Advanced Search: Resources

1. Picturing America: Masterpieces of American Art

   Format(s): Website

   Pictures of famous American art with accompanying lesson plans from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

2. American English Podcast Channels

   Format(s): Video, Website

   Provides instructions and links to connect to Voice of America Podcasts and Videocasts.

3. Student-Produced Video: Two Approaches

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

   This article introduces the idea of using video production to engage second language learners in learner-centered, project-based learning activities to motivate them to learn and participate through writing, directing, acting in, and editing a movie. The authors describe two projects. In the first project, four pairs of students each created a three-minute film. In the second project, all eight students worked together to create one long movie. The advantages and disadvantages of both approaches were discussed.

4. Student Documentaries: A Language Learning Tool

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

   This article describes the reasons for project-based learning and how it better motivates students in an EFL classroom. It illustrates this topic by presenting a documentary film project that was carried out in a high-intermediate EFL class in Saudi Arabia. The article summarizes the theoretical support for communicative language learning and project-based approaches. The author then describes the documentary film project in detail and presents an evaluation of the project based on Simkins et al.’s (2002) framework of evaluation for multimedia projects.

5. Environmental Student Center

   Format(s): Website

   The Environmental Protection Agency provides information, games, videos, quizzes, and short films for students.

6. Speaking and Listening Online

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article gives an overview of online technology for developing students’ listening and speaking skills. The author explores websites for both receptive and interactive communication and discusses the benefits and limitations of the technology as well as possible classroom activities. The article argues that the quality of the programs supports their use in the second language classroom.

7. 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.

8. Voice of America Special English: Arts & Entertainment

   Format(s): Website

   Arts and Entertainment news articles and corresponding audio for English language learners.

9. Module 8: Authentic Materials

   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 focused on how to choose and use printed texts, images, and multimedia in the classroom.

10. The E-pet: Enhancing Motivation in E-portfolios

    In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 1 Format(s): Text

    The authors wanted to make EAP portfolios more engaging and personal for students, so they introduced an e-pet to accompany the online portfolio program. The e-pet (much like a tamagotchi) grows from an egg into adulthood when the students interact with it through portfolio submissions. Teachers reported that students were enthusiastic about the e-portfolio and the e-pet. Student questionnaires showed a similar trend, with several students saying that the e-pet made the portfolio project motivating. The article includes directions for e-portfolio design.

Pages