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1. Practicum: Microteaching for Non-Native Speaking Teacher Trainees

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

   In situations where it is not possible for trainees to practice teaching in local schools, teaching short lessons to their peers—called microteaching--can provide beneficial experience and feedback to teachers-in-training. The article includes guidelines for presenters, observers, and teacher trainers as well as a sample practicum class schedule and microteaching lesson. Students experience microteaching both in small groups and with the whole class.

2. Looking for the Big Picture: Macrostrategies for L2 Teacher Observation and Feedback

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

   The authors describe the typical type of teacher observation and assessment used today -- top down, one-way communication from supervisor to teacher that looks at the weaknesses in the teaching. The authors believe that observation and feedback can be something more. They present six strategies for supervisors (e.g., recognizing subjectiveness, talking across the data, providing alternatives and resources). Additional suggestions include structured intervention and supervisor portfolios.

3. Teacher Supervision: Moving Towards an Interactive Approach

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Supervision is a standard part of most language programs. However, teachers often respond negatively to supervision. Adopting a teacher-centered, democratic, clear, and systematic model for supervision will create a positive supervisory experience and result in vital professional development. One model that fits this description is clinical supervision. The author's detailed guidelines for implementation of this model are flexible enough to allow for local adaptation.

4. Building Consensus on Teacher Assessment

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

   This article proposes a collaborative workshop for teachers and teacher trainees to identify their preferred methods of Teacher Assessment (TA).TA refers to the evaluation of teachers. Some examples are observation by colleagues or supervisors, videotaping class, and feedback from students. The pros and cons of various TA instruments and formats are discussed, including how threatening they are perceived to be. Participants also consider what should be included in their professional portfolio. It can be rewarding to involve stakeholders in the process.

5. Lesson Observation: The Key to Teacher Development

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The author describes teacher training and teacher development as separate concepts through descriptions of how observation occurs in Cameroon. While training is a planned event that gives novices ready-made answers, development is an ongoing, organic process that values teacher innovation and reflection. Observers interested in development may use of a lesson observation cycle that includes pre-observation and post-observation meetings. The role of inspectors and peers in observation is also discussed.

6. Module 13: Peer Observation

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series focuses on peer observation.

7. Center for Applied Linguistics

   Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

   The Center for Applied Linguistics offers everything from information on immersion programs to the newest research and guidance on best practices for teachers. Visit regularly to keep up to date on research-based strategies and practical hands-on tools to help develop effective classroom activities.

8. Module 1: Contextualizing Language

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on contexualization.

9. Microteaching

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This brief article introduces the reader to the microteaching procedure. Teachers in training will prepare a short microlesson of five to ten minutes in length for normally fewer than ten students. Students may be real or trainees. The lesson is videotaped and discussed with colleagues and/or supervisors. The teacher then reteaches the lesson. This help teacher reflect and grow as well as consult with peers. Suggestions for preparation and teaching of microlessons are provided.

10. 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.

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