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1. Ten Characteristics of a Good Teacher

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author, an experienced English teacher, combines her professional experience with her language learner experience to identify her ideal language teacher. Her top ten characteristics focus on four areas: affective characteristics including humor and enthusiasm; skills such as the use of creative tools; classroom management styles and academic knowledge. The author claims motivation thrives on success, and by adopting these characteristics, students will react positively.

2. Using Self-Assessment for Evaluation

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This article explains the usefulness of self-assessment for learning purposes as well as evaluation purposes. The author emphasizes the ways that learners can conduct reliable, global self-assessment as well as three ways in which data-driven self-assessment can be done. The author discusses the purpose of self-assessment and provides specific instruments that can be used. The three data-driven self-assessments that are discussed include Portfolios, Pre- and Post-course writing, and Learner Contracts.

3. Reciprocal Teaching: A Useful Tool in Increasing Student-Talking Time

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   Reciprocal Teaching (RT) can be used to increase student talk time and improve communicative competence. This strategy uses paraphrasing, reported speech, question formation and concept-checking to promote dialogue. As students move from short responses toward longer conversations (or language for transactional purposes), their fluency and retention increase. These “long turns” provide important practice. The author also emphasizes the importance of prompts for lower-level students. The article includes examples of each strategy as well as several axioms of reciprocal teaching.

4. "Imported" Communicative Language Teaching: Implications for Local Teachers

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article criticizes the rejection of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in non-Western contexts. Teachers sometimes avoid CLT because it includes ideas (such as autonomy and choice) that do not always fit with the educational, social, and cultural perspectives of their areas. The author defines CLT, considers the issues that come with importing this teaching method, and offers suggestions to help EFL teachers adapt CLT to their contexts to create genuine communication.

5. English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   Find detailed tips for successful cross-cultural collaboration … a methodological framework for using pop songs productively … suggestions for giving effective instructions in the classroom … an inside look at teaching in Zanzibar … an integrated-skills activity using pictures … and much more.

6. Group Dynamics: Belonging in the ESL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2017, Volume 55, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author provides suggestions for English language activities that promote bonding at the beginning of a course, during a course, and at the end of a course.

7. Module 6: Managing Large Classes

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on how to manage large classes.

8. Effective Strategies for Teaching Large Classes

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

   This session, "Effective Strategies for Teaching Large Classes," explores thought-provoking techniques for creating engaging and interactive lesson plans when working with large, multi-level classes.

9. Activate: Games for Learning American English

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

   This webinar introduces teachers to the Activate resource, demonstrates classroom management techniques for playing games in the classroom, and offers tips on how teacher's can create their own games that match their curriculum objectives.

10. Getting Students to Speak Up: Classroom Atmosphere Is Key

    In: English Teaching Forum 2022, Volume 60