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SWELL: A Writing Method to Help English Language Learners

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

Social-interactive Writing for English Language Learners (SWELL) is collaborative writing based on Topping’s Paired Writing Method. The method was changed to meet the needs of English language learners. In both methods, pairs are formed according to proficiency, pairing a more advanced student (a Helper) with a less advanced one (a Writer). The author describes the steps of generating ideas, drafting, reading, editing, best copy, and evaluating. Features of SWELL include using students’ linguistic knowledge (L1), balancing fluency with mechanics, and promoting explicit teacher instruction.

Tools for Activating Materials and Tasks in the English Language Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 4 Format(s): Text

This article presents techniques to make classroom materials and tasks more interactive and student-centered and thus motivate learners to take more control over their own learning. It demonstrates these techniques through elicitation, gapping, and adaptation/extension strategies. The article offers examples of classroom activities with detailed instructions to show how teachers can use materials and tasks in the English language classroom to address students’ interests, needs, and goals.

Creating Positive Attitudes Towards English as a Foreign Language

In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

The author reviews research on the connections between attitudes and language learning, and between attitudes and motivation. The article suggests that language learners’ motivation and attitudes can influence learning outcomes, and that effective teaching can change negative attitudes. It describes a classroom action research project that was carried out among 95 students in Turkey to examine attitudes and motivation for English learning. Results and possible factors are discussed with regard to the students’ attitudes and motivation.

VoIM-Mediated Cooperative Tasks for English Language Learners

In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 4 Format(s): Text

This article discusses how computer-mediated communication, negotiation of meaning, and cooperative task-based learning can be combined in a VoIM-mediated activity to benefit language learners. The author starts with a brief review of how the three aspects of learning can benefit language learners. The author then describes a VoIM-mediated cooperative task. The rest of the article explains how to set up the activity, including technical requirements, planning in eight stages, and materials selection.

Harmonious Learning: Yoga in the English Language Classroom

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

The author discusses the connection between yoga and language learning. Body position as well as visualization and guided imagery can introduce language in an enjoyable way. The lessons are modeled after a Total Physical Response (TPR) approach. The benefits of yoga in the classroom include reducing anxiety, helping students focus through silence, and embedding language in tasks. The author answers frequently asked questions and provides sample activities and suggested resources.

Using L1 in the English Classroom

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

The author provides details on a case study she performed to examine the effectiveness of using the native language (L1) in foreign language classrooms. The article describes the details of her research design and her methods and procedures, including classroom observations, interviews, and questionnaires. One hundred first-year English major students in Beijing participated in her study. Included are the results of her study and a comparison of her findings to that of other researchers.

Bridging Academia and the Real World: A Letter-Writing Journey for English Language Learners

In: English Teaching Forum 2025, Volume 63, Number 4 Format(s): E-book

Author Kamran Akhtar Siddiqui shares a project plan for engaging students in writing short opinion-based “letters to the editor” on current topics and for helping students submit their work to print or online news publications. The article describes key steps: analyzing model texts, selecting an issue, creating drafts, giving and receiving peer feedback, and using online editing tools to prepare texts for publication via an authentic news outlet or class e-book.

Story 17: Studying English is Good

In: Why English? Comics for the Classroom Format(s): MP3, Text

The stories in Why English? Comics for the Classroom – written by teenagers and young adults – will appeal to learners of all ages. These stories provide an enjoyable opportunity to increase vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing.

English Prime as an Instructional Tool in Writing Classes

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

This article discusses a variety of ways to incorporate E-Prime, the idea that all forms of the verb “to be” need to be replaced in writing and speaking. The author shows how this can force ESL and EFL students to improve their writing and make them to spend more time with their essays, to think critically about acceptable grammar and vocabulary, and to search for new vocabulary.

American English on Facebook

Format(s): Website

Looking for more opportunities to learn English? Looking to meet other English language learners from around the world? If so, then become a fan of the American English at State Facebook page!