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1. Ten Characteristics of a Good Teacher

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

   The author, an experienced English teacher, combines her professional experience with her language learner experience to identify her ideal language teacher. Her top ten characteristics focus on four areas: affective characteristics including humor and enthusiasm; skills such as the use of creative tools; classroom management styles and academic knowledge. The author claims motivation thrives on success, and by adopting these characteristics, students will react positively.

2. English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4

   Format(s): Text

   This issue features American football. The Athletes, Actions, and Adjectives lesson plan introduces basic ideas about U.S. football team names. Following up, The Lighter Side provides puzzles related to football. Other articles discuss using 'I-can' statements to promote confidence in writing, writing professional articles, macrostrategies for L2 teacher observation and feedback, and low-cost teaching tools.

3. English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   The feature article focuses on Virginia, The Old Dominion, and a companion lesson plan is titled “Virginia: Jamestown and Its People.” Other articles in this issue explore literary analysis in the EFL classroom, English instruction for the tourist industry, livening up college English classes with games, using VOA Special English to improve vocabulary, and motivating students to read.

4. Growing Up with TESOL

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article describes influences on the development of English language teaching since the 1970s. It discusses two types of influences. The first influence is external: The increasing demand for efficient TESOL programs as a result of the international role of the English language, which has brought more professionalism and accountability to the field through standards. The second influence is more internal: The desire to expand TESOL’s goals and concerns to better understand the concept of English language teaching, teachers, and their education.

5. Some Suggestions for Academic Writing Instruction at English Teacher Training Colleges

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article presents practical suggestions and tasks to make it easier to teach second language academic writing at the college level. It discusses the necessity of a warm-up period in which learners produce first drafts in pairs or small groups and do peer error correction. The article offers tasks such as reacting to an academic review, comparing two academic articles, and summarizing academic articles.

6. The Challenge of Spelling in English

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article addresses the topic of spelling in American English. It discusses the popularity of spelling contests in American schools, and then explains why spelling is so hard. The author then argues how important it is to understand these factors to improve spelling accuracy. The article concludes by identifying the difficulties of language learning and implications for English teaching.

7. Classroom Techniques: Romeo and Juliet in One Hour

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article describes the use of drama activities to motivate students, to teach vocabulary and pronunciation, and to enhance cooperative learning. The author describes in five steps the classroom procedure of an activity based on the play of Romeo and Juliet. The author discusses the results of the activity and its implications. Play scripts used in the activity are included.

8. Designing Lessons for EFL Listening Comprehension Classes

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

   To keep students motivated, the author outlines several principles for developing listening comprehension lessons. When learners focus on a clear learning objective, retention improves. Other recommendations include keeping the same topic and objective for several activities and selecting relevant, authentic material with a clear layout and pictures to help with prediction. The author discusses appropriate teaching methods, such as variety and effective questioning.

9. Understanding and Teaching Generation Y

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

   This article responds to the challenges of teaching Generation Y students, who are tech-savvy and feedback-dependent visual learners. Because "Gen Y" students are less likely to engage with traditional classroom teaching methods, this article is helpful in identifying specific activities teachers can employ to utilize students' attraction to digital media, multi-tasking, and a sense of global purpose.

10. Reading Logs: Integrating Extensive Reading with Writing Tasks

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

    This article informs instructors about blending reading logs into writing tasks. Several benefits are discussed, including clarifying objectives of reading and providing opportunities to respond to reading, building critical literacy, and monitoring student progress. The article describes how to develop an extensive reading project for advanced students that includes both comprehension and vocabulary strategies. Details include how to structure and format the reading logs as well as assessment procedures.

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