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1. Beyond Film: Exploring the Content of Movies

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article looks at the use of movies in the language-learning classroom. The author promotes the use of the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird” due to its content, which involves poverty, racial inequality and mental illness, and to the availability of websites related to its use in English classrooms. The author highlights six scenes for understanding the movie, pre-viewing, while viewing, and post-viewing activities, as well as suggestions for Internet follow-up. An example WebQuest is included.

2. Introduction to Teaching Pragmatics (Reprinted from the online book Teaching Pragmatics, published by the Office of English Language Programs)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Second and foreign language learners use English differently than native speakers do, especially in regard to greetings, closings, and managing conversations. Pragmatics does not receive the attention it should even though mistakes can be interpreted on a social and personal level. This article introduces a rationale for teaching pragmatics and discusses the goals. Teaching materials should include authentic language, and input should precede interpretation or production. Instructors may decide to use the L1 for raising awareness since these types of lessons are useful even for beginners.

3. Authentic Video in the Beginning ESOL Classroom: Using a Full-Length Feature Film for Listening and Speaking Strategy Practice

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

   Using film in the classroom can be effective with beginning English learners. A full-length film offers continuous context to discuss humor, culture, and language functions, real-life communication with images and non-verbal cues, increased retention due to activating the right hemisphere of the brain, and the lowering of students’ affective filters. The authors include a lesson based on their experience teaching listening and speaking skills using the movie “What about Bob.” Assessment techniques and potential problems are considered.

4. GoEnglish.Me: A VOA English Software Program

   Format(s): Video, Website

   Interactive, task-based American English learning program produced by Voice of America.

5. The First Americans: A Brief History The National Museum of the American Indian Preserving Native Languages and Cultures References, Glossary, and Websites of Interest

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

   This article introduces the history of Native Americans, including accomplishments in building, in social organization, and in art. The article discusses religion and cultural beliefs and the devastating effects that the arrival of Europeans had on Native Americans. The article includes sections on current developments as well, such as the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian and efforts to preserve native cultures and languages. The final section addresses the past practice of forcing children to leave their community to go to boarding schools.

6. PBS Learning Media

   Format(s): Website

   PBS LearningMedia™ is the go-to destination for instant access to tens of thousands of classroom-ready, digital resources including videos, games, audio clips, photos, lesson plans, and more!

7. Tips and Activities for Creating a Communicative EFL Classroom Using Online Meeting Software

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

   This session, "Tips and Activities for Creating a Communicative EFL Classroom Using Online Meeting Software," introduced several communicative EFL activities for instructional sessions conducted via video-based online meeting software.

8. Unleashing Your True Teaching Power: Interaction in Online Learning Environments

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): E-book, MP3, Text, Video, Website

   This session, "Unleashing Your True Teaching Power: Interaction in Online Learning Environments," demonstrates how to engage learners in online environments by transforming traditional classroom tools.

9. VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English

   Format(s): Website

   Articles and corresponding audio on American Life and history for English learners. Read the articles and listen online, or download free podcasts.

10. U.S. Time Periods

    Format(s): Text, Video, Website

    Teaching and learning resources on U.S. time periods, from the Department of Education.

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