This article describes the use of loop input and reflective journals to create a more effective way of teaching and preparing teachers of English-as-a-second-language in Slovakia. The authors of this article, who are also the designers of the technique, discuss how they handled challenges to the course, which included poor student motivation and attendance, and students who expect a teacher-fronted classroom rather than a learner-centered one.

These authors from Singapore and Macao discuss the benefits of developing a sense of community in the classroom, which they say can build an environment of trust and mutual confidence with Chinese students. The authors recommend using individual and group tutorials. Although some teachers think tutorials are too much work, the authors claim it is worthwhile. These tutorials are developed with an informal structure and encourage a free flow of conversation. The article gives examples of how tutorials are used in the ESL classroom.

This is a logic puzzle called “Where’s the Beef.” This activity begins with a word search where students must find hidden words in a grid of letters, all related to McDonald’s and various fast food restaurant items. Also included in the game is a list of eleven related facts that students must read and analyze in order to answer the question stated at the beginning of the game. The activity is intended to help students practice vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking.

This article discusses various communicative purposes displayed by speakers of a language, including focusing on the topic of gossiping as a universal language function and exploring ways to exploit our human tendency for gossip to provide language fluency practice. The author provides two different interactive gossip activities that can be used in the classroom to help students speak more fluently. Included are step-by-step details for each lesson plan and each activity.