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1. Politeness is More than "Please"

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Website

   This lesson teaches politeness strategies in English.

2. The Conversation Class

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

   This article discusses conversation classes, drawing from the author’s experience teaching Persian ESL. The author offers eight guidelines for effective teaching: cultivate a relaxed atmosphere (with six suggestions for doing this), be alert and foster alertness, be enthusiastic and engender enthusiasm, be patient, be sensitive, think, listen, and make corrections. The article finishes with a number of suggested topics and activities for promoting conversation.

3. The Lighter Side: Fishy Fun

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

   There are two games. The first has five tongue twisters, each word missing a letter which the student must complete. The second game is a matching game, but the words are missing letters which the student must fill in before he/she completes the match. The games help with vocabulary and spelling.

4. The Future is Now: Preparing a New Generation of CBI Teachers

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

   This article discusses the use of Content Based Instruction (CBI) and provides ways that language-teacher education programs can better prepare CBI teachers. The author argues that CBI is particularly relevant now, in the 21st century. The article explains what specific skills are needed to successfully teach using a CBI approach, including Language Proficiency, Academic Skills, Pedagogical Knowledge, and content-language interface skills.

5. Classroom Activities

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

   This section presents three stand-alone language-learning activities for different level classrooms. The interactive activities focus on skills that familiarize students with simple sentence structures, present tense, grammar review through group work and games, a vocabulary review, and an activity to help students understand the concept of metaphors and use them in their writing.

6. Snowboarding: Wild Rides

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

   This article on snowboarding is written for learners. The author gives an overview of the history of snowboarding, along with basic facts about the popular winter sport, a glossary of helpful terms, and information about the controversy surrounding its inclusion in the winter Olympics. There are also links to helpful websites, and colorful photographs illustrate important moves, equipment, and competitors.

7. Intercultural Training with Films

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

   This article discusses the use of film in the classroom to promote a better understanding of cross-cultural interaction. Examples are provided of films that feature issues in intercultural communication, such as nonverbal communication, cultural traditions, stereotypes, and individualism vs. collectivism. The article also includes guidelines for using films in the classroom as well as pre-, during, and post-viewing activities.

8. Lacrosse: Inspiring Feats

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

   This article for students explains the long history of lacrosse, a sport that combines elements of soccer and hockey. It was created by Native Americans and continued by European settlers to the New World. It has become popular at colleges and universities internationally. The article also provides an overview of lacrosse vocabulary, a profile on the Iroquois team, and a piece about an all-star athlete, Jim Brown.

9. Lesson Plan: Be a Good Sport

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

   This lesson plan, targeted at upper-beginner and lower-intermediate learners, includes listening, speaking, and writing activities centered on the sport of lacrosse. At least two activities are included for each skill, such as a mini-presentation and a discussion of why being a good sport is a good way to practice speaking.

10. English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4

    Format(s): Text

    A feature article called “Newspapers in America” headlines this issue. That article is complemented by a lesson plan on “Using Journalism Skills in the Language Classroom.” Also included in this issue are articles on creating positive attitudes toward EFL, constructivism, teacher research, translation and foreign language reading comprehension, and a classroom activity using Romeo and Juliet.

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