travel / NOT COMING TO KRAKOW- KEEP IT! [30]
It doesn`t only concern expats. Locals too. They are all smart cynical asses and show-offs.
Was thinking of coming to Krakow but after reading posts on this site and other Krakow expat sites I'm of the opinion that is a gathering point for every smart arse cynical bastard in the expat world.
It doesn`t only concern expats. Locals too. They are all smart cynical asses and show-offs.
pawian
18 May 2011
History / Info on Poland in 1988 - researching a short film [21]
There`s a lot, actually. Just google 1988 strikes Poland:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Polish_strikes
There`s a lot, actually. Just google 1988 strikes Poland:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Polish_strikes
pawian
18 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
Yes. One oral exam starting next year, with clear grading: you get 30 points, you are advanced. You get 10, you are basic.
By the way I think that students that choose advance level shoudn't have to take a basic one.
Yes. One oral exam starting next year, with clear grading: you get 30 points, you are advanced. You get 10, you are basic.
pawian
18 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
I asked students about those booklets and they are not complete. It is one catch. Another, you DO show some general knowledge of Maths when you know which formula you should use in particular exercises. I wouldn`t be able to do it.
It has been a while since I sat a math test but if you have a calculator and the formulas, what else is there?
Am I missing something?
Am I missing something?
I asked students about those booklets and they are not complete. It is one catch. Another, you DO show some general knowledge of Maths when you know which formula you should use in particular exercises. I wouldn`t be able to do it.
pawian
17 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
Exactly. That is why the Central Exam Board has introduced changes into next year`s exam. Simply speaking, it will be more difficult.
it looks easy, but i know that for some it can be both stressful and difficult.
i do feel that the oral exam should demand more from the student though.
i do feel that the oral exam should demand more from the student though.
Exactly. That is why the Central Exam Board has introduced changes into next year`s exam. Simply speaking, it will be more difficult.
pawian
17 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
The exam is f..king difficult, :):):) they have to use calculators. And those red booklets contain Maths formulas.
I don`t like BMWs. It is a car for crazy youth. I am a serious teacher.
I thought at first that you confiscate the calculators for the math exam, hence the pile of them.
The exam is f..king difficult, :):):) they have to use calculators. And those red booklets contain Maths formulas.
But then I see the guy sitting the exam with the calculator, is he the one who bought your BMW for you? :)
I don`t like BMWs. It is a car for crazy youth. I am a serious teacher.
pawian
17 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
Not yet. I took so many photos last year that I have had enough for a longer time.
After a long break, matura exam in Maths:
English exam: envelopes with exam sheets and paperwork
A student scored 14 out od 20.
Officially, Brits have secondary schools, but sometimes they call them High School. :):):)
comradesandcolleagues.com/School.page/Details/153602?name=Cardinal_Griffin_Catholic_High_School
good job! did you take pictures???? ;D
Not yet. I took so many photos last year that I have had enough for a longer time.
After a long break, matura exam in Maths:
English exam: envelopes with exam sheets and paperwork
A student scored 14 out od 20.
Is high school a proper name for British secondary schools?
Officially, Brits have secondary schools, but sometimes they call them High School. :):):)
comradesandcolleagues.com/School.page/Details/153602?name=Cardinal_Griffin_Catholic_High_School
pawian
17 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
The basic level:
Students are asked to describe a picture (who, what doing and where are a must), then are asked two questions to it.
E.g.,
In the picture I can see two people spending some time together. They are sitting on a wooden bench at a table. It may be in a forest or in a garden. They are playing a game of chess. The old man is going to make the next move, and he appears to be concentrated on the game, too. They could be a grandson and a grandfather. The boy is wearing shorts and the man is wearing a T-shirt so it's probably summer. I guess they may be on holiday together and they seem to be having a good time.
Typical questions:
1. Why is the boy holding his hand against his forehead? or Do you think they are enjoying themselves?
2. How do you usually spend your free time? Why? or Do you think that young people should learn to play chess? Why? Why not?
On the other side of the exam paper students can find 3 types of dialogues in Polish and are expected to perform in English:
A. Acquiring and giving information
B. Reporting past events
C. Negotiations.
E.g.,
A: Rozmawiasz z Anglikiem o szkołach.
· Dowiedz się jakich języków obcych uczą się uczniowie szkół angielskich. What languages do British students learn at school?
· Zapytaj o egzaminy które zdają uczniowie szkoły średniej. What exams do British students take in high-school?
· Poinformuj jakie języki obce są nauczane w polskich szkołach. In Poland students learn/study English, German, French and Russian.
