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1. Random or Intentional? Putting Learners in Groups that Work

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   This session, “Random or Intentional? Putting Learners in Groups that Work,” helps participants reflect on and share the different types of EFL group work activities they use as well as the methods they use to create small groups. The session will also explore three grouping strategy categories and will review several fun, creative techniques for establishing effective groups.

2. "Mix It Up! Mingle Away!"

   In: English Teaching Forum, Volume 60, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   Laura Loder Buechel presents innovative twists on the familiar technique of “mingling,” suggesting creative ways that you can use mingles to have students tell and listen to jokes, find partners, give compliments, and more—with additional tips for getting the most out of the mingles you use.

3. Social-Emotional Learning For Multilingual Learners: Fostering Growth

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   This session, "Social-Emotional Learning For Multilingual Learners: Fostering Growth," engages participants in a rich dialogue about ways that social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies can help ELLs. The presentation provides background knowledge about SEL frameworks for ELLs and demonstrates a variety of classroom-ready SEL techniques.

4. A Writing Picnic

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Author J. Perry Christensen suggests ways to turn an end-of-semester or end-of-year picnic (or other class activity) into an opportunity to let students demonstrate the writing skills they have developed throughout the semester or school year.

5. A Mindful Gratitude Exercise for the English Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   Monica Flores Rojas describes a technique based on mindfulness—and more specifically on gratitude practice. The practice can have a positive impact on learners’ well-being while also providing opportunities for them to express their gratitude in English. The technique is recommended for learners at the intermediate level and above.

6. English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   Find detailed tips for successful cross-cultural collaboration … a methodological framework for using pop songs productively … suggestions for giving effective instructions in the classroom … an inside look at teaching in Zanzibar … an integrated-skills activity using pictures … and much more.

7. 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.

8. Towards Better Group Work: Seeing the Difference between Cooperation and Collaboration

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

   The author explains the difference between cooperation and collaboration in the classroom. Cooperation is students working together (each with individual tasks) for an end product, while collaboration is students interacting to create knowledge. The author discusses the strengths of collaboration and the teacher’s role. Also provided are guidelines for successful collaboration, sample activities, and frequently asked questions, such as what to do when students have emotional reactions to the group work.

9. Tools for Activating Materials and Tasks in the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article presents techniques to make classroom materials and tasks more interactive and student-centered and thus motivate learners to take more control over their own learning. It demonstrates these techniques through elicitation, gapping, and adaptation/extension strategies. The article offers examples of classroom activities with detailed instructions to show how teachers can use materials and tasks in the English language classroom to address students’ interests, needs, and goals.

10. Using Mobile Phone Technology in EFL Classes

    In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 4 Format(s): Text

    This article explains how students can use their mobile phones to produce video projects and use English for meaningful communication. The author first explains what communicative competence is and why it is important. The author then discusses difficulties of putting principles of communicative language teaching into practice, which is the main rationale behind the author’s idea. Finally, the author describes four video projects and several activities based on mobile phone features.

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