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🍂 Thanksgiving 2024: Celebrating Differences, Finding Common Ground”

 “Personal stories as cultures meet at Thanksgiving”


Being a Host: More than Just a Program
This year, as a graduate student at Purdue University, I had the privilege of experiencing the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving through the Host-A-Boiler program. Together with my husband, Joe, who was celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time, we experienced two memorable celebrations on the same day.


An Unforgettable Morning in the Beck Family
The Beck family - Ben, Nettie, Michaela, and Breanna - opened the doors of their home to about 30 international students. Their home became a melting pot of cultures: Jonathan Marts from Colorado and Laura from Indianapolis, Eduardo and Juan from Mexico, Monica and Sophia from Colombia, Edward Lee from South Korea, Abhijit from Bangladesh, and Siva, Angkon, Shahity, Priya, and Pretty from India. Not to mention friends from Iran and Ukraine who added to the colorful diversity, what was heartwarming was the Beck family's detailed attention to each guest's dietary needs. Each dish was clearly labeled with its ingredients - something I rarely see in Indonesia. It's not just about Halal-non-Halal, but also considering lactose intolerance and other dietary restrictions.  A valuable lesson on inclusivity in togetherness. Mrs. Nettie and Mr. Ben shared interesting stories about their trip to Indonesia, exploring remote islands in Sumatra, Medan, and other small towns. I couldn't help but smile when Mrs Nettie mentioned dumplings as her favorite food from Indonesia.


A Warm Evening with the Indonesian Community
Later that evening, the mood changed when we attended the second celebration at Ka Pam and Ka David's house; our Indonesian #FriendFamily Here, American Thanksgiving blended perfectly with the warmth of an Indonesian get-together. Their home was filled with the warmth of extended family: Daniel and Sasa, Ka Diana, Ka Rizki with Rafa, Ka Fany and Ka Aldi with Chaca, Ka Laily and Ka Herman, Ka Hilda, Ka Aji with Nasaka and Astra, Ka Adit, Ka Dayat, and Ka Filza who came all the way from Champaign. The tantalizing aroma of Indonesian food filled the room - steaming meatballs, fragrant chicken noodles, crispy fried tempeh, still-warm siomay, and mouth-watering roast duck and chicken. All of this harmoniously coexisted with the family's Korean dishes that also enlivened the celebration. The atmosphere was alive with the giggles of children playing, karaoke tunes playing, and chatter flowing until 9pm - creating a very special Thanksgiving night with an Indonesian twist.


Reflections of Two Worlds
The experience of celebrating Thanksgiving in two different places in one day gave us a unique perspective on how a tradition can be adapted and enriched by different cultures. At the Beck family home, we experienced Thanksgiving in its most traditional American form, while at Ka Pam's home, we saw how this tradition can blend harmoniously with Indonesian culture. From these, I still vividly remember how I first learned the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It's not just about roasted turkey or festive parades, but a moment that teaches us about the deep values of life.

Inspiring History
Imagine traveling back in time to 1621. A group of Pilgrims struggling in a foreign land, meet with the unexpected kindness of the Wampanoag tribe. This story has always warmed my heart - how two disparate groups can come together in gratitude and sharing.This year, as a graduate student at Purdue University, I had the privilege of experiencing the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving through the Host-A-Boiler program. This 10-year-old program connects international students with local families, creating a meaningful cultural bridge.

Warmth in the midst of diversity
On a campus that is home to nearly 10,000 international students, Thanksgiving is a special moment to feel the warmth of family in the midst of diversity. Purdue Dining & Culinary even prepared a special feast with 5,200 pounds of turkey, 2,150 pounds of ham, and 1,200 pies to celebrate this moment.
A Unifying Tradition


The Host-A-Boiler program opened my eyes to how a tradition can be a unifying bridge. The hosts not only opened the doors of their homes, but also opened their hearts to share their culture and family warmth.
The Meaning Behind the Celebration
Thanksgiving taught us; Joe and I that beyond the differences in culture, ethnicity, and nation, there are universal values that unite:
- Gratitude for the blessings of life
- The importance of togetherness and sharing
- Appreciating diversity as wealth

Personal Reflection
Amidst the hustle and bustle of campus life, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder for me to pause. Seeing how many blessings I have received, including the opportunity to study in a foreign country and meet friends from all over the world.

