Site Search | American English

Health and Fitness

In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The theme of health offers a variety of language-learning possibilities. This three-part lesson plan for young learners can be adapted to other audiences. It includes a reading, a dialogue, and a listening script. The first lesson asks learners to analyze lifestyle choices and give advice. The second lesson takes students to a sporting goods store, where they consider the language they need to talk with a sales clerk. The third lesson is about food choices, including ways to prepare foods. A follow-up activity researches how a famous athlete stays healthy.

Student Storytelling through Sequential Art

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

If you are interested in using sequential art forms such as comic books in your EFL classroom, this article is full of helpful advice. Reading sequential art is beneficial because students can work with authentic texts with real language and graphic support. Students can also apply research and cultural knowledge to the creation of their own sequential art projects. The author addresses managing project groups, researching the topic, developing the story, structuring the story, adding artwork, and sharing the story. The creations can be used as reading material for future classes.

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.

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.

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.

Unraveling the Mystery of Academic Writing

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

This webinar aims to raise awareness of the American English academic writing conventions. Watch the webinar recording, download the presentation, and view additional resources.

A Case Study of Reflective Journals in a University Level Writing Course in Hungary

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

This article is about the author’s experience using learning logs and in-class journaling for her college-level ESL writing class in Hungary. Her purpose was to gather information on the students’ writing experiences, both before and during the class, and to address issues raised in the logs and journals. She taught the class with a reflective-teaching, learner-centered style and a process-learning curriculum.

Written Peer Response in L2 Writing

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

This article argues that peer reviews of student writing should be done in writing and orally, as opposed to only in writing or only orally. Peer reviewing usually addresses the organization and style of student writing. The author discusses eight advantages to managing a peer-review process this way.

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.

Creating Meaningful Web Pages: A Project-Based Course