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Photography in English Language Teaching: Engage, Inspire, Create, Learn

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

This webinar, "Photograph in ELT: Engage, Inspire, Create, Learn," shows teachers how to harness students' access to their own cameras on their mobile phones and bring this technology with them right into the English language classroom.

U.S. Time Periods

Format(s): Text, Video, Website

Teaching and learning resources on U.S. time periods, from the Department of Education.

Smithsonian Folkways: Tools for Teaching

Format(s): Website

Looking for more ways to use music to teach? Check out the Smithsonian Folkways website that has a section called “Tools for Teaching” with free lessons and activities for the classroom.

The Lighter Side: Two Activate Games Puzzles

In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 1 Format(s): Text

These two puzzles are based on new Activate games found in this issue of English Teaching Forum (Volume 62, Number 1), but the game boards are not necessary for solving the puzzles: (a) unscrambling a board-games conversation between two students and (b) using logic to find out which games four friends played. Can you solve both?

Intercultural Training with Films

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

This article discusses the use of film in the classroom to promote a better understanding of cross-cultural interaction. Examples are provided of films that feature issues in intercultural communication, such as nonverbal communication, cultural traditions, stereotypes, and individualism vs. collectivism. The article also includes guidelines for using films in the classroom as well as pre-, during, and post-viewing activities.

Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs

Format(s): Text

This CD contains traditional American folk songs. Download songs, lyrics, posters, and activities. Watch a video to get teaching tips!

Teaching ESL Versus EFL

In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The author argues for different teaching approaches in EFL vs. ESL settings. He points out the differences in student motivation and suggests how to select different activities for the two contexts (with examples of relevant activities). He gives guidelines for the appropriate role of L1 in each classroom, and explains how the two classroom cultures differ (for example, in term of the learning styles of the students). He argues that keeping in mind these differences will help educators make more effective decisions for their students.

Using Comic Strips in Language Classes

In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 1 Format(s): Text

The author believes that using comic strips in language-learning classes has three main benefits. First, comic strips motivate younger learners. Second, they provide a context and logically connected sentences to help language learning. Third, their visual information is helpful for comprehension. The author argues that comic strips can be used in exercises of reading and other skills areas. The author provides four activities that use comic strips.

Weaving the Web into an EAP Reading Program

In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The authors share their experiences developing Internet reading activities for their students in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. The authors chose reading material found on the Internet that was authentic, up-to-date, and would increase student interest and motivation to learn English. The authors share practical considerations as well as their experience adapting laboratory activities to increase student autonomy along with other lessons learned in the process of using Internet reading materials.

Shaping the Way We Teach English: From Observation to Action