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Motivated to Work: The Power of Choice Boards

In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 4 Format(s): Text

Teaching Technique

Towards Better Group Work: Seeing the Difference between Cooperation and Collaboration

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The author explains the difference between cooperation and collaboration in the classroom. Cooperation is students working together (each with individual tasks) for an end product, while collaboration is students interacting to create knowledge. The author discusses the strengths of collaboration and the teacher’s role. Also provided are guidelines for successful collaboration, sample activities, and frequently asked questions, such as what to do when students have emotional reactions to the group work.

The Future is Now: Preparing a New Generation of CBI Teachers

In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This article discusses the use of Content Based Instruction (CBI) and provides ways that language-teacher education programs can better prepare CBI teachers. The author argues that CBI is particularly relevant now, in the 21st century. The article explains what specific skills are needed to successfully teach using a CBI approach, including Language Proficiency, Academic Skills, Pedagogical Knowledge, and content-language interface skills.

Keeping Discipline in the Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

This article discusses the challenges of keeping order in the classroom and provides suggestions for fostering an environment of mutual respect. The article looks at what students expect of teachers as well as temporary games and long-term strategies that students use to take control from the teacher. Some practical solutions to discipline problems include keeping students’ attention, establishing clear rules together, and addressing discipline problems by using nonverbal and verbal cues before reacting to the problem.

Laugh and Learn: Thinking Over the "Funny Teacher" Myth

In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 1 Format(s): Text

The author in this article presents laughter and fun as an important part of a language classroom. The author suggests that when you laugh you learn better. Humor is introduced as a way to increase motivation and decrease anxiety. The author defines the “funny teacher” as a serious professional who uses humor to provide students with an enjoyable journey through learning. Activities are suggested for increasing fun and learning in the language classroom.

Harmonious Learning: Yoga in the English Language Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

The author discusses the connection between yoga and language learning. Body position as well as visualization and guided imagery can introduce language in an enjoyable way. The lessons are modeled after a Total Physical Response (TPR) approach. The benefits of yoga in the classroom include reducing anxiety, helping students focus through silence, and embedding language in tasks. The author answers frequently asked questions and provides sample activities and suggested resources.

Enhancing Learner Motivation in the EFL Classroom

In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

This session, "Enhancing Learner Motivation in the EFL Classroom," addresses how to enhance our own motivation as teachers and then explore ways to enhance the motivation of our students. We will anchor the discussion on Dörnyei’s framework of motivational teaching practices.

Tools for Activating Materials and Tasks in the English Language Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 4 Format(s): Text

This article presents techniques to make classroom materials and tasks more interactive and student-centered and thus motivate learners to take more control over their own learning. It demonstrates these techniques through elicitation, gapping, and adaptation/extension strategies. The article offers examples of classroom activities with detailed instructions to show how teachers can use materials and tasks in the English language classroom to address students’ interests, needs, and goals.

Open Classroom Communication and the Learning of Citizenship Values

In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

This article discusses the importance of fostering citizenship values in language classrooms around the world, and specifically in Morocco. Class content, student-teacher roles, classroom activities, and teacher education can promote civic values of equality, respect, responsibility, tolerance, and compassion. A learner-centered environment where there is group work, open communication, and participation, models these values. By including cultural content and engaging students with meaningful issues, teachers can increase interest and motivation.

Amplifying Voice and Choice in the EFL Classroom