B: Podczas pobytu na wsi znalazłeś psa. Rozmawiasz o tym zdarzeniu ze znajomym z Anglii. Opowiedz o :
· Okolicznościach znalezienia psa. I found a dog on the road next to my house while I was coming home from school.
· Pomocy jakiej udzieliłeś zwierzęciu. I took the dog home and gave him food and water.
· Próbie odnalezienia właściciela psa. I made a poster with information about the dog and I put the poster on a tree.
C: W Londynie wybierasz się z Anglikiem do kina. On chce jechać taksówką.
· Zaproponuj inny środek transportu i uzasadnij. It would be a good idea to take a bus because it is much cheaper.
· Nie zgódź się z argumentami znajomego i uzasadnij. I don't think going by taxi is faster because there is heavy traffic in the city and taxis drive slowly.
· Zaproponuj inne rozwiązanie. The cinema isn't far. Let's walk (go on foot).
pawian, please tell us how the exam is conducted these days.
The basic level:
Students are asked to describe a picture (who, what doing and where are a must), then are asked two questions to it.
E.g.,
In the picture I can see two people spending some time together. They are sitting on a wooden bench at a table. It may be in a forest or in a garden. They are playing a game of chess. The old man is going to make the next move, and he appears to be concentrated on the game, too. They could be a grandson and a grandfather. The boy is wearing shorts and the man is wearing a T-shirt so it's probably summer. I guess they may be on holiday together and they seem to be having a good time.
Typical questions:
1. Why is the boy holding his hand against his forehead? or Do you think they are enjoying themselves?
2. How do you usually spend your free time? Why? or Do you think that young people should learn to play chess? Why? Why not?
On the other side of the exam paper students can find 3 types of dialogues in Polish and are expected to perform in English:
A. Acquiring and giving information
B. Reporting past events
C. Negotiations.
E.g.,
A: Rozmawiasz z Anglikiem o szkołach.
· Dowiedz się jakich języków obcych uczą się uczniowie szkół angielskich. What languages do British students learn at school?
· Zapytaj o egzaminy które zdają uczniowie szkoły średniej. What exams do British students take in high-school?
· Poinformuj jakie języki obce są nauczane w polskich szkołach. In Poland students learn/study English, German, French and Russian.
B: Podczas pobytu na wsi znalazłeś psa. Rozmawiasz o tym zdarzeniu ze znajomym z Anglii. Opowiedz o :
· Okolicznościach znalezienia psa. I found a dog on the road next to my house while I was coming home from school.
· Pomocy jakiej udzieliłeś zwierzęciu. I took the dog home and gave him food and water.
· Próbie odnalezienia właściciela psa. I made a poster with information about the dog and I put the poster on a tree.
C: W Londynie wybierasz się z Anglikiem do kina. On chce jechać taksówką.
· Zaproponuj inny środek transportu i uzasadnij. It would be a good idea to take a bus because it is much cheaper.
· Nie zgódź się z argumentami znajomego i uzasadnij. I don't think going by taxi is faster because there is heavy traffic in the city and taxis drive slowly.
· Zaproponuj inne rozwiązanie. The cinema isn't far. Let's walk (go on foot).
pawian
17 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
Yesterday, I went to a private high school to run an oral matura exam for 4 students. They all failed because, despite having had Russian on their curriculum for 3 years, they decided to take English. And it ended with a complete disaster.
Today, I ran the exam in my state school. All students passed.
Yesterday, I went to a private high school to run an oral matura exam for 4 students. They all failed because, despite having had Russian on their curriculum for 3 years, they decided to take English. And it ended with a complete disaster.
Today, I ran the exam in my state school. All students passed.
pawian
17 May 2011
Life / Uptight Poles [262]
Poles are still uptight because of traditional upbringing. When kids shout at public places like home, street or school, they are told off: Shut up, you are not in the forest. But when they go to the forest, and shout, they are rebuked again and told: You mustn`t shout in the forest.
So, in comparison to kids from Western countries, Polish students are well-mannered and well-behaved. That must be connected with some uptighness later on.
I observe Western kids and teachers when they come to Poland for school exchanges. They are real barbarians.
Poles are still uptight because of traditional upbringing. When kids shout at public places like home, street or school, they are told off: Shut up, you are not in the forest. But when they go to the forest, and shout, they are rebuked again and told: You mustn`t shout in the forest.
So, in comparison to kids from Western countries, Polish students are well-mannered and well-behaved. That must be connected with some uptighness later on.
I observe Western kids and teachers when they come to Poland for school exchanges. They are real barbarians.