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1. Using Self-Assessment for Evaluation

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This article explains the usefulness of self-assessment for learning purposes as well as evaluation purposes. The author emphasizes the ways that learners can conduct reliable, global self-assessment as well as three ways in which data-driven self-assessment can be done. The author discusses the purpose of self-assessment and provides specific instruments that can be used. The three data-driven self-assessments that are discussed include Portfolios, Pre- and Post-course writing, and Learner Contracts.

2. Bringing One Language to Another: Multilingualism as a Resource in the Language Classroom

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

   Many EFL students are already multilingual, but they may not realize the strengths they bring to language learning. This article calls on instructors to help students develop language awareness and guide them to find ways to apply what they know about language. The author shows how this process occurred in a sociolinguistics course and includes sample lessons for all ages and a variety of levels of proficiency. Lessons incorporate the students’ language knowledge in such skill areas as grammar and vocabulary.

3. Knitting: A Craft Makes a Comeback

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

   This article on knitting is written for learners. Knitting has become increasingly popular among young Americans. The article includes the history of knitting, reasons why people knit, new trends such as “yarn bombing” and eco-friendly knitting, and a discussion of popular knitting websites and blogs. At the end of the article, readers will find knitting vocabulary, a list of related websites, and a section entitled, “Knitting Know How.”

4. Classroom Activities

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

   This section presents three stand-alone learning activities related to the theme of knitting. A lesson for upper beginners uses the topic of knitting to teach clothing-related vocabulary. A lesson for intermediate learners uses an essay on knitting circles for a paragraph-ordering activity. An advanced lesson helps students understand idioms related to knitting. The lesson plan includes printable idiom cards.

5. English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 1

   Format(s): Text

   Starting off the year of the American City, New York City is Forum’s first stop and the subject of this issue’s feature article. Accompanying the article is a lesson plan entitled “Exploring New York City.” Other topics in this issue include the progression of the field of TESOL, language awareness, applying reading research to lesson plan development, suggestions for academic writing instruction, and using anecdotes in language classes.

6. English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 4

   Format(s): Text

   Chicago is the focus of the feature article and the basis of a lesson plan that provides practice in writing and reading postcards. This issue also includes articles on enhancing learning with mobile phone technology, VoIM-mediated cooperative tasks, and corpus-aided discovery. Additional articles discuss critical media literacy and ideas for incorporating an intercultural approach into EFL teaching.

7. Tutorials: A Way of Building Community in the Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   These authors from Singapore and Macao discuss the benefits of developing a sense of community in the classroom, which they say can build an environment of trust and mutual confidence with Chinese students. The authors recommend using individual and group tutorials. Although some teachers think tutorials are too much work, the authors claim it is worthwhile. These tutorials are developed with an informal structure and encourage a free flow of conversation. The article gives examples of how tutorials are used in the ESL classroom.

8. English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2

   Format(s): Text

   This issue focuses on Seattle, the second city on our tour this year. Complementing the feature article is a lesson plan on “Seeing Seattle.” Additional articles in this issue discuss interdisciplinary collaboration, two approaches to student-produced videos, student documentaries as language learning tools, using teacher-developed corpora in the CBI classroom, and building vocabulary and improving writing while developing a tourist brochure.

9. Teacher Resources

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This section reviews four books. “Teaching English as an International Language” by Sandra McKay relates English teaching to the use of the language around the world. “Humanizing Your Coursework” by Mario Rinvolucri offers 95 activities range from icebreakers and warm-ups to listening, speaking, and looking backwards or forwards. “Testcraft” by Fred Davidson and Brian K. Lynch addresses how to design contextual tests. “Teaching Large Level Multilevel Classes” by Natalie Hess includes 144 activities and 11 principles for teachers to cope with these types of classes.

10. Abstracts from Other Journals

    In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

    In “EAP Issues and Directions,” Ken Hyland and Liz Hamp-Lyons consider elements EAP researchers and teachers face. The challenges and academic needs of EAP, for both students and teachers, are addressed, along with solutions to those challenges. Teaching writing within the legal profession when the student is also an ESL/EFL student is the main topic of “Developing Legal Writing Materials for English Second Language Learners: Problems and Perspectives” by C. N. Candlin, V. K. Bhatia, and C. H. Jensen. The article includes an analysis of textbooks and suggested customized resources.

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