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1. A Classroom Response to HIV/AIDS - Project Proposal Writing

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

   This article describes a task-based writing project. High-school students in Zambia wrote a proposal to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in their community. By writing on a topic related to their lives, students were motivated and empowered to use their English skills for positive change. The project was an interactive workshop that invited a community leader to help with brainstorming, the setting of ground rules, and understanding of the issue. Students worked together on their responses and drafted and revised a proposal that was based on a model from UNICEF.

2. Developing Dynamic Units for EFL

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   “Developing Dynamic Units for EFL” describes how to develop a thematic unit that integrates skills in context, provides opportunities for learner autonomy, and is project-based and experiential. Planning includes identifying curriculum standards, thinking of a meaningful topic, brainstorming tasks, organizing the activities, and making use of learner choice. The sample unit “Eating Out with Friends” includes the topics of inviting friends; choosing a restaurant and making a reservation; finding and communicating directions; ordering and requesting the bill; and thanking friends and retelling the story.

3. Student Storytelling through Sequential Art

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   If you are interested in using sequential art forms such as comic books in your EFL classroom, this article is full of helpful advice. Reading sequential art is beneficial because students can work with authentic texts with real language and graphic support. Students can also apply research and cultural knowledge to the creation of their own sequential art projects. The author addresses managing project groups, researching the topic, developing the story, structuring the story, adding artwork, and sharing the story. The creations can be used as reading material for future classes.

4. Student-Centered Teaching in Large Classes with Limited Resources

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The authors shares suggestions for instructors who teach large classes (from 50-80 students) with minimal resources. The challenges of managing the classroom, using pair and group work effectively, and working with limited resources are addressed. The authors suggests ways to take attendance quickly, to reduce written work to grade, to start and stop communicative activities, and to keep motivation high when students work at different speeds. Suggestions were tested by action research. Two classrooms are described.

5. Students as Textbook Authors

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The authors describe their experience using a learner-centered approach to turn learner writing into booklets. When students write about their own lives, they can focus on the language they need to express their ideas. Interaction increases because interest is high. Near beginners can create fact sheets about themselves, and more advanced students can write language-learning histories. The texts can become fill-in-the-blank activities or be read aloud. Student texts inform instructors of needs and interests; they give students ownership of their learning and provide models for future classes.

6. Using Practice Posters to Address EFL Challenges

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Practice posters, with pictures and captions, are useful for controlled practice of vocabulary and structures in an EFL context. The author has found many advantages of using posters with beginners in a high school setting. Student led review gets students active, increases autonomy and improves confidence. The use of small groups is effective with multi-language classes and frees the teacher to monitor interactions. Other benefits include increasing English use, limiting mistakes, decreasing discipline issues, helping with pronunciation and appealing to a variety of learning styles.

7. Harmonious Learning: Yoga in the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The author discusses the connection between yoga and language learning. Body position as well as visualization and guided imagery can introduce language in an enjoyable way. The lessons are modeled after a Total Physical Response (TPR) approach. The benefits of yoga in the classroom include reducing anxiety, helping students focus through silence, and embedding language in tasks. The author answers frequently asked questions and provides sample activities and suggested resources.

8. Rock and Roll English Teaching: Content-Based Cultural Workshops

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article considers content-based cultural workshops. With a focus on cultural content and a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, students practice language and cooperative learning strategies. The author describes the process of developing such a workshop as an extracurricular activity for a large, mixed audience. The article details an example interactive workshop on rock and roll and includes an appendix of useful websites related to the topic.

9. Using Letters to Tell Stories in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses how letter writing can be used as authentic language use. An activity for beginners involves an exchange of letters of introduction between the instructor and students. This serves a socially meaningful interactional purpose. The second activity is the construction of an story, one in which the plot is expressed in a series of letters. The writer suggests using letter exchanges for this creative writing project after using books such as The Color Purple. Letter writing is one way to enable and empower students to tell their own stories.

10. To the Moon! — A Launch Pad for Encouraging Students to Express Their Opinions

    In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

    Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. This article outlines an activity that involves developing, communicating, and exploring opinions. Students work individually to select volunteers to go to the moon. Groups then try to agree on the selection, discussing their reasons and assumptions. A number of letter-writing assignments incorporate material from the discussions. This student-centered activity can improve confidence, critical thinking skills, and writing fluency, while students learn from and challenge each other.

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