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1. Students as Textbook Authors

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The authors describe their experience using a learner-centered approach to turn learner writing into booklets. When students write about their own lives, they can focus on the language they need to express their ideas. Interaction increases because interest is high. Near beginners can create fact sheets about themselves, and more advanced students can write language-learning histories. The texts can become fill-in-the-blank activities or be read aloud. Student texts inform instructors of needs and interests; they give students ownership of their learning and provide models for future classes.

2. State and County Fairs: Family Fun Across the USA

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This feature article is on state and county fairs, “eagerly awaited celebrations of the nation’s agricultural bounty, love of competition, and community spirit.” The article discusses the history of fairs, where innovations in farm equipment and household appliances are displayed, and people engage in competition, fun, rides, and viewing curiosities. Some characteristics of fairs that are described are animals, education, competition, entertainment, and community involvement. Segments on 4-H and fair food follow the article.

3. Using Letters to Tell Stories in the EFL Classroom

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

   This article discusses how letter writing can be used as authentic language use. An activity for beginners involves an exchange of letters of introduction between the instructor and students. This serves a socially meaningful interactional purpose. The second activity is the construction of an story, one in which the plot is expressed in a series of letters. The writer suggests using letter exchanges for this creative writing project after using books such as The Color Purple. Letter writing is one way to enable and empower students to tell their own stories.

4. 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.

5. One-Room Schools

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   history, one-room schoolhouse, inclusive, schoolhouse teacher, communities, interview, former students, websites, additional resources

6. Fast Food World: The Hamburger Comes of Age

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This article presents the history of the hamburger and the debate about who invented it as well as how it has become an icon among foods, spreading to a variety of other countries. The author shares the marketing strategies used by multiple businesses in order to attract customers as well as the franchising and growth that has come from such a simple product.

7. History of the Hamburger

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   “The History of the Hamburger,” an article within “The Hamburger Comes of Age,” discusses the roots of the modern hamburger dating back to the German city of Hamburg. The author relates the hamburger’s move from Germany to Russia to the New World and the debate about the creators and the origins of the modern hamburger, as well as its various styles of preparation.

8. Fast Food and Globalization

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   “Fast Food and Globalization,” an article within “The Hamburger Comes of Age,” shares the story of a group of French people who demolished a McDonald’s restaurant in protest, which drew international media attention. The short article expresses how fast food is representative of the globalization process. The author provides examples of how a multitude of fast food restaurants have attempted to accommodate local tastes.

9. A Different View of Fast Food

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   “Another View of Fast Food,” the last article within “The Hamburger Comes of Age,” discusses the ingredients and nutrition facts of the worst diet in the world. The author discusses the calories, fat, additives, and lack of nutrients in fast foods. The author points out that this type of diet will have tremendous consequences on a person’s health as they age, and encourages readers to study the menus in fast food restaurants.

10. Transforming the Whole Class into Gossiping Groups

    In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

    This article discusses various communicative purposes displayed by speakers of a language, including focusing on the topic of gossiping as a universal language function and exploring ways to exploit our human tendency for gossip to provide language fluency practice. The author provides two different interactive gossip activities that can be used in the classroom to help students speak more fluently. Included are step-by-step details for each lesson plan and each activity.

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