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1. Language and Life Sciences: Mapping the Human Genome (Reprinted from Chapter 1 of the FORUM Electronic Journal Language and Life Sciences)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The authors use the study of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the building blocks of all living things) to develop student vocabulary and assist in developing a fundamental understanding of the science behind DNA. The article provides supplemental material including helpful Web sites, student group activities with handouts, vocabulary lessons, and warm-up activities.

2. The Lighter Side: The Happiness Puzzle

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   In this puzzle, your job is to unscramble groups of letters to spell things that happy people might do, then to fill in blanks to spell out things that make many people happy. After solving the puzzle, you are encouraged to think of your own puzzle items—or have your students create some and happily share with their classmates.

3. One of These Does Not Belong: Creating Interesting Multiple-Choice Questions for Teaching and Testing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2021, Volume 59, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author presents a simple, clever way to make all kinds of multiple-choice questions more interesting and more challenging for learners. Teachers can use the technique with both online and face-to-face instruction.

4. The Reflective Portfolio: Two Case Studies from the United Arab Emirates

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   This article explains the benefits of using portfolios, an alternative assessment tool, to assess writing. The author identifies the characteristics of alternative assessment. Portfolios evaluate student progress over time and can include revisions. They are based on activities that show what students can do with language. Portfolios emphasize strengths and involve reflection by the student. Case studies show how portfolios were used in English courses at two universities. The authors advise allowing time for reflection and training in self-evaluation.

5. To the Moon! — A Launch Pad for Encouraging Students to Express Their Opinions

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

   Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. This article outlines an activity that involves developing, communicating, and exploring opinions. Students work individually to select volunteers to go to the moon. Groups then try to agree on the selection, discussing their reasons and assumptions. A number of letter-writing assignments incorporate material from the discussions. This student-centered activity can improve confidence, critical thinking skills, and writing fluency, while students learn from and challenge each other.

6. The Lighter Side: Rock the Boat

   In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This puzzle requires unscrambling the names of various boats and using designated letters to solve a riddle.

7. The Teaching Toolbox: Reconciling Theory, Practice, and Language in a Teacher Training Course

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Noting the challenge teachers in English as a Medium of Instruction contexts face in balancing content and language instruction, the author explains a teaching toolbox technique and outlines toolbox activities that include jigsaw reading, word bank, jigsaw vocabulary, and graphic organizers.

8. Introduction to Teaching Pragmatics (Reprinted from the online book Teaching Pragmatics, published by the Office of English Language Programs)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Second and foreign language learners use English differently than native speakers do, especially in regard to greetings, closings, and managing conversations. Pragmatics does not receive the attention it should even though mistakes can be interpreted on a social and personal level. This article introduces a rationale for teaching pragmatics and discusses the goals. Teaching materials should include authentic language, and input should precede interpretation or production. Instructors may decide to use the L1 for raising awareness since these types of lessons are useful even for beginners.

9. The Lighter Side: The Write Stuff

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   Do you like puzzles and words? Then check out this English Teaching Forum crossword puzzle.

10. Destroying the Teacher: The Need for Learner-Centered Teaching

    In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

    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).

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