Advanced Search: Resources

1. A Systematic Process for Assessing Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   “How to assess assessments is often a dilemma for teachers and English language programs,” the author writes, and then goes on to offer a number of suggestions, charts, and guiding questions designed to help solve that dilemma.

2. Lesson Planning 101: Mapping Activities for a Clear Path to Learning

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

   This webinar teaches participants to create "road map" classroom activities.

3. The Communicative Approach: Addressing Frequent Failure

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

   The author found that student and teacher beliefs about error correction support a teacher-centered classroom environment. However, the notion of interlanguage suggests that language is acquired through trial and error in communicative settings. Too much correction means decreased confidence and less time for students to use the language. The author proposes that teachers reduce the amount of time they talk. Teachers need to learn more about the benefits and techniques of a communicative approach and ways to adapt material.

4. My Classroom: North Carolina, USA

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

   Learn how Youa Thao teaches English and does much, much more at a school in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg district. The article explains how the school district’s support system works and describes Ms. Thao’s approach, classroom environment, and teaching life.

5. Finding New Messages in Television Commercials

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

   This article discusses the use of television commercials to help build English vocabulary and cultural awareness for students who are preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in an English as a foreign language (EFL) environment. It presents activities as well as a general outline for teachers to show how these activities can be used.

6. Department of Education Literacy Information and Communication System

   Format(s): Website

   Teachers, are you looking for more online professional development opportunities? Then check out the English Language Learner University from LINCS.

7. Using Progressive I-Can Statements to Promote Learner Confidence in Writing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Language learners may sometimes feel shy and unsure of their abilities and may not be able to see what they are able to do. The authors found that writing I-can statements (e.g., I can write the names of foods in English) can be a good way to build confidence. Students use their I-can records to assess their own progress. The authors offer a starting point for teachers by presenting ideas for tasks such as copying words, writing signs, and writing about the weekend.

8. Needs Assessment for Course or Curriculum Design

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

   In this webinar, we will first examine the needs assessment process by reviewing several methods, techniques, and options for gathering data about student needs.

9. A Paradigm Shift: From Paper-and-Pencil Tests to Performance-Based Assessment

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

   This article describes how The Language Center at the Espirito Santo Federal University changed from using traditional pencil-and-paper tests to performance testing, based on authentic tasks. The change was prompted because people thought that their testing did not reflect a communicative approach to language teaching. The Assessment Project lasted for two years; the author discusses its participants, goals, stages (including pilot testing), and results. Content and construct validity improved, leading to positive washback. Learning objectives and criteria for passing were clarified.

10. Abstracts from Other Journals

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

    “Abstracts from Other Journals” provides information on articles from CATESOL Journal, Language Testing, RELC Journal, and Prospect: An Australian Journal of TESOL. Topics include the professional development of non-native teachers of English (addressing cultural differences); the impact of the interviewer on the test results of oral interviews (like IELTS); a look at how the field of TEFL/TESL has changed over the past 30 years from the point of view of Jack C. Richards; and implementing standards (reforming curriculum and evaluating teachers).

Pages