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Using Replacement Performance Role-Plays in the Language Classroom

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

Replacement performance role plays are a different type of role play. Rather than memorizing or writing a dialogue, this activity asks learners to listen and consider other possible responses. Students decide which character will be replaced and what they will do differently. Even shy learners or ones with lower proficiency levels can be involved because it is less overwhelming than writing a dialogue. The activity develops pragmatic competence and critical thinking skills. Popular TV shows can be used.

VOA: English in a Minute

Format(s): Video, Website

Looking for ways to improve your listening skills and learn English idioms? Check out Voice of America's English in a Minute and listen to brief video clips that explain American English colloquialisms.

PBS Learning Media

Format(s): Website

PBS LearningMedia™ is the go-to destination for instant access to tens of thousands of classroom-ready, digital resources including videos, games, audio clips, photos, lesson plans, and more!

Seismic Sleuths

Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

Have you ever wondered what causes earthquakes? The Federal Emergency Management Agency presents a six unit activity package that assesses student knowledge of earthquakes and provides information about preparedness and emergency management.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma – A Game of Decision-Making

Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

How do people make Decisions? This game, presented by The National Science Foundation, is an example of decision science called “Game Theory”.

Using Comics in the English Language Classroom

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

This webinar demonstrates the universality of comics for any language classroom, showing how multi-skill comic activities can be used with students of all ages and ability levels.

Cross-Cultural Competence in the Business English Classroom

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

This webinar, "Cross-Cultural Competence in the Business English Classroom," will explore strategies to help your students engage more effectively with their business counterparts from all over the world.

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.

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.

Intercultural Training with Films

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

This article discusses the use of film in the classroom to promote a better understanding of cross-cultural interaction. Examples are provided of films that feature issues in intercultural communication, such as nonverbal communication, cultural traditions, stereotypes, and individualism vs. collectivism. The article also includes guidelines for using films in the classroom as well as pre-, during, and post-viewing activities.