Barbara Castleton
For the past 15 years, Ms. Castleton has been an educator, ESL specialist, teacher-trainer, and writer in locations both foreign and domestic. These endeavors have resulted in a book, articles, and chapters related to linguistics, instruction, and culture in relation to language.
Article: The Impact of Globalization on the Arabic Language
Article: In the Name of Allah: The Centrality of Reverence Phrases in Arabic
Book: Arabic, Islam, and the Allah Lexicon: How Language Shapes Our Concept of God
Chapter: In- Global English and Arabic: Issues of Language, Culture, and Identity
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One of the first stories I ever wrote was inspired by an antique postcard from Russia dating back to the early 1900s. I was ten. In the decades since, a star-shower of visual, experiential, and other stimuli have been my literary playground. A two-year stint in the United States Peace Corps led to teaching, an advanced degree, and more teaching. One of those assignments, from the U. S. State Department, offered the opportunity and challenge of delivering teacher-training workshops to university professors in India, proved pivotal both personally and professionally. Rarely has a work assignment been so enthralling. Later, after years spent teaching a range of courses in California public schools, from Drama to AP English, I pulled the plug on my tenure and took a leap back into university instruction. Why? If you work too long in a crazy-making situation, you run the danger of becoming crazy yourself.
For now, I am eager for motivated students, a professional environment that offers opportunities for growth, research, and challenge, and a location that mixes elements of "Wow!" and "Ahhhh!" Thus, when offered the position, I jumped at the chance to revisit Morocco and to teach ESL at a wonderful university located in the Mid-Atlas mountains.
Latest Articles
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Kenny Chesney Biz - Hit Tunes for Fans 24/7 on "No Shoes Radio"
Think super-long tour bus - sponsor ads plastered on the side, bikinied girls hanging out windows, and a guitar-playing hunk at the wheel- No Shoes Radio
Oct 19, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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India: Skin-Whitener Capital of the World - Racist or Whiteist?
In a country where higher education is seen as the key to the future, it is ironic that for women at least there is a "fair skin" override on this ideal.
Oct 16, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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Is Muslim Zebiba a "Halo" Sign? The Raisin of Prayerful Folk
Around the world we observe various signs of piety among believers of every religion: crosses, yamakas, and bindis. For Muslims, a zebiba says it all.
Oct 10, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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Expat Educators are Everywhere: Adjustment - Reality & Strategies
Walking campuses the world over, smiling American expat educators greet colleagues and students. Inside, they ride a personal roller coaster of adjustment.
Oct 7, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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Personal Trainers Teaching Seniors How to Keep Growing and Going
With the Baby Boomers hitting their stride, it's time for them to also hit the gym. Sessions with a personal trainer can prevent common aging issues.
Sep 30, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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No Child Left Behind: Reviewing a Herculean History in Education
After decades of whipping the horse education came in on, let us recognize that our efforts thus far haven't fixed the situation, though they might have.
Sep 30, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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Kipling's "If": Your Source for Lessons from Every Direction
Establishing a real connection between literary texts and the students themselves creates a powerful bond. Rudyard Kipling's "If" is an ideal example.
Sep 28, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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English Language Learners? Give Their English a Boost with Poetry
Daily, ELLs and ESL students face a barrage of grammar, readings, and comprehension checks. Offer them a language victory through poetry and memorization.
Sep 26, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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Rest in Peace - Don't Ask, Don't Tell (RIP DADT)
Not a moment too soon, the United States military has overturned the DADT, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that gagged gays and lesbians in the services.
Sep 20, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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Using News and Old Time Radio Shows to Improve Language Skills
Okay, you hate to read. Fortunately, there is another way to build your vocabulary and improve your English - it all begins with radio.
Sep 19, 2011
- Barbara Castleton
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