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1. Using Cooperative Learning to Facilitate Alternative Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the use of cooperative learning, an instructional strategy that utilizes group work to structure classroom interaction, to facilitate alternative assessment in the second or foreign language classroom. It highlights the importance of cooperative learning in assessment because assessment includes both linguistic and non-linguistic objectives, and meeting these objectives requires continuous and performance-based assessment. The article offers seven examples of cooperative assessments and shows how they can be used.

2. Empowering Teachers through Professional Development

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

   This article promotes professional development for teachers. Connection to a community of teachers and greater motivation and achievement of students are just a few benefits of learning new skills, resources, and techniques. The author describes low-cost development opportunities, from individual tasks such as reading articles and keeping a journal, to collaborative techniques such as peer mentoring/coaching, forming a teacher support group, or joining a national organization.

3. Abstracts from Other Journals

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   "Abstracts from Other Journals” discusses three articles from other journals on different issues related to second or foreign language teaching. The first is on “A Defence of Simplification” by I. S. P. Nation and Jean Paul Deweerdt, from Prospect. The second is “Building Community and Posting Projects: Creating ‘Student Pages’ in Web-Based and Web-Enhanced Courses” by Laura G. McGee, from Foreign Language Annals. The third is “Realism and Imagination in the Teaching of English”by Anthea Fraser Gupta, from World Englishes.

4. Developing Voice by Composing Haiku: A Social-Expressivist Approach for Teaching Haiku Writing in EFL Contexts

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

   This article discusses Haiku as a simple way to use poetry to help students develop voice and audience in their writing. The author gives an explanation and example of Haiku and gives step-by-step instructions for how Haiku may be taught, from interpretation to composition to publication.

5. 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.

6. Lesson Plan: Create Your Own Sporting Event

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

   This lesson plan, for intermediate learners, has students use their knowledge of sports, build their sports vocabulary, practice sport-related verbs, and create a written and visual presentation of a sporting event they create. The author provides a list of activities for individual, small group, and whole class work.

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. Consciousness-Raising and Prepositions

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

   This article discusses consciousness-raising as a way to help students learn English prepositions. This technique, in which grammatical forms are highlighted in some way, can be helpful to teachers, especially when instructors have difficulty finding materials. The author shares her experience using consciousness-raising in a course in South Africa for ESL teachers.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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