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1. Teaching Students to Categorize TOEFL Essay Topics

   In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The author maintains that categorizing TOEFL iBT writing topics helps test takers because they will be more familiar with the topics and thus better able to write about them and because categorizing topics requires critical thinking about the topics. Using some of the 185 TOEFL prompt questions and 10 additional prompts, the article explores ways to code and analyze the prompts, illustrating the process with tables.

2. Using Identity to Introduce ICC Skills in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The authors describe a detailed, step-by-step procedure to help students analyze the concept of identity—with the use of “identity wheels” and a knowledge-skills-attitudes framework—and apply their understanding to develop intercultural communicative competence

3. Questionnaires as a Tool for Teaching English Language through Learner-Create Knowledge

   In: English Teaching Forum 2022, Volume 60, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Christopher Strelluf and Eric Ekembe explain potential benefits of learner-created knowledge which can be particularly valuable in low-resource contexts, and present a detailed, adaptable approach for using questionnaires to create knowledge, inspire critical thinking, and develop language skills.

4. Countering Disinformation Discourse in the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Adam Mastandrea presents strategies for helping students recognize, analyze, and counter disinformation, using authentic examples to illustrate the approach. Incorporating aspects of media literacy and critical thinking, the author argues that the strategies strengthen language learning while also enabling learners to counter disinformation online.

5. C.A.R.E.: A Methodological Framework for Using Pop Songs in the EL2 Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Author Harald Spann explains the C.A.R.E. framework to support “planning and teaching pop-song lessons in different learning contexts.” Using the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” as an anchor, the author provides numerous examples of how teachers can apply the framework (covering creativity, analysis, response, and English) for multiple purposes.

6. Understanding and Teaching Generation Y

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article responds to the challenges of teaching Generation Y students, who are tech-savvy and feedback-dependent visual learners. Because "Gen Y" students are less likely to engage with traditional classroom teaching methods, this article is helpful in identifying specific activities teachers can employ to utilize students' attraction to digital media, multi-tasking, and a sense of global purpose.

7. Destroying the Teacher: The Need for Learner-Centered Teaching

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article advocates using English to teach content, addressing this through five areas: Reduction of Coercion (not eliciting correct answers, but engaging students in thinking); Active Learner Involvement (less teacher talk and more material chosen to engage learners), Experience Before Interpretation (handling material before interpreting it), Avoidance of Simplification (choosing materials challenging enough to learn skills for tackling new ideas), and Value of Silence (allowing students to think without forcing them to talk).

8. Lessons from the Other Side of the Teacher’s Desk: Discovering Insights to Help Language Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   An EFL instructor shares ideas on classroom practice after participating in an intensive language program. The author discusses L1 use in the classroom as well as the importance of pronunciation instruction. The article also includes tips on acquiring vocabulary and reasons why pair and group work are good. Finally, the author considers how to support students who may be experiencing communication anxiety as they learn a new language. The article emphasizes a communicative approach and the importance of a friendly classroom environment.

9. Reading Logs: Integrating Extensive Reading with Writing Tasks

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article informs instructors about blending reading logs into writing tasks. Several benefits are discussed, including clarifying objectives of reading and providing opportunities to respond to reading, building critical literacy, and monitoring student progress. The article describes how to develop an extensive reading project for advanced students that includes both comprehension and vocabulary strategies. Details include how to structure and format the reading logs as well as assessment procedures.

10. Promoting Genre Awareness in the EFL Classroom

    In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    The author introduces genre awareness, a concept from ESP (English for Specific Purposes) and EAP (English for Academic Purposes), and relates it to its potential use in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom. She explains genre awareness as the ability to use the communication tool that is most appropriate for the purpose and audience. She recognizes several challenges to using genre awareness curriculum in the EFL classroom. Finally, she presents several useful genre awareness classroom exercises.

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