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1. The Challenge and Opportunity of Technology: An Interview with Mark Warschauer

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

   This article shares an interview conducted with Mark Warschauer, vice chair of the Department of Education at the University of California and a faculty associate at the university’s Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations. Warschauer shares his thoughts on different topics in second/foreign language learning and teaching and evaluates the future of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with Forum readers.

2. Phonetic Symbols: A Necessary Stepping Stone for ESL Students

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

   This article discusses why English pronunciation and intonation have been ignored in Hong Kong ESL classes. It also discusses why it is essential to teach English phonetic symbols to attain better pronunciation skills. The article describes what actions should be taken to implement an English pronunciation component into teaching ESL.

3. Abstracts from Other Journals

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

   "Abstracts from Other Journals” discusses three articles on different issues related to second or foreign language teaching. The first is Diane Slaouti’s “The World Wide Web for Academic Purposes: Old Study Skills for New” (English for Specific Purposes). The second is Jasone Cenoz’s “Age Differences in Foreign Language Learning” ( I.T.L. Review of Applied Linguistics). The third is Deborah Schaffer’s “The Story of e-“ (English Today: The International Review of the English Language).

4. Using Web Resources in a Public Speaking Class

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

   This article describes ways to teach public speaking students how to efficiently locate information on the Internet, how to quickly evaluate and analyze those resources, and how best to navigate the Web. The author’s lesson leads the students through a Web-based scavenger hunt, included in the article, and has information about how to evaluate sites. The author expands on these lessons to show the students how the Internet can help prepare and deliver a speech.

5. Teaching Weak Forms

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

   This article describes a pronunciation concept referred to as the weak form, a compression of sounds used to keep the rhythm of spoken English. The author uses the word “that” as an example. Stressing or not stressing the word “that” when reading aloud the sentence “John thinks that man is evil” changes the meaning. Reading “that” as unstressed is an example of the weak form. The author provides examples of how to teach the weak form to provide students with better spoken English and better comprehension.

6. English Prime as an Instructional Tool in Writing Classes

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses a variety of ways to incorporate E-Prime, the idea that all forms of the verb “to be” need to be replaced in writing and speaking. The author shows how this can force ESL and EFL students to improve their writing and make them to spend more time with their essays, to think critically about acceptable grammar and vocabulary, and to search for new vocabulary.

7. Teacher Resources

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Two publications are summarized. First, Controversies in Applied Linguistics, edited by Barbara Seidlhofer, clarifies the issues that are at the center of controversies. The book explores and analyzes the arguments and “subcontroversies” in a neutral manner. The book does not require previous knowledge of the arguments. The second book is Linguistic Genocide in Education—or Worldwide Diversity and Human Rights? by Tove Skutnabb-Kangas. It discusses the dying off of minority languages and the importance of language diversity.

8. Using L1 in the L2 Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   There may be more to the use of L1 in the L2 classroom than previously thought. Recent findings show that L1 usage values the native culture and language of the students, allowing them to feel comfortable taking risks in English. The author distributed a questionnaire on Spanish usage to English language students and professors at a Puerto Rican university. Results showed that both students and teachers felt there were clear instances where Spanish would help understanding. The author also shares his own personal experiences as a Spanish-speaking English teacher.

9. Microteaching

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This brief article introduces the reader to the microteaching procedure. Teachers in training will prepare a short microlesson of five to ten minutes in length for normally fewer than ten students. Students may be real or trainees. The lesson is videotaped and discussed with colleagues and/or supervisors. The teacher then reteaches the lesson. This help teacher reflect and grow as well as consult with peers. Suggestions for preparation and teaching of microlessons are provided.

10. Teaching Vocabulary to English Teacher Trainees

    In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

    Non-native English-speaking teachers in a foreign context will sometimes experience difficulty with the words used in their training courses. This article presents a six-step method for helping these teachers learn new, relevant vocabulary. The method is effective but does not require a large amount of class time. Once words have been selected, individual students are each given a word for which to create a word profile. Presentation and review follows.

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