Advanced Search: Resources

1. Weaving the Web into an EAP Reading Program

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The authors share their experiences developing Internet reading activities for their students in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. The authors chose reading material found on the Internet that was authentic, up-to-date, and would increase student interest and motivation to learn English. The authors share practical considerations as well as their experience adapting laboratory activities to increase student autonomy along with other lessons learned in the process of using Internet reading materials.

2. Near-Peer Tutoring in an ESOL Music Project

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   This article describes how near-peer tutoring was used to foster a supportive, learner-centered environment in an adult ESOL setting. Students from beginning and advanced classes worked together to learn a song to perform at a year-end ceremony. The task involved vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation, and comprehension. Benefits of the music project included building relationships, breaking the routine, and lowering students’ affective filters. The project allowed the adults to be self-directed, empowered them to critique themselves, and gave them a sense of accomplishment.

3. Smithsonian IdeaLabs

   Format(s): Video, Website

   Visit the Smithsonian IdeaLabs to view online student tutorials that bring the museums to life, featuring American history, science, and culture.

4. Casey

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   What would it be like to be homeschooled? Read and listen to Casey tell her story of going to school at home.

5. Landry

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   In this interview, Landry discusses learning to drive a car to get a driver’s license.

6. The Use of Ethics in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

   If students are not meeting their goals, it may be that the reason is non-linguistic. Motivation is an important factor that teachers need to consider. The writer argues that carefully chosen ethics cases can motivate timid students to speak out by removing their fear of making mistakes and by encouraging them to talk about heart-felt beliefs. Since ethics cases may not have clear right and wrong answers, this sets them apart from other discussion topics. Debate will foster critical thinking skills.

7. Nurturing Emotional Intelligence through Literature

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the use of literature in a language class as a way to develop emotional intelligence in children. The author suggests that literature can be motivating and can provide a low-anxiety context for children to learn English. Several response activities are suggested to develop language skills and nurture emotional intelligence. These activities include scripting, detecting feelings in text, a feeling hunt, creating a positive language dictionary, diary entries, and letters to characters.

8. Center for Applied Linguistics

   Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

   The Center for Applied Linguistics offers everything from information on immersion programs to the newest research and guidance on best practices for teachers. Visit regularly to keep up to date on research-based strategies and practical hands-on tools to help develop effective classroom activities.

9. PBS Kids

   Format(s): Website

   PBS Kids helps to educate young learners in creative and fun ways. The educational content is aimed at children, with many interactive games and activities to aid in learning.

10. Stimulating Writing through Project-Based Tasks

    In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 4 Format(s): Text

    As students often see writing in any language as a challenging task, it can be hard to encourage motivation to practice writing in the language-learning classroom. This article offers project-based tasks as a way to motivate students with relevant and interesting topics. The author discusses the principles of project work and explains the process approach to composition, followed by detailed lesson plans for writing a problem/solution essay and the expected outcomes of this project.

Pages