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Center for Applied Linguistics

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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.

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.

Testing Writing in the EFL Classroom: Student Expectations

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

This article reports on the inconsistency between the expected and actual grades of learners of English as foreign language in freshman English writing classes. It discusses the differences between students’ and instructors’ perceptions of acceptable essay writing. It suggests that teachers develop valid and reliable testing procedures and help students to increase their awareness and understanding of the proficiency levels required to write essays.

Teaching Beyond the Test: A Method for Designing Test-Preparation Classes

In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 4 Format(s): Text

Test-preparation classes that focus on skills will benefit students beyond the test by developing skills they can use at university. This article discusses the purposes of various tests and outlines how to design effective test-prep classes. Practice activities included.

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.

Workshops: An Alternative to Student Writing Conferences

In: English Teaching Forum 2018, Volume 56, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This Teaching Technique describes how teachers can use mini-workshops in place of student writing conferences and explains potential benefits of doing so.

Promoting Reading Fluency with the ACTIVE Framework

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

This session, “Promoting Reading Fluency with the ACTIVE Framework,” explores the six elements of the ACTIVE reading framework, designed to systematically enhance reading skills in the EFL classroom.

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.

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).

Effective Assessment Practices for Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in an Online Environment