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1. Using VOA Special English to Improve Advanced English Learners' Productive Use of High Frequency Words

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article focuses on advanced ESL learners’ acquisition of the spelling, pronunciation, and comprehension of high-frequency words at the productive skill level rather than at the receptive skill level. It discusses the use of the Voice of America (VOA) Special English program to expose learners to different activities requiring productive skills. The article offers examples of how the VOA program exposes learners to comprehensible input through high-frequency words and helps them produce these words both in writing and speaking.

2. A Paradigm Shift: From Paper-and-Pencil Tests to Performance-Based Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article describes how The Language Center at the Espirito Santo Federal University changed from using traditional pencil-and-paper tests to performance testing, based on authentic tasks. The change was prompted because people thought that their testing did not reflect a communicative approach to language teaching. The Assessment Project lasted for two years; the author discusses its participants, goals, stages (including pilot testing), and results. Content and construct validity improved, leading to positive washback. Learning objectives and criteria for passing were clarified.

3. 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.

4. Easy Reading Activities to Engage Students

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

   How to engage students and help them develop the skills needed to make them better readers. Watch the webinar or download the presentation.

5. Introduction to Reader's Theater for EFL Classrooms

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

   This webinar demonstrates how to facilitate Reader's Theater and how to use Reader's Theater as an enriching and productive English language learning activity.

6. Teaching Today's Learners: Oral Error Correction and Writing Effective Assessments

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

   This webinar "Teaching Today's Learners: Oral Error Correction and Writing Effective Assessments" gives practical tips and strategies how and when to correct oral errors.

7. Module 14: Reflective Teaching

   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 focuses on reflective teaching.

8. Module 3: Integrating Skills

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

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on the use of language skills together in social interaction.

9. Module 5: Learner Feedback

   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 formative feedback.

10. Module 6: Managing Large Classes

    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 how to manage large classes.

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