Family and Togetherness

This year, Purdue's Thanksgiving tradition was made even more special with the International Education Week activities held from November 17-22, 2024.  This moment is proof that education is not just about books and classes, but also about understanding and appreciating differences. Perhaps this is what makes Thanksgiving relevant even after 400 years - its ability to bring people of different backgrounds around a table, sharing stories and gratitude. In an era that often feels divided, we need more moments like this. I thankful for my health, my life, my study, my husband, my family and this blessing opportunity to meet all good people here. So, what are you thankful for this year? 
Let's make every Thanksgiving a reminder that in this challenging life, there are always reasons to be grateful and share. 
🦃✨#ThanksgivingAtPurdue#InternationalStudent#GratitudeJourney#CulturalDiversiy #LifeReflections




"Traditional Wisdom in Classrooms"

 

"Traditional Wisdom in Classrooms"
Maria Regina Jaga


    This is my first semester at Purdue University. the courses that I took in this semester, made me have a wonder and excitement  to explore a topic that I plan to examines how traditional proverbs can be integrated into Digital literacy in classroom, it will be focusing on the Perspective and Practice of the Indonesian Pre-service teachers for young learners. I have aim to understand about how these group of people view and imply the traditional proverbs in teaching children s in today's Digital Era.  Based  on my own experience having and experiencing Indonesia's education system, I hope this study would be an opportunity to highlight how proverbs can be successfully blended with modern teaching approaches and strategies.  The research will look at the challenges and opportunities preschool teachers face when bringing these traditions into their classrooms. Ultimately, I hope this study sheds light on how traditional proverbs are used to teach digital literacy to young learners. By doing so, it will offer insights into teachers’ approaches and emphasize the ongoing importance of cultural heritage in contemporary education.

These are two articles that I chosed to support my research interest which are;

1. Hatipoğlu, Ç., & Daşkın, N. C. (2024). A proverb in need is a proverb indeed: Proverbs, textbooks and communicative language ability. Department of Foreign Language Education, Faculty of Education, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.

Research Overview
    This study focused on the Proverbs’ incorporated in EFL textbooks and students’ improvement on communication skills potentially increased by the usage of Proverbs. This study had 127 pre-service teachers from the first and fourth years in Turkey,  as the sample and then analyse fifteen widely usage range on ELT textbooks. 
Methodology and Framework
    This research follows Bachman's (BMCC) Model of Communicative Competence. Competence in both structural areas (such as text and grammar) and functional areas (such as idioms and social language) are emphasised in this paradigm. Scientists employed content analysis techniques and a specialised analysis form to examine the coursebooks' usage of proverbs.
Key Findings
Educational Context
    The study gives us important new information about the EFL situation in Turkey. Most students don't hear much English outside of school; in fact, 68% said that coursebooks were the only thing that helped them learn proverbs. Most of them don't connect with native English speakers or real English material very often, unless it's entertainment media.
Coursebook Analysis
    The examination The coursebooks were looked at, and the results were not good. There were a total of 136 proverbs in all the books, with an average of 10.5 proverbs per book. There were big differences in the spread, with some books having no proverbs at all. The high type-token ratio (0.91) means that proverbs aren't recycled very often, which limits students' chances to learn.
Pedagogical Implications
    The study shows that there is a big gap between how important proverbs are for improving communication skills and how little they are used in training materials. This deficiency in use may impede children's acquisition of standard, culturally appropriate linguistic competencies. 
Significance of Research
    This study provides valuable insights for developing ELT materials and classroom instruction. It emphasises the necessity of using more intentional proverbs in educational resources to enhance all facets of language proficiency in EFL contexts.

