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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. The Art of Discussion: Prompting Discussions with the Work of Norman Rockwell

   In: English Teaching Forum 2022, Volume 60, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Author Piero Carlini demonstrates how teachers can use specific works of art by Norman Rockwell, in addition to recurring themes in the artist’s work, to spur critical thinking and productive discussion beyond the artwork itself. The article gives suggestions for using the art with learners who have different levels of English language ability.

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. The Lighter Side: "Fish Tanks"

   In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   In these two puzzles, readers use clues and logic to place fish in the appropriate tanks.

9. The Lighter Side: A_____ I_____

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   These days, “AI” usually means “artificial intelligence,” but in this puzzle, “AI” is used as a substitute for other two-word terms and phrases. The only requirement is that the first word must begin with the letter “a,” and the second word must begin with the letter “i.” Can you find every AI in this puzzle?

10. 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.

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