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English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1
First of the 50th anniversary series, this issue leads off with new articles on teaching. A commemorative section called Reflections highlights popular articles from past volumes.

First of the 50th anniversary series, this issue leads off with new articles on understanding and teaching Generation Y and on using video and sound effects to teach English. A commemorative section called Reflections includes A Call to Service, an interview with James E. Alatis (2004), and Good Teaching Is Timeless, which introduces The Conversation Class (1969), an article on learner-centered teaching (1980), and Ten Characteristics of a Good Teacher (1987). A photo essay and Classroom Activities on winter round out the issue.

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Table of Contents

Understanding and Teaching Generation Y Expand

This article responds to the challenges of teaching Generation Y students, who are tech-savvy and feedback-dependent visual learners. Because "Gen Y" students are less likely to engage with traditional classroom teaching methods, this article is helpful in identifying specific activities teachers can employ to utilize students' attraction to digital media, multi-tasking, and a sense of global purpose.

Author: Peter Reilly
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Using Original Video and Sound Effects to Teach EnglishExpand

This article outlines a lesson plan for teaching modals of speculation that express degrees of certainty, using audio-visual techniques. It identifies the teacher's lesson preparation, required materials, and specific ways to engage students in the special interactive environment. It highlights the effectiveness of audio-visual resources to represent and illustrate abstract concepts. The article also provides ideas for variations of the lesson plan, employing video and sound effects to teach grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing.

Author: Shahla Yassaei
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A Call to ServiceExpand

This article is an introduction to the full length interview with Dr. James Alatis, who has been referred to as "the father of TESOL." The introduction highlights the benefits of TESOL professionals volunteering to serve in organizations that provide training and networking for others in the field.

Author: William P. Ancker
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The Psychic Rewards of Teaching: An Interview with James E. Alatis Expand

Dr. James Alatis answers questions about teaching English as a profession, establishing the international association TESOL, and his strong belief that linguistics and language teaching will change the world. The son of Greek immigrants, Alatis shares how his early interest in languages led him to study linguistics. Regarded as "the father of TESOL," Alatis believes the best linguistics is interdisciplinary. According to Alatis, the future of TESOL will involve more audiovisual and online material, all subjects taught by ESL teachers, and more concern for cultures of other countries.

Author: William P. Ancker
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Good Teaching is TimelessExpand

The author provides an introduction to three of the articles reprinted in this volume by framing them as what effective teachers have been doing through time and must continue to do.

Author: Jerrold Frank
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The Conversation ClassExpand

This article discusses conversation classes, drawing from the author’s experience teaching Persian ESL. The author offers eight guidelines for effective teaching: cultivate a relaxed atmosphere (with six suggestions for doing this), be alert and foster alertness, be enthusiastic and engender enthusiasm, be patient, be sensitive, think, listen, and make corrections. The article finishes with a number of suggested topics and activities for promoting conversation.

Author: Acy L. Jackson
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Destroying the Teacher: The Need for Learner-Centered TeachingExpand

This article advocates using English to teach content, addressing this through five areas: Reduction of Coercion (not eliciting correct answers, but engaging students in thinking); Active Learner Involvement (less teacher talk and more material chosen to engage learners), Experience Before Interpretation (handling material before interpreting it), Avoidance of Simplification (choosing materials challenging enough to learn skills for tackling new ideas), and Value of Silence (allowing students to think without forcing them to talk).

Author: Alan C. McLean
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Ten Characteristics of a Good Teacher Expand

The author, an experienced English teacher, combines her professional experience with her language learner experience to identify her ideal language teacher. Her top ten characteristics focus on four areas: affective characteristics including humor and enthusiasm; skills such as the use of creative tools; classroom management styles and academic knowledge. The author claims motivation thrives on success, and by adopting these characteristics, students will react positively.

Author: Patricia Miller
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Winter Scenes Expand

ʺWinter Scenesʺ is a series of photos with captions. The pictures can be used as writing or discussion prompts.

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Classroom Activities Expand

This piece offers three activities that give students practice with vocabulary, grouping of similar terms, the use of future and present tenses, and identifying grammatical categories such as adjectives, verbs, and nouns. Also practiced through these activities are skills such as poetry writing for content-based lessons, building confidence in speaking, and exploring various communication strategies. Each activity is intended for different levels.

Authors: Jennifer Uhler, Jerrold Frank
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The Lighter Side: The Write Stuff Expand

This simple crossword puzzle uses vocabulary about writing.

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