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1. The Reflective Portfolio: Two Case Studies from the United Arab Emirates

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   This article explains the benefits of using portfolios, an alternative assessment tool, to assess writing. The author identifies the characteristics of alternative assessment. Portfolios evaluate student progress over time and can include revisions. They are based on activities that show what students can do with language. Portfolios emphasize strengths and involve reflection by the student. Case studies show how portfolios were used in English courses at two universities. The authors advise allowing time for reflection and training in self-evaluation.

2. The Relevance of Literary Analysis to Teaching Literature in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article presents a review of six approaches to teaching literature based on the author's and his colleagues' experience. It looks at the theoretical bases of these six approaches and discusses the pros and cons of using literature in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. The six approaches are evaluated based on the core principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). This article discusses the benefits of combining literary works with communicative activities and student motivation.

3. 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.

4. A View of the Past: The Fourth Decade (1993 - 2002)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article reflects on the articles published at the fourth decade of Forum (1993-2002) that present theoretical perspectives and classroom practices discussed over the past ten years. It provides four articles, each of which focuses on a different theme that was preeminent in that decade. These themes consist of the efficacy of using methods developed for ESL contexts in EFL contexts, the use of portfolios as assessment tools, the integration of project work in ESP classes, and teacher autonomy.

5. 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.

6. Embracing the Growth Mindset in the Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author explains the growth mindset and provides a detailed explanation of how English instructors in almost any context can introduce and incorporate the mindset in their teaching.

7. A View of the Past: The First Decade (1963 - 1972)

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

   “A View of the Past” is a special edition article that reflects major trends in English Language Teaching over the past 40 years. Included are four excerpts from the first decade of Forum. The excerpts include games for various classroom levels, intended for motivating language practice. There are guidelines for a conversation class, including emphasis on the atmosphere and enthusiasm, as well as understanding language change and the idea of a humanistic approach.

8. Getting the Most Out of the Dictionary

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Inspired by questions from language teachers, this discussion of dictionaries (reprinted from 1974) explores their utility in determining pronunciation, meaning, and points of grammar and makes recommendations about the kind of dictionaries teachers should use with their students.

9. The Use of Ethics in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

   If students are not meeting their goals, it may be that the reason is non-linguistic. Motivation is an important factor that teachers need to consider. The writer argues that carefully chosen ethics cases can motivate timid students to speak out by removing their fear of making mistakes and by encouraging them to talk about heart-felt beliefs. Since ethics cases may not have clear right and wrong answers, this sets them apart from other discussion topics. Debate will foster critical thinking skills.

10. Avoiding the Blank Stare: Teacher Training with the Gradual Release of Responsibility in Mind

    In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    This author asserts that the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) model will improve teaching abilities in any setting.

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