    By means of a thorough approach involving a sizable sample size of 127 pre-service teachers and methodical examination of 15 widely used ELT coursebooks, the study shows great dependability. Using a well-known theoretical framework (Bachman's Model of Communicative Competence) and many data collecting techniques—including content analysis and questionnaires—the study makes Using different proverb dictionaries and standardised analytic forms as reference tools strengthens the legitimacy of the study. But the geographical restriction to the Turkish context begs issues regarding the general relevance of results to other EFL environments. One might wonder about the chronological relevance of the research as the value of the examined coursebooks is not expressed clearly. Including student performance data to support the effect of proverb education on language learning would have boosted the research. Although the Turkish setting justifies the emphasis on coursebooks, it may not give a whole view of how proverbs are taught in contemporary language schools. Examining how technology and other resources affect proverb learning in modern environments might help the research. The implementation gap of the study raises issues about pragmatic suggestions for educators to more use proverbs into their lessons. Using automatic text analysis methods to augment the hand content analysis would have improved the approach. Including similar data from different EFL situations would enable the research to be more comprehensive and support its findings. Including longitudinal data to track the effectiveness of proverb instruction over time would assist to underline the reliability of the research.
    The study says that there is still a lot to learn about how to use traditional elements of language  like proverbs in language learning, especially in digital settings. It would be good to find out what Indonesian preschool teachers think about teaching digital literacy along with traditional proverbs. The way the research examines instructional tools and teacher points of view provides a useful structure for my own work. Given most studies focus on older pupils, my focus on preschool settings plugs a major research gap. In the Indonesian context, the confluence of digital literacy instruction with traditional cultural features is quite significant. The study emphasises the need of safeguarding cultural knowledge while adopting contemporary approaches of instruction. My research might offer insightful analysis of how educators modify classic materials for digital media. The focus on teacher points of view fits the direction of present educational studies. The emphasis on preschool-specific implementation techniques fills in an obvious void in the body of current research. My studies could provide useful rules for preserving cultural authenticity in digital distribution channels.

2. Marliana, A., Anshari, A., & Amir, J. (2024). Meaning of Local Language Expression of Pasang Ri Kajang and Its Implication for Language Teaching. Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia.

    The study investigates the meaning and implications of local language expressions in Pasang Ri Kajang, a collection of ancestral mandates that guides the Ammatoa community in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research employed a qualitative approach using hermeneutic studies, collecting data through observation, interviews, recordings and documentation from July to September 2019. The majority of the  original data sources was gathered from the local community leaders and common stakeholders who are the people who protect this proverbs. This study found several forms of proverbs that express societal standards, including traditional proverbs, thimbles and slogans. Based on the study, these traditional utterances are full of rich literary aspects such as ideas, experiences, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that carried a pivotal impact on community belongings. The proverbs serve as comprehensive guidelines for social, religious, cultural and environmental aspects of community life. These traditional expressions are primarily passed down orally from generation to generation, preserving cultural wisdom through storytelling and teaching. The proverbs contain moral messages and noble values that continue to guide social behavior in the Ammatoa community. The study shows that while encouraging language acquisition, traditional proverbs efficiently help to educate many cultures and languages. According to the study, modern schools should use the teaching of proverbs as a means of incorporating classic ideas into current curricula.The findings amply show the need of using native languages and local knowledge in language education as well as the need of safeguarding cultural legacy by means of educational activities. 
    The study offers important new perspectives on the teaching of modern languages and the function of classic proverbs in safeguarding cultural legacy.  Between July and September 2019, the research used a systematic qualitative hermeneutic approach, combining observations, interviews, recordings, and documentation to ensure reliable results. Its credibility is reinforced by firsthand accounts from community leaders and traditional stakeholders who play an active role in preserving Pasang Ri Kajang traditions. That said, the research could have been even stronger with more examples of these proverbs included in Ammatoa education. It also opens up interesting questions about how to teach old idioms in a way that keeps their cultural roots intact. Another avenue worth exploring is how younger generations are finding ways to use these proverbs in today’s digital world.
    The study shows that proverbs are useful teaching tools that can help language learners improve both their organisational and social skills. The studies show that proverbs hold cultural knowledge and ideals that can be used in modern schools in a way that respects cultural heritage The study reveals that proverbs must be presented properly, which is crucial to digital lesson planning. The results suggest instructors require training and tools to incorporate traditional proverbs in classrooms. The studies particularly focus on how proverbs can help young people learn natural, regionally suitable language. The study shows that using proverbs in the right way can help students improve both their language and cultural skills. Our findings recommend incorporating proverbs into current teaching methods. Studies show that proverbs may link old and new information. The research focusses preserving historic traditions while adapting them to current teaching approaches. Proverbs in the classroom assist kids understand language and culture. Researchers concluded that teaching a language using both old and modern methods works best. The study reveals how to incorporate traditional culture into modern classrooms without affecting their culture.
    The first study discusses how proverbs in English Language Teaching (ELT) coursebooks enhance communicative competence, while the second examines local language expressions in Pasang Ri Kajang, a collection of ancestral commandments. Both studies emphasise proverbs' cultural significance, although one examines language education in EFL contexts and the other cultural preservation in traditional Indonesian communities.
    The Pasang Ri Kajang research reveals how proverbs advise on social, religious, cultural, and environmental issues. However, the ELT study shows how proverbs improve language learning organisation and pragmatics. Research methodologies also vary greatly. The Pasang Ri Kajang research employs qualitative hermeneutic analysis with community stakeholders, whereas the ELT study analyses coursebooks and surveys pre-service instructors. The Pasang Ri Kajang research emphasises oral transmission of cultural wisdom through proverbs, while the ELT study employs textbooks. The Pasang Ri Kajang study emphasises the necessity to include traditional phrases into modern education, whereas the ELT study highlights the lack of proverbs in language teaching resources. For instance, the Pasang Ri Kajang research includes sayings, thimbles, and slogans, whereas the ELT study has just 136 proverbs throughout 15 coursebooks, unevenly distributed. Both studies emphasise the significance of conveying proverbs properly, whether through Pasang Ri Kajang oral traditions and cultural context or planned ELT training. Despite their diverse approaches, both respect proverbs in teaching. Pasang Ri Kajang emphasises cultural preservation, whereas ELT develops language skills. They show how proverbs, in many forms, may enrich culture and education.

References
    Hatipoğlu, Ç., & Daşkın, N. C. (2024). A proverb in need is a proverb indeed: Proverbs, textbooks and communicative language ability. Department of Foreign Language Education, Faculty of Education, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.

    Marliana, A., Anshari, A., & Amir, J. (2024). Meaning of Local Language Expression of Pasang Ri Kajang and Its Implication for Language Teaching. Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia.

(Blog Post 5)

Echoes of the Past: From Classroom to Campfire at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon

I never dreamed, as an international student, that my academic path would bring me back in time to the Feast of the Hunters' Moon on October 6, 2024. Held in Fort Ouiatenon close to West Lafayette, Indiana, this extraordinary event provided an immersive journey into American history in the 18th century that no textbook could ever match.

The sights, sounds, and fragrances in the instant I arrived with my husband Joe and our friend Marina took us to another age. The sound of a blacksmith's anvil, the far-off splash of canoe paddles on the Wabash River, and the piercing snap of muzzle-loaders produced an alien and exciting audio scene.

Finding that this event, which today attracts thousands, started modest in the 1950s as a tiny gathering of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association captivated me. Celebrating its 57th year in 2024, it is incredible how it has evolved into this huge two-day celebration.

The TCHA Storytelling Booth made for one of the highlights of our day. The stories of French immigrants and Native Americans, their relationships, and the rich tapestry of civilisations that moulded this area attracted me as a passionate history student. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the funny tales the storytellers related about living in the 18th century; they brought history to life in a way that connected me to the past.

Marina and I agreed to try cross-cut sawing. I couldn't resist kidding, "I hope this counts towards our physical education credits!" as we positioned ourselves on each end of the long, toothed blade. The event helped me to value the physical work of the past. We then headed to the range for axe throwing. Though not a youngster, I felt compelled to attempt it. Quipped, "I think I'll stick to PowerPoint presentations for my future demonstrations!" as I flung the axe at the target. The laughing that followed added to make the encounter unforgettable.

My effort at running a loom at the Wabash Weavers Guild produced an unpleasant incident when I unintentionally knocked over a tool. The compassionate weaver comforted me as I laughed at my clumsiness, telling us that acquiring historical skills calls for patience and practice — a lesson every student of history should take great note.

The food was a joyful investigation of eighteenth-century gastronomy. Jokingly calling the fried bread and herbal pork chops my new "study fuel," I savoured every morsel.

Going to Scoundrel's Alley was among the most exciting events. Standing with my feet caught in the stocks, I pondered, "Well, this is one way to ensure I don't miss my next history lecture!"


The experience gained levels of realism via interacting with members of the Myaamiaki and Anishinaaba Kwe tribes and observing the SYW British Army/Artillery performance. It was a potent reminder of the several civilisations that moulded this country.


I started thinking about the complexity of living in the 18th century as we toured the military camps and voyageur camp. I could not overlook the difficulties they encountered even if the simplicity appealed to me. It made me appreciate our contemporary conveniences as well as the tenacity of people who preceded us.

I came to see as the day came to an end that the Feast of the Hunters' Moon had bestowed upon me more than just a leisurely stroll. It had given me a real link to the past, therefore improving my knowledge of American history in ways I never would have imagined. The development of the event from a little gathering to this great celebration reflected the expansion of the country itself, therefore highlighting the strength of community and shared history.

Weary but excited, I turned to Joe and Marina as we returned to our bus departure and remarked, "Same time next year? I ought to work on my axe-throwing technique! We chuckled and immediately looked forward to next historical excursion. In conclusion, as I walked through the vibrant scenes of the Feast of the Hunters' Moon, I was surrounded by thousands of emotions and experiences that filled the air. Each moment was captured in photographs, yet I knew that while those images might fade over time, the memories would remain forever etched in my heart. The stories shared, the laughter exchanged, and the rich tapestry of culture and history experienced will continue to resonate within me long after the event has ended.

http://feastofthehuntersmoon.org

https://tippecanoehistory.org/the-feast/





Captivate and Convince your Audience

Mastering Presentations: What I Learned from the Workshop "Captivate and Convince your audience"

    Recently, I attended a-two-day workshop (09/24/2024 and 09/26/2024) that was a game-changer in how I approach presentations. The workshop title is “Captivate and Convince your Audience” Whether it’s a small group or a large audience, delivering a compelling and organized presentation is crucial to success, and this workshop provided invaluable insights. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways, practical steps, and tips for preparing and delivering presentations that captivate and inform.
    The first thing I learned was "the importance of knowing your audience". Before even creating a slide, it’s essential to research who you’re presenting to. What are their interests? What do they know about the topic? This helps tailor your message in a way that resonates. For example, if you're addressing a technical audience, go deep into data and logic. For a more general audience, simplify your terms and use analogies. The workshop emphasized researching audience backgrounds and using tools like company profiles to gauge their interests.
    Another critical takeaway was the "structure of a presentation". The workshop broke down an effective presentation into three parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Start strong by grabbing attention—whether with a question, a story, or an intriguing fact. The body should flow logically with well-researched data, while the conclusion should reiterate your key points and call the audience to action



      Remember, visuals should enhance your message, not overload it—so keep slides clean and simple.
"Engaging your audience" is another secret to a successful presentation. I learned that asking thought-provoking questions, telling relatable stories, and even using short videos can keep the audience hooked. One great tip was to use "infographics"—these are visual summaries that make complex data easy to understand. The presenter encouraged us to integrate visuals thoughtfully and ensure they align with the narrative of the presentation.
    An interesting part of the workshop was how to "establish credibility". Introducing yourself, sharing relevant expertise, and confidently backing up claims with reputable sources (think journal articles or industry reports) can make your presentation persuasive. Additionally, incorporating ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) were highlighted as key strategies for persuasive communication, even in scientific presentations.
    Finally, the workshop reminded us of the power of "practice and passion". Nothing kills a presentation faster than lack of enthusiasm. By practicing in front of peers or even recording yourself, you can refine your delivery and timing. Most importantly, maintain eye contact and show genuine excitement about your topic, as your energy will be contagious to the audience. In conclusion, the workshop reinforced that great presentations come from preparation, structure, engagement, and passion. Whether you're addressing a team meeting or a global audience, these tips will ensure your message is not only heard but remembered.

P.S.  the speaker also give us this; for more advice on preparing a research presentation see
http://www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/powerpointadvice.htm

and for more resources go to these;
Atkinson, C. (2011). Beyond bullet points: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations that inform, motivate, and inspire. Microsoft Press.
Duarte, N. (2012). HBR guide to persuasive presentations. Harvard Business Review Press.
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Free Press.
Gallo, C. (2014). Talk like TED: The 9 public-speaking secrets of the world's top minds. St. Martin's Press.
Reynolds, G. (2008). Presentation Zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery. New Riders.


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