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1. The Mediational Role of Language Teachers in Sociocultural Theory

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

   This article describes a sociocultural view of interaction, in which teachers construct knowledge with learners. Language is a mediating factor in cognitive development. The article discusses Vygotsky and the Zone of Proximal Development. According to Vygotsky, students are capable of doing more with guidance and support than they can alone. This principle leads instructors to scaffold material just beyond the leaner’s level. When teachers and students have meaningful interaction, learning is enhanced.

2. Module 11: Individual Learner Differences

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series is focused on facilitating learning for a wide variety of students and student needs.

3. Teacher Resources

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

   Two publications are summarized. First, Controversies in Applied Linguistics, edited by Barbara Seidlhofer, clarifies the issues that are at the center of controversies. The book explores and analyzes the arguments and “subcontroversies” in a neutral manner. The book does not require previous knowledge of the arguments. The second book is Linguistic Genocide in Education—or Worldwide Diversity and Human Rights? by Tove Skutnabb-Kangas. It discusses the dying off of minority languages and the importance of language diversity.

4. Module 12: Younger Learners (K-5)

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series focuses on using teaching techniques that are most effective with younger learners (ages 5-10 or from Kindergarten to Grade 5).

5. Seattle, Washington: The Rainy City

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

   This is an introduction to Seattle, including its history, attractions, geographical characteristics, and interesting facts. The introduction also contains many pictures of local attractions.

6. Lesson Plan: Seeing Seattle

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

   This lesson plan contains four main activities and two optional activities based on the feature article about Seattle.

7. The Lighter Side: Seattle Crossword Puzzle

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

   This is a crossword puzzle based on facts about Seattle.

8. Miami, Florida: The Magic City

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This is an introduction to Miami, including its history, attractions, geographical characteristics, and interesting facts. The article also contains many pictures of local attractions.

9. Lesson Plan: A Letter from Miami: A Telenovela

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan contains four activities that can prepare students for the final activity of creating a video or a play. There are also two optional activities to help students learn grammar, and a fact sheet about Miami.

10. The Lighter Side

    In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    This is a word game that asks the reader to make as many words as possible using the letters in “cruise ship.” Cues are provided.

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