Tuning in the USA

1
Tuning in the USA

• Janet Orr
• English Tutor Training
• June-July 2004

2
Its a

• 52-part educational radio drama series
• 10-minute radio program, each week
• Listening activity that is both entertaining and
  educational
• A show for teachers worldwide and English
  learners especially teens or adult out-of-school
  learners

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The stories

• were created to give a non-political and
  accurate view of the dynamism and diversity of
  United States society
• Over 40 actors give their voice to the dramas
• American music used is sophisticated, upbeat, and
  diverse
• take place across America and in a variety of
  settings

• Focus on themes, including
• civics,
• community participation,
• continuing and higher education,
• environmental stewardship,
• industrial processes,
• modern family farming,
• Native Americans,
• American music,
• family life,
• dating, and
• county fairs, etc.

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A Radio Tour of the US

• Introduction by a narrator, sets the scene.
• Drama complete story in two acts with one
  important event
• Focus In calls attention to idioms, sayings,
  grammar, pronunciation and comprehension

5
Some Characters

• Malcolm Stewart -Grandpa, 72, a retired engineer
  who lives in Riverdale, NY with his son and his
  family
• Philip Stewart 50, a doctor
• Ellen Stewart 50, a homemaker and former music
  teacher
• Robbie Stewart 17, a senior in high school

• Alexandra Pappas 16, an exchange student from
  Greece, Robbies friend.
• Marilyn Stewart 29, a sales clerk in a boutique
  and clothing designer
• Bill McDonald 40, a reporter
• Harry Bennett 33, an accountant

6
The TextbookA gradual increase of linguistic
complexity

• Vocabulary
• Grammar and expressions
• Pronunciation
• U.S. Life
• Your turn

• Script for Act 1 or 2
• Focus In
• U.S. Life
• Your turn
• Activities
• Comprehension check

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(No Transcript)
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Broadcast in Tanzania

• Radio Free Africa
• Mwanza Arusha -89.9 FM, 1377 AM
• Saturday at 815 am
• Tuesday at 630 pm
• Shinyanga 89 FM
• Dar es Salaam 98.6 FM
• Mbeya 88.8 FM

• WAPO Dar es Salaam - 98.0 FM
• Saturday 230 pm
• Sunday 815 pm