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1. The Trans-Cultural Comparative Literature Method: Using Grammar Translation Techniques Effectively

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

   This article explains the trans-cultural comparative literature method, which uses elements of communicative language teaching (CLT) and grammar-translation (GT) while comparing two culturally different texts. This method focuses on grammar and vocabulary, but also gives students a chance to analyze different cultures. An overview of CLT and GT is followed by guidelines for the trans-cultural comparative literature method and sample lesson plans for its use.

2. Looking for the Big Picture: Macrostrategies for L2 Teacher Observation and Feedback

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The authors describe the typical type of teacher observation and assessment used today -- top down, one-way communication from supervisor to teacher that looks at the weaknesses in the teaching. The authors believe that observation and feedback can be something more. They present six strategies for supervisors (e.g., recognizing subjectiveness, talking across the data, providing alternatives and resources). Additional suggestions include structured intervention and supervisor portfolios.

3. To Teach Standard English or World Englishes? A Balanced Approach to Instruction

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   What is Standard English? This article talks about the problem in defining this term. Teaching the standard inner-circle varieties of English may devalue students' local English, but the authors note that teaching the local variety may cause problems for students who need to talk with non-local speakers. The solution is a balanced approach that is culturally and contextually sensitive, values learner language, and prepares students for intercultural communication. Example activities are provided.

4. How to Make Upper-Level University English Classes More Interactive

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Because of the advanced nature of the work in ESP classes, some students may have trouble keeping up and staying motivated. The author outlines what she did to make her ESP Engineering class more interactive. By incorporating task-based language teaching (TLBT), there were more opportunities for group work and student-to-student communication. A number of activities are available to the instructor using a TBLT approach, including listing, compare and contrast, problem solving, sharing personal experiences, and projects.

5. Video Recording as a Stimulus for Reflection in Pre-Service EFL Teacher Training

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   All teachers should reflect on their teaching. In this article, the author argues for using video recording as a tool for critical reflection. She states that recording and review should be used even at the early stages of pre-service teacher training in microteaching sessions. She suggests that after the teaching is completed, teachers view the tape multiple times by themselves, then with a peer, and finally with a supervisor. Outcomes for this training include increased self-awareness, role shift from actor to director, and increased continuity.

6. The Relevance of Literary Analysis to Teaching Literature in the EFL Classroom

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

   This article presents a review of six approaches to teaching literature based on the author's and his colleagues' experience. It looks at the theoretical bases of these six approaches and discusses the pros and cons of using literature in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. The six approaches are evaluated based on the core principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). This article discusses the benefits of combining literary works with communicative activities and student motivation.

7. Tools for Activating Materials and Tasks in the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article presents techniques to make classroom materials and tasks more interactive and student-centered and thus motivate learners to take more control over their own learning. It demonstrates these techniques through elicitation, gapping, and adaptation/extension strategies. The article offers examples of classroom activities with detailed instructions to show how teachers can use materials and tasks in the English language classroom to address students’ interests, needs, and goals.

8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Two Heads Are Better Than One

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article shares ideas of how English language teaching professionals can collaborate with content-area specialists effectively to create learning opportunities for students. Using nine examples and various metaphors, the authors explain three principles for effective team teaching: initiating an interdisciplinary project, establishing an interdisciplinary team, and working successfully with other disciplines by having good working relationships.

9. Using Teacher-Developed Corpora in the CBI classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article argues for the use of teacher-generated corpora in content-based courses. Using a content course for engineering and architecture students as an example, the article explains how a corpus consisting of texts from textbooks and journal articles helped students learn grammar, vocabulary, and writing. The article explains how the corpus was compiled and presents examples of how students learned to analyze language use using corpus tools and dictionaries. The article ends by emphasizing the advantages of corpus analysis for self-directed learning.

10. Building Vocabulary and Improving Writing while Developing a Tourist Brochure

    In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    This article describes how creating a tourist brochure can help students improve their vocabulary and writing skills. The author describes how to plan writing lessons based on the creation of a brochure: viewing videos, planning the brochure, writing the brochure, getting feedback and rewriting, and displaying the brochure. In the conclusion, the author highlights the benefits of the activity as providing opportunities for contextualized writing and vocabulary learning.

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