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1. Student-Produced Video: Two Approaches

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article introduces the idea of using video production to engage second language learners in learner-centered, project-based learning activities to motivate them to learn and participate through writing, directing, acting in, and editing a movie. The authors describe two projects. In the first project, four pairs of students each created a three-minute film. In the second project, all eight students worked together to create one long movie. The advantages and disadvantages of both approaches were discussed.

2. Student Documentaries: A Language Learning Tool

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article describes the reasons for project-based learning and how it better motivates students in an EFL classroom. It illustrates this topic by presenting a documentary film project that was carried out in a high-intermediate EFL class in Saudi Arabia. The article summarizes the theoretical support for communicative language learning and project-based approaches. The author then describes the documentary film project in detail and presents an evaluation of the project based on Simkins et al.’s (2002) framework of evaluation for multimedia projects.

3. Using Teacher-Developed Corpora in the CBI classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article argues for the use of teacher-generated corpora in content-based courses. Using a content course for engineering and architecture students as an example, the article explains how a corpus consisting of texts from textbooks and journal articles helped students learn grammar, vocabulary, and writing. The article explains how the corpus was compiled and presents examples of how students learned to analyze language use using corpus tools and dictionaries. The article ends by emphasizing the advantages of corpus analysis for self-directed learning.

4. Teaching Prepositions to Very Young Learners: The Case of On

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The author discusses the benefits of applying cognitive linguistics, L1 acquisition, and neo-Vygotskian (Vygotsky) approaches to the teaching of a second language to young learners, using the example of teaching the preposition “on.” The author briefly reviews how prepositions are taught to adult learners and the challenges of teaching prepositions to young learners. The author then discusses two different meanings of “on” and how Total Physical Response (TPR) activities can be used to help young learners distinguish different meanings of “on.”

5. American Memory Project

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Documents the American experience based on art and song, produced by the Library of Congress.

6. National Archives Educator Page

   Format(s): Website

   The National Archives Educator Page provides activities, exhibits, and professional development for teachers.

7. We the People

   Format(s): Website

   The National Endowment for the Humanities presents We The People. Find numerous resources dedicated to learning more about American history, culture, and democratic principles.

8. Art and Music Teaching Resources

   Format(s): Website

   Art resources including music, theatre, visual arts, and artists, provided by Federal Resources for Educational Excellence.

9. Art & Culture Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Website

   Check out EDSITEment! from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is a filled with resources for teaching the humanities, from Benjamin Franklin to Zora Neale Hurston.

10. Smithsonian for Educators

    Format(s): Website

    Links to educator pages from the Smithsonian museums such as the American Art Museum and the Portrait Gallery.

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