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1. 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.

2. The Exquisite Corpse Adventure

   Format(s): Website

   The Exquisite Corpse is a friendly game that allows you to make a creative story. Read and listen along to a series of 27 free exquisite corpse stories then learn how you can make one with your friends.

3. The Time is Now

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   Travis Haddix’s song 'The Time is Now' is another soul-searching examples of blues music. Download this song or listen online.

4. Localvore

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

   In the folk song Localvore, Zach Ladin sings about supporting local foods, businesses, and communities. Download the MP3 or listen online.

5. Activate: Games for Learning American English

   Format(s): Text

   Are you looking for fun, meaningful activities to use in your classroom? Check out these board games! Game themes require students to produce certain types of expressions, so they practice a variety of vocabulary, grammatical patterns, and functional meanings.

6. English Magazines = Motivation + Improved ESL Writing Skills

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   Creating and editing a magazine in English is a challenging and motivating type of portfolio assessment. It encourages student fluency and freedom by allowing students to choose their own topics for writing. It is real communication for a real audience and requires students to take responsibility for their own writing. It can also make the teacher’s job more enjoyable. The article describes a magazine-editing project for an intermediate university writing class. The students performed well on the national writing examination.

7. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Just Off Main Street" by Elmaz Abinader

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan is designed for high intermediate to advanced English language learners. Based on an authentic, contemporary essay by an accomplished American writer, the lesson plan includes tasks and activities designed to improve students’ English language skills as well as increase their understanding of American culture. The lesson includes pre-, during, and post reading activities to improve comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and make connections beyond the text. Websites of interest and useful questions for discussion or writing are included.

8. Voice of America: Current Event Activities in the English Language Classroom

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

   This webinar explores today’s globalized world in the 24-hour news cycle, and the importance of teaching current events in the English language classroom.

9. Smithsonian for Educators

   Format(s): Website

   Links to educator pages from the Smithsonian museums such as the American Art Museum and the Portrait Gallery.

10. Voice of America's Special English: Business

    Format(s): Website

    Articles and corresponding audio related to business for English language learners.

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