Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Vocational training

Genetic Code

• Each codon or triplet codes for a specific amino acid.
• It is degenerate: Amino acids can be coded by more than one codon or triplet (some triplets are synonyms). There are 64 codons for 20 amino acids.
• It is not ambiguous: Each codon encodes only one type of amino acid.
• It is universal: Apart from a few small exceptions.
• There are triplets that determine the beginning of translation ('start codon'): AUG (It codes for the amino acid methionine - Met).
• There are triplets that determine the end of translation ('termination' or 'stop' codons): UAA, UAG, UGA (They do not code for any amino acids).

Chromosomes

They are stick-shaped structures that arise from the condensation and packaging of chromatin during the division phases (mitosis and... Continue reading "Key Concepts: Genetic Code, Chromosomes, DNA, Cell Cycle" »

List the 6 Areas of Teacher Knowledge (Richards, 1998)

1. Theories of teaching

2. Development of teaching competences and skills

3. Content knowledge of the different subjects

4. Psychopedagogical and didactic knowledge

5. Knowledge of the school context

6. Practical knowledge

Specific Knowledge for English Teachers

Specific knowledge, often gained through experience, is crucial for effective teaching. According to Richards, skilled English teachers should excel in:

1. Selecting learning activities

2. Preparing students for new learning

3. Presenting learning activities

4. Asking questions

5. Checking students’ understanding

6. Providing opportunities for practice of new items

7. Monitoring students’ learning

8. Giving feedback on student learning

Why is Lesson Planning Important?

Lesson planning... Continue reading "Essential Teacher Knowledge and Lesson Planning in English Language Teaching" »

1. The Affective Filter Hypothesis

This hypothesis embodies Krashen's view that a series of affective variables plays a facilitating role in second language acquisition. These variables include: motivation, self-confidence, anxiety, and personality traits.

Krashen states that students with high motivation, self-confidence, a positive self-image, low anxiety, and extroversion are better equipped to succeed. Conversely, low motivation, low self-esteem, anxiety, introversion, and inhibition can raise the affective filter, forming a 'mental block' that prevents comprehensible input from being used for acquisition.

2. Understanding Comprehensible Input

“Comprehensible input” refers to language input that can be understood by students and is beneficial... Continue reading "Key Concepts in Second Language Acquisition and Pedagogy" »

Research Findings on the Age of Second Language Acquisition

Burstall's 1975 Study on Language Instruction Age

Burstall (1975) carried out a pilot study in England and Wales comparing two groups of students who had five years of language instruction. One group had begun learning French at the age of 8, while the second group had started at the beginning of secondary school (age 11). Her results showed that the learners who had started later were consistently superior.

Muñoz et al.'s 2003 Comparison of Initial Instruction Ages

Muñoz et al.’s (2003) comparison of three different initial ages of instruction in a foreign language (8, 11, and 14) showed that after a similar number of hours of instruction, students who had started when they were older... Continue reading "Second Language Acquisition Research: Age of Instruction and Learning Outcomes" »

Medical Supplies

Vital signs (signos vitales), blood pressure (presión arterial), pulse (pulso), respiration rate (frecuencia respiratoria), stitch cutter (tijeras), sterile gloves (guante estéril), sterile waste bag (bolsa de basura estéril), sterile tray (bandeja estéril), sutures (suturas), cleansing solution (solución limpiadora), apron (delantal), tied back (atado atrás)

Synonyms

Remove/take out (eliminar), Stitches/sutures (puntadas), pull/tug (tirón), cut/snip (cortar), healed/joined up (curado), scissors/stitch cutter (tijeras), take off/pull off (quitarse), get better/heal (mejorar)

Facility Areas

Garden (jardín), TV room (sala de la TV), exercise program (programa de ejercicios), day trip (excursión), computer room (sala de ordenadores)... Continue reading "Medical Supplies, Synonyms, and Verbs for Emergency Situations" »

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Explained

Power Distance Index (PDI): The extent to which the less powerful members of society accept that power is distributed unequally.

• High PDI: High dependence, inequality accepted, hierarchy needed, superiors inaccessible, privileges exist, change by revolution, respect for old age.

Antigone: A Tragedy of Pride and Divine Law

Thebes stands unconquered, though Polynices and his allies attacked it. Polynices and his brother Eteocles are both dead, killed by each other, fulfilling the curse of their father, Oedipus.

Outside the city gates, Antigone tells Ismene that Creon has ordered Eteocles, who defended the city, to be buried with full honors. However, Polynices, the invader, is to be left unburied. Creon has decreed that anyone attempting to bury Polynices will be publicly stoned to death. Outraged, Antigone reveals her plan to bury Polynices in secret, defying Creon's order. Ismene timidly refuses to defy the king, and Antigone angrily rejects her, determined to bury her brother alone.

Creon discovers that someone has attempted... Continue reading "Antigone: Tragedy of Pride and Divine Law" »

What is a Greek Tragedy?

Greek Tragedy is a specific variation of theatre that originates from the Ancient Greeks. In a Greek Tragedy, the protagonist falls into deep and overwhelming trouble that builds through the course of the story until it ends in tragedy. Greek culture and Greek divinity are heavily involved and incorporated within the text.

• Key components are Mimesis (the imitation of human affairs) and Catharsis (the cleansing or purification of emotions).
• Catharsis: Catharsis refers to the purification and purgation of emotions—particularly pity and fear—through art or any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restoration.
• Mimesis: Mimesis is the imitation of life in art and literature.

The Three Classical Aristotelian