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Content Spotlight: Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day is December 10th. Human rights were recognized by the United Nations on December 10, 1984 with the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Human Rights Day is celebrated all around the world. In the United States, people draw attention to Human Rights by protesting violations of human rights, and raising money for international organizations that help people who are denied their rights.

Week 4 - Reflecting on News

In: Teacher's Corner: Media Literacy Format(s): Text

This week, students will work together to create posters that communicate key issues and questions in news sources.

Research to Practice: A Discussion Group for Language Teachers

In: Teacher's Corner: Professional Development for Teacher Trainers Format(s): Text

In this month’s Teacher’s Corner, we present ways to support the professional development of English language teachers.

My Resource List

My Resource list is a collection of resources that you've added from the site. You can email the list to yourself or a friend.

American English, Trace Effects Receive Webby Award Honors

Two websites launched this year by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) have been recognized by the 2013 Webby Awards, a leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. American English, ECA’s new site featuring learning materials for English language teachers and learners was named an “Official Honoree” in the “Government” category as one of the best government websites of the year. In addition, the interactive 3D English learning videogame, Trace Effects, was recognized in the “Youth” category as one of this year’s best websites intended for a youth audience.

Content Spotlight: World Smile Day

Ready. Set. Smile! October 3rd is World Smile Day®. Each year, on the first Friday of October, World Smile Day® celebrates smiles and kind acts around the world.

Reader’s Guide

In: English Teaching Forum 2017, Volume 55, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This guide is designed to enrich your reading of the articles in this issue. You may choose to read them on your own, taking notes or jotting down answers to the discussion questions below.

Helping Professionals Prepare Presentations in English for International Conferences

In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

This English teacher in Argentina describes how she helped a local doctor prepare for a presentation made in English at an international trade conference held in the United States. The article discusses how the author prepared to work with the specific topic, ophthalmology, the use of cognates in the specialized field, tips for helping the physician with his pronunciation, and the outcome of the presentation.

Language Anxiety & Classroom Dynamics: A Study of Adult Learners

In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This article discusses the characteristics and needs of adult foreign language learners in terms of the quality of the learning environment in the classroom. It tries to answer what classroom dynamics mean and whether teachers can control and shape it. The article discusses the sources of anxiety and inhibition in the classroom and presents the traits of good classroom dynamics that make the learning environment more relaxed and learner friendly.

Teacher Resources

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

Two publications are summarized. First, Controversies in Applied Linguistics, edited by Barbara Seidlhofer, clarifies the issues that are at the center of controversies. The book explores and analyzes the arguments and “subcontroversies” in a neutral manner. The book does not require previous knowledge of the arguments. The second book is Linguistic Genocide in Education—or Worldwide Diversity and Human Rights? by Tove Skutnabb-Kangas. It discusses the dying off of minority languages and the importance of language diversity.