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1. 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.

2. The TOEFL and Grammar

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

   This article examines the implications of universities in non-English-speaking countries imposing TOEFL requirements on their students. The author points out the difference between grammar taught in classrooms and how structure is evaluated on the TOEFL. The author identifies and discusses three categories: syntax, combination, and vocabulary. The article discusses important features of the test in order to familiarize EFL teachers with the TOEFL in each of these categories.

3. Understanding Fast Speech with Online Videos and Quizzes

   In: English Teaching Forum 2021, Volume 59, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author notes that “understanding fast speech can be an ongoing challenge for English learners of all levels” and presents online videos and interactive quizzes that help learners deal with blending, flap, H elision, syllable elision, and common phrases; the article includes a description of a lesson for using the suggested resources in class.

4. One of These Does Not Belong: Creating Interesting Multiple-Choice Questions for Teaching and Testing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2021, Volume 59, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author presents a simple, clever way to make all kinds of multiple-choice questions more interesting and more challenging for learners. Teachers can use the technique with both online and face-to-face instruction.

5. A Simple “mmm” Technique to Teach Word Stress and Intonation in English

   In: English Teaching Forum 2021, Volume 59, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The author uses specific examples to demonstrate how the “mmm” technique can help students improve stress and intonation of words and sentences.

6. Small Talks: Daily Speaking Practice for Vocabulary and Grammar Mastery

   In: English Teaching Forum 2021, Volume 59, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This is a step-by-step guide to helping students review recently learned vocabulary and grammar through quick, focused conversations with classmates at the beginning of class. Variations and suggestions for extending the activity are included.

7. Towards Better Group Work: Seeing the Difference between Cooperation and Collaboration

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

   The author explains the difference between cooperation and collaboration in the classroom. Cooperation is students working together (each with individual tasks) for an end product, while collaboration is students interacting to create knowledge. The author discusses the strengths of collaboration and the teacher’s role. Also provided are guidelines for successful collaboration, sample activities, and frequently asked questions, such as what to do when students have emotional reactions to the group work.

8. No Books and 150 Students?

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article describes the author’s experiences coping with the challenges of teaching English in an Indonesian university, such as classroom conditions and large numbers of students at different proficiency levels. The author suggests five activities that are designed to involve students in learning with little dependence on materials and little movement. The author also describes three out-of-class activities. Appendices include materials for the activities and additional references.

9. Translation and Foreign Language Reading Comprehension: A Neglected Didactic Procedure

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   In reviewing views on the use of L1 in L2 classrooms, the author argues for the benefits of using L1. The author argues for the benefits of written translation activities based on the ideas that translation uses authentic materials, is interactive, learner-centered, and promotes learner autonomy. The author also argues that written translation activities can be used as a post-reading activity to check learners’ reading comprehension and provide items for future tests. A sample activity is given and suggestions are discussed.

10. Hidden Pictures: An Integrated Speaking and Listening Activity

    In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    Author Heather Gaddis provides a detailed, step-by-step description of an original activity in which students examine and describe pictures that are similar to one another. The author includes suggestions for adapting the activity for different purposes and for integrating themes—which teachers can choose—into the activity for targeted practice.

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