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1. The Blues: Grammar and Glossary

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

   This is the last of a four-part series on the American musical style called “Blues.” The music grew out of the musical traditions of African slaves in the United States between 1619 and 1863, blended with the musical styles of Europe. It is closely related to Jazz. Blues and Jazz are the only two completely unique musical styles created in the United States. This section, as the title suggests, explains the words used in discussing the Blues and music in general, for example the use of “Blues” to mean more than just a color.

2. The Lighter Side

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

   Blue is a common word found in American idioms. For example, “Once in a blue moon” means something happening rarely. And “Blue in the face” means a person is pale from exhaustion or frustration. This short section lists several idioms with the word blue in them, and gives an explanation of the phrase.

3. Brain-Based Research & Language Teaching

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

   This article summarizes information on how the human brain works. It presents insights from research on the human brain that informs second and foreign language teachers. This article offers seven principles that can provide a general context for learning and teaching and lists some guidelines for selecting classroom materials, strategies, and methodologies.

4. Teaching Conversation with Trivia

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

   This article presents reasons for using trivia (a quizzing game) to teach conversation and provides tips on how trivia-based materials fit into communicative language teaching approaches. It also presents examples of trivia-based activities that can be used in the conversation classroom. The article suggests that using trivia-based materials makes the content more interesting, meaningful, and thus motivating for learners.

5. 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.

6. A View of the Past: The Second Decade (1973 - 1982)

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

   This article reflects on the articles published at the second decade of Forum (1973-1982) to reconsider theoretical perspectives and classroom practices that are still relevant today. It discusses two recurring themes. The first addresses the meaning of linguistic competence, and the second relates to the effectiveness of language teaching methods. The article focuses on four major pieces published at different times within that period.

7. Nasreddin Hodja and the Importance of Context

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article introduces the tales of Nasreddin Hodja, a 15th century Turkish folk character and uses them to illustrate the importance of context, the need for multiple perspectives, and the role of the teacher. The author looks at various aspects of context, such as social, cultural, and historical contexts. The idea of multiple perspectives is explained with the current multiple intelligence theory. The author addresses the role of the teacher in terms of teaching style.

8. Using Task Journals with Independent Readers

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses using journal tasks to help intermediate students with the challenges they face when they do independent reading in ESL/EFL reading classes. It describes the design, implementation, and integration of task journals designed to encourage students to think about content, reflection on the reading process, and vocabulary learning.

9. Creating Meaningful Web Pages: A Project-Based Course

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article describes a nine-week course in Web design that can guide students in the production of an electronic project. It discusses the importance of project-based courses in language teaching since they offer learners an opportunity to be creative, control their own learning, and produce something tangible. The article addresses the benefits and difficulties of teaching such a course.

10. Helping Students Develop Coherence in Writing

    In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    This article discusses the need to bring coherence in writing from an abstract level to a concrete concept that can be described and taught. Teachers need to teach coherence by sharing its metalanguage with students. This can be done for example by using more specific comments such as “unclear reference” or “inappropriate conjunction” instead of vague ones such as “the essay lacks unity.” The article offers a coherence checklist for students to self-edit and to review their peers’ writing.

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