Site Search

Teaching with Comics and Graphic Novels

Format(s): Text

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to get started with comics and graphic novels.

Integrated Skills: Combining Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Grammar

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

This session, "Integrated Skills: Combining Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Grammar," addresses an integrated approach to teaching speaking, reading, listening, writing, and grammar skills. First, we will identify some challenges associated with combining language skill areas, and we will discuss options for overcoming these challenges. Next, we will explore how to develop and implement a variety of multi-skill instructional options including meaningful grammar activities, dynamic reading relays and jigsaws, interactive writing games, engaging speaking activities, and high-interest listening tasks. By the end of the session, participants will have developed a toolkit for conducting more interactive, learner-centered lessons that motivate students and hold their interest—teachers will be ready to adapt and use these innovative ideas immediately!

Is There a TA in Your Future? Upper-Class Teaching Assistants in the EFL Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 2 Format(s): Text

Author Gene Richards argues that establishing a program that prepares and allows upper-class students to become teaching assistants (TAs) for lower-class students can have benefits for all students—as well as their teachers. The article provides suggestions for setting up and managing the program; it also includes templates for TA agreements and certificates that readers are welcome to use if they establish a TA program of their own.

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.

Creating a Storytelling Classroom for a Storytelling World

In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This article explores the value of storytelling in English language learning. Strong emphasis is placed on the role that stories of personal experience play in human interaction and how these natural conversations foster a better language learning experience. The author outlines a four-step approach to help students develop conversational skills as storytellers, including techniques for improving fluency and honing listening skills.

Teaching Story without Struggle: Using Graded Readers and Their Audio Packs in the EFL Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 3 Format(s): Text

The authors developed the Bimodal Narrative Approach (BNA), which expands the extensive reading approach by adding listening activities. The authors, who used this approach with teacher trainees, outline the use of a graded reader novel and audio pack in BNA reading and listening classes. Video-based activities and evaluation are also discussed.

Teaching Beyond the Test: A Method for Designing Test-Preparation Classes

In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 4 Format(s): Text

Test-preparation classes that focus on skills will benefit students beyond the test by developing skills they can use at university. This article discusses the purposes of various tests and outlines how to design effective test-prep classes. Practice activities included.

Teaching the Native Speaker How to Teach English

In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This article offers guidelines for non-native-speaker teachers of English sharing teaching contexts with native speakers of English who have no teaching experience.

'Hey Kids! Let’s Put on a Show!' Theater in the English Language Classroom