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1. Two Frameworks for Teaching Culture and Critical Thinking

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

   This session, "Two Frameworks for Teaching Culture and Critical Thinking," explores the rationale for including culture as a principled area for study in the language classroom followed by an interactive walkthrough of a lesson in which listening and intercultural awareness skills are developed.

2. Renewable Energy

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article, aimed at high intermediate to advanced readers, discusses the use of renewable energy. It presents a brief history on the source and types of energy. It then focuses on recent developments including solar, biomass, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. The article discusses the future of renewable energy and provides some suggestions on how to improve it.

3. Maps and Legends

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   The author of this student-directed reading, Michael Chabon, shares his experience as a pioneer of the Columbia Experiment. Columbia’s renewal was the dream of James Rouse, who put together a team of city planners to design a lovely, convenient, modern city where races lived together in harmony. Chabon writes about the impact of living with the dream and vision of the city’s development. Since the late 1960s, Columbia has grown from a few thousand people to the second largest city in Maryland.

4. Getting Teens to Really Work in Class

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article explains the brain development and behavior of teenagers as well as their special needs. The authors offer English language learning activities that meet the need for physical movement, social interaction, and reduced stress.

5. From da Vinci to Recumbent... Velocity and the Velocipede

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

   This reading on bicycles is appropriate for intermediate to advanced students. The author traces the history of the bicycle back to the nineteenth century and describes major innovations in the technological development of bikes. Modern bicycle technology and impacts are also discussed. The article presents the etymology of the word bicycle and then offers translations into other languages, illustrating that in many cases a relationship to the root of the original word remains. Additional websites of interest are also included for further reading or follow up activities.

6. Lesson Plan: Going Green

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

   The lesson plan, “Going Green,” allows students to develop research and problem-solving skills on the theme of environmental conservation. The lesson includes a glossary of environmental terms. It uses a learner-centered approach as learners work in groups to determine their topic, the vocabulary they want to learn, how to collect information, how to report it (qualitatively or quantitatively), and what action to take based on the results. Students report their findings and action plan in a poster presentation. Creative writing, a debate, or a "green fair" are optional extensions.

7. Digital Literacies: Practical Approaches for the ELT Classroom

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

   This session, "Digital Literacies: Practical Approaches for the ELT Classroom," aims to clarify the multiskill “digital literacies” construct and explore how and why these skills can be integrated into English language instruction.

8. Technology-Enhanced Task Engagement in English Language Instruction

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

   This session, "Technology-enhanced Task Engagement in English Language Instruction," defines what a task is and why tasks matter for language teachers and learners.

9. Localvore

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text

   In the folk song Localvore, Zach Ladin sings about supporting local foods, businesses, and communities. Download the MP3 or listen online.

10. The Time is Now

    In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

    Travis Haddix’s song 'The Time is Now' is another soul-searching examples of blues music. Download this song or listen online.

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