This article discusses the use of games in teaching college-level English as a second language (ESL) classes. It describes how teachers can use games such as Taboo to change the direction of teaching from being teacher-centered to student-centered. The article addresses problems such as classroom management and the time spent adapting or creating games and presents useful tips for teachers to consider related to the use of games as a teaching tool.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on the use of language skills together in social interaction. When we use language, we tend to use it as a whole, whether primarily listening, speaking, reading, or writing. All skills are needed in order to communicate effectively. Although there is a time to focus attention on just one skill at a time, the final goal is to use skills together for communication. For teaching effectiveness, the teacher who integrates language skills can make lessons interesting and motivating for students, creating a more active learning environment.

This article describes ways to teach public speaking students how to efficiently locate information on the Internet, how to quickly evaluate and analyze those resources, and how best to navigate the Web. The author’s lesson leads the students through a Web-based scavenger hunt, included in the article, and has information about how to evaluate sites. The author expands on these lessons to show the students how the Internet can help prepare and deliver a speech.

This article introduces students to the history, cultural diversity, art, landscape, and symbolism of America's 47th state, New Mexico. It offers a special section on the art and life of Georgia O'Keeffe and small sections are included on the pueblo peoples, the state's Spanish heritage, the transition from Mexican to U.S. Territorial rule, farming and keeping animals, and New Mexico's abundant natural resources.