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1. VoIM-Mediated Cooperative Tasks for English Language Learners

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

   This article discusses how computer-mediated communication, negotiation of meaning, and cooperative task-based learning can be combined in a VoIM-mediated activity to benefit language learners. The author starts with a brief review of how the three aspects of learning can benefit language learners. The author then describes a VoIM-mediated cooperative task. The rest of the article explains how to set up the activity, including technical requirements, planning in eight stages, and materials selection.

2. 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.

3. A Questionnaire Project: Integrating the Four Macro Skills with Critical Thinking

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

   This article describes the steps of a questionnaire project that uses listening, speaking, reading and writing while developing interpretation skills and self-regulation. The project creates survey questions, collects and analyzes data, and reports results. While students work in groups, they have opportunities to brainstorm, express opinions, and ask for clarification. The article includes tips on time constraints, evaluation of data, participation, and topic selection.

4. Amazing Animals

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

   “Animals” is a three-part lesson plan for young learners with a zoo animal theme. The first lesson is full of activities to describe animals, with Simon Says, guessing games, and learning stations. The second lesson is about desert animals, but other types of animals could be chosen depending on student interest. This lesson teaches prepositions of place. The final lesson, using the Language Experience Approach, leads up to a trip to the zoo (real or virtual). The class constructs a story of their experience and reads it together. Animal flashcards are included.

5. Health and Fitness

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

   The theme of health offers a variety of language-learning possibilities. This three-part lesson plan for young learners can be adapted to other audiences. It includes a reading, a dialogue, and a listening script. The first lesson asks learners to analyze lifestyle choices and give advice. The second lesson takes students to a sporting goods store, where they consider the language they need to talk with a sales clerk. The third lesson is about food choices, including ways to prepare foods. A follow-up activity researches how a famous athlete stays healthy.

6. SWELL: A Writing Method to Help English Language Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Social-interactive Writing for English Language Learners (SWELL) is collaborative writing based on Topping’s Paired Writing Method. The method was changed to meet the needs of English language learners. In both methods, pairs are formed according to proficiency, pairing a more advanced student (a Helper) with a less advanced one (a Writer). The author describes the steps of generating ideas, drafting, reading, editing, best copy, and evaluating. Features of SWELL include using students’ linguistic knowledge (L1), balancing fluency with mechanics, and promoting explicit teacher instruction.

7. Going Green: Merging Environmental Education and Language Instruction

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses content-based instruction (CBI) and the theme of environmental awareness in the classroom. It addresses not only recycling and preservation of resources, but also integrating English skills and controversial issues into real-world situations. The article presents teachers with examples of group activities and opportunities for critical thinking and encouraging responsibility among their students.

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. 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.

10. Classroom Activities

    In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    This "Classroom Activities" features three stand-alone language-learning activity related to the theme of summer.

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