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Module 7: Learning Strategies

In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on language learning and communication strategies.

Your Most Essential Audiovisual Aid - Yourself!

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

Acknowledging that an interested and enthusiastic teacher can create excitement for students and promote learning, this article (reprinted from 1981) offers concrete suggestions for the teacher to be a “visual aid” and an “audio aid” in the classroom.

America

In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text, Video

What is a road trip? Why are road trips popular in the United States? Find out more with this set of activities based on music by the award winning ukulele player Victoria Vox.

Story Retelling with a Twist

In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This is a step-by-step guide to carrying out a versatile, well-scaffolded activity that can improve learners’ speaking skills and keep them engaged through the use of stories and jokes with surprising and unexpected endings.

A Systematic Process for Assessing Assessment

In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 4 Format(s): Text

“How to assess assessments is often a dilemma for teachers and English language programs,” the author writes, and then goes on to offer a number of suggestions, charts, and guiding questions designed to help solve that dilemma.

My Classroom: Ethiopia

In: English Teaching Forum 2015, Volume 53, Number 4 Format(s): Text

Dawit Negeri has been teaching in the English Department at Ambo University for the past five years.

Knitting: A Craft Makes a Comeback

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

This article on knitting is written for learners. Knitting has become increasingly popular among young Americans. The article includes the history of knitting, reasons why people knit, new trends such as “yarn bombing” and eco-friendly knitting, and a discussion of popular knitting websites and blogs. At the end of the article, readers will find knitting vocabulary, a list of related websites, and a section entitled, “Knitting Know How.”

Lacrosse: Inspiring Feats

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This article for students explains the long history of lacrosse, a sport that combines elements of soccer and hockey. It was created by Native Americans and continued by European settlers to the New World. It has become popular at colleges and universities internationally. The article also provides an overview of lacrosse vocabulary, a profile on the Iroquois team, and a piece about an all-star athlete, Jim Brown.

An Approach to Teaching Organizational Skills to Adults

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

Much of L2 teaching is based on organizational skills that the students may not already have. A lack of organization causes frustration and lost time for both the teacher and the student. The author argues that teaching organizational skills and teaching language skills is not an either-or choice. She offers guidelines for skill development along with practical suggestions for materials, verbalization, and clarification.

What is English for Specific Purposes?

In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This article gives examples of the lessons the author learned from years of teaching ESP. She learned to investigate authentic material thoroughly before making assumptions about learner needs. She tells of occasions on which she relied on the input from textbook writers and job supervisors who made errors in analyzing what students most needed in their language classes. She discussed a learner-focused style, which follows the theory that career development and language development follow the same path, from specific and technical to context- and experience-based.