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1. Developing Dynamic Units for EFL

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   “Developing Dynamic Units for EFL” describes how to develop a thematic unit that integrates skills in context, provides opportunities for learner autonomy, and is project-based and experiential. Planning includes identifying curriculum standards, thinking of a meaningful topic, brainstorming tasks, organizing the activities, and making use of learner choice. The sample unit “Eating Out with Friends” includes the topics of inviting friends; choosing a restaurant and making a reservation; finding and communicating directions; ordering and requesting the bill; and thanking friends and retelling the story.

2. English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2

   Format(s): Text

   The spotlight is on New Mexico. Accompanying the feature article is a lesson plan designed to teach students about the state’s climate and energy issues. Other articles focus on World Englishes, organizational skills that aid language learning, public speaking tasks in English language learning, ways to make university English classes more interactive, and video recording in teacher training.

3. English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 1

   Format(s): Text

   Starting off the year of the American City, New York City is Forum’s first stop and the subject of this issue’s feature article. Accompanying the article is a lesson plan entitled “Exploring New York City.” Other topics in this issue include the progression of the field of TESOL, language awareness, applying reading research to lesson plan development, suggestions for academic writing instruction, and using anecdotes in language classes.

4. Fishing—A Sport for All Seasons

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Fishing is the feature lesson topic for this issue. Catching fish with hooks is known as angling, which is why fishermen are typically called anglers. Americans fish in urban and rural settings and enjoy many different kinds of fishing including bass fishing, fly fishing and ice fishing. The article discusses recent trends in fishing, including high-tech tools such as GPS devices.

5. Eyes On English

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The author discusses a school-wide campaign to promote the use of English. This six-week campaign, called Eyes on English, was created for Early Childhood and Elementary divisions, but is noted to be flexible for other grade levels. Throughout the article, the author expresses the importance of this program as well as provides a basic activity that can help teachers increase English usage.

6. Gardening: A Growing Activity

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the history of gardening in America, from the Great Depression to the present. The author points out two different categories; Urban Gardening and Eco-Friendly Gardening, both of which serve various purposes. Also included is a glossary of terms related to gardening as well as a list of websites that discuss gardening.

7. Empowering Teachers through Professional Development

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article promotes professional development for teachers. Connection to a community of teachers and greater motivation and achievement of students are just a few benefits of learning new skills, resources, and techniques. The author describes low-cost development opportunities, from individual tasks such as reading articles and keeping a journal, to collaborative techniques such as peer mentoring/coaching, forming a teacher support group, or joining a national organization.

8. Consciousness-Raising and Prepositions

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

   This article discusses consciousness-raising as a way to help students learn English prepositions. This technique, in which grammatical forms are highlighted in some way, can be helpful to teachers, especially when instructors have difficulty finding materials. The author shares her experience using consciousness-raising in a course in South Africa for ESL teachers.

9. English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   State and county fairs, the topic of this issue’s feature article, are an American tradition that highlight everything from livestock to rollercoaster rides. A corresponding lesson plan simulates “A Day at the Fair.” Other articles discuss storytelling, student-centered teaching in large classes, students as textbook authors, and using practice posters in EFL programs.

10. Baseball: A National Tradition

    In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    This article, written for language learners, gives an overview of the sport of baseball, known as America’s “national pastime.” The author describes the history of the sport as well as how to play it. The author talks about the types of people who play baseball, from young children to the major leagues, as well as baseball’s role in pop culture. Also included are a brief glossary, websites of interest, and a look at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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