Site Search

1. Rediscovering Curiosity, Imagination, and Humor in Learning

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

   This piece introduces three previously published articles that speak to the effectiveness of teaching the English language through curiosity, imagination, and humor. The articles introduced are “Curiosity and Comprehension,” “Using Story Jokes for Real Communication,” and “An Imaginative Approach to Teaching Writing.”

2. Using Story Jokes for Real Communication

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

   English language teachers all face the obstacle of getting their students to speak in conversational English. This article, originally published in 1996, explores the use of jokes as a way to get natural conversation going in and out of the classroom and provides activities for teachers to use with their students.

3. Bowling: Entertainment for All Ages

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

   This feature article on bowling is written for learners. Bowling has changed in recent years and is growing in popularity once again. The article includes the history of bowling and recent trends, such as cosmic bowling, virtual bowling, efforts to make bowling appeal to kids and more. At the end of the article, readers will find bowling vocabulary, a list of related websites, and a section on “Bowling Basics.”

4. Classroom Activities

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

   This section presents three stand-alone learning activities related to the theme of bowling. A game for upper beginners is useful for sentence formation and vocabulary review on any topic. Intermediate learners can practice with imperatives by giving and following instructions on how to bowl. The final activity asks intermediate learners to engage in focused listening or reading. Extension possibilities are included for each of the three activities.

5. The TOEFL and Grammar

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article examines the implications of universities in non-English-speaking countries imposing TOEFL requirements on their students. The author points out the difference between grammar taught in classrooms and how structure is evaluated on the TOEFL. The author identifies and discusses three categories: syntax, combination, and vocabulary. The article discusses important features of the test in order to familiarize EFL teachers with the TOEFL in each of these categories.

6. From Unity to Diversity: Twenty-five Years of Language Teaching Methodology

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

   Reprinted from a 1987 issue of English Teaching Forum, this article by Diane Larson-Freeman describes methodological developments in the field of English language teaching over the previous 25 years. This overview of methodology includes discussion of such topics as syllabus design, English for Special Purposes (ESP), content-based approaches, culture, the Comprehension Approach, the Communicative Approach, assessment procedure, and subject matter.

7. English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   Creating a storytelling classroom and teaching listening skills to young learners through songs are the topics of the lead articles in this issue...

8. Writing for the Reader: A Problem-Solution Approach

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

   A “how to” piece on using the problem-solution approach to writing academic articles, this article explores (originally published in 1997) defining the audience, defining the author, and evaluating the structure of an article, and it outlines helpful questions for writers and readers.

9. Twenty Common Testing Mistakes for EFL Teachers to Avoid

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

   This article, originally published in 1982, is designed to help EFL teachers prepare effective selection, diagnostic, and evaluation instruments by avoiding common testing mistakes. Such mistakes are discussed under the categories of general examination characteristics, item characteristics, test-validity concerns, and administrative and scoring issues.

10. Creating a Storytelling Classroom for a Storytelling World

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

    This article explores the value of storytelling in English language learning. Strong emphasis is placed on the role that stories of personal experience play in human interaction and how these natural conversations foster a better language learning experience. The author outlines a four-step approach to help students develop conversational skills as storytellers, including techniques for improving fluency and honing listening skills.

Pages