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1. 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.

2. What is English for Specific Purposes?

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article gives examples of the lessons the author learned from years of teaching ESP. She learned to investigate authentic material thoroughly before making assumptions about learner needs. She tells of occasions on which she relied on the input from textbook writers and job supervisors who made errors in analyzing what students most needed in their language classes. She discussed a learner-focused style, which follows the theory that career development and language development follow the same path, from specific and technical to context- and experience-based.

3. English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4

   Format(s): Text

   This issue features American football. The Athletes, Actions, and Adjectives lesson plan introduces basic ideas about U.S. football team names. Following up, The Lighter Side provides puzzles related to football. Other articles discuss using 'I-can' statements to promote confidence in writing, writing professional articles, macrostrategies for L2 teacher observation and feedback, and low-cost teaching tools.

4. Building Consensus on Teacher Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   This article proposes a collaborative workshop for teachers and teacher trainees to identify their preferred methods of Teacher Assessment (TA).TA refers to the evaluation of teachers. Some examples are observation by colleagues or supervisors, videotaping class, and feedback from students. The pros and cons of various TA instruments and formats are discussed, including how threatening they are perceived to be. Participants also consider what should be included in their professional portfolio. It can be rewarding to involve stakeholders in the process.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3

   Format(s): Text

   This issue rounds up articles with a number of teaching ideas. Features include the uniquely American sport of rodeo and an integrated skills lesson plan for "Just off Main Street" by Elmaz Abinader. Other articles explore the areas of critical thinking, writing for extensive reading, developing pragmatic competence, teacher assessment, and keeping discipline in the classroom.

8. Internet Content-Based Activities for ESP

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The article introduces a WebQuest, an inquiry-based online learning activity, as a potential tool for content-based English for Specific Purposes (ESP). It provides a series of WebQuest tasks such as summary and synthesis tasks, design tasks, negotiation and interaction tasks, analytical tasks, and scientific tasks. The article has suggestions for the effective use of WebQuests for a content-based syllabus along with a discussion of the benefits of using WebQuests to develop academic skills.

9. What Mary Shelley Never Wrote: Using Basic Computer Skills to Enhance Student Writing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article describes an inspired, well-managed process writing class project for intermediate language learners. The author used Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein as a creative writing tool in class to develop writing and computer skills. Students read and discussed the book. Working in a collaborative format, students wrote a short story sequel to the novel and offered revision advice in a workshop format. The sequels were then compiled and shared with beginner language learners. The author pointed out that the sense of audience was also established with this project.

10. An Approach to Teaching Organizational Skills to Adults

    In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    Much of L2 teaching is based on organizational skills that the students may not already have. A lack of organization causes frustration and lost time for both the teacher and the student. The author argues that teaching organizational skills and teaching language skills is not an either-or choice. She offers guidelines for skill development along with practical suggestions for materials, verbalization, and clarification.

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