Advanced Search: Resources

1. 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.

2. Lessons from the Other Side of the Teacher’s Desk: Discovering Insights to Help Language Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   An EFL instructor shares ideas on classroom practice after participating in an intensive language program. The author discusses L1 use in the classroom as well as the importance of pronunciation instruction. The article also includes tips on acquiring vocabulary and reasons why pair and group work are good. Finally, the author considers how to support students who may be experiencing communication anxiety as they learn a new language. The article emphasizes a communicative approach and the importance of a friendly classroom environment.

3. American English Live - How Routines Support Effective Classroom Management and Teacher Planning

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

   This session, "Got Consistency? How Routines Support Effective Classroom Management and Teacher Planning," explores simple techniques to implement everyday routines that maximize student agency, learning, and participation while also increasing overall teaching efficacy.

4. Destroying the Teacher: The Need for Learner-Centered Teaching

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article advocates using English to teach content, addressing this through five areas: Reduction of Coercion (not eliciting correct answers, but engaging students in thinking); Active Learner Involvement (less teacher talk and more material chosen to engage learners), Experience Before Interpretation (handling material before interpreting it), Avoidance of Simplification (choosing materials challenging enough to learn skills for tackling new ideas), and Value of Silence (allowing students to think without forcing them to talk).

5. The Prisoner’s Dilemma – A Game of Decision-Making

   Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

   How do people make Decisions? This game, presented by The National Science Foundation, is an example of decision science called “Game Theory”.

6. Why English? Comics for the Classroom

   Format(s): Text

   This resource can be used by teachers and learners. It includes notes for teachers and activities to use in the classroom at the end of each story.

7. Save the Lofty Trees

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This is a script for a play called “Save the Lofty Trees,” intended for students use in ESL classrooms and is intended for young learners. This play gives students a chance to take part in group work by acting out the various scenes of the script. This will provide students with opportunities to use their skills and build fluency.

8. Story Theater

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article introduces an interactive and engaging classroom activity entitled Story Theater. The goal of this activity is to provide students with a text to read aloud as they act out the storyline using props and special effects. The purpose of Story Theater is to aid fluency and memorization and to provide students with a chance to use the language and their imaginations. This activity can be used with all ages and all English proficiency levels. The author includes examples of effective Story Theater lessons.

9. Lesson Plan: A Day at the Fair

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

   This issue’s lesson plan, “A Day at the Fair” follows the feature article on state and county fairs. After reading a summary of the article, learners are asked to list things they might experience with their senses at a fair. The terms may be used in a role play. Group members select roles and make decisions about how to spend a day at the fair according to the preferences on their cards. The lesson concludes with a reflection on decisions made during the role play.

10. The Lighter Side

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

    This is a logic puzzle called “Where’s the Beef.” This activity begins with a word search where students must find hidden words in a grid of letters, all related to McDonald’s and various fast food restaurant items. Also included in the game is a list of eleven related facts that students must read and analyze in order to answer the question stated at the beginning of the game. The activity is intended to help students practice vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking.

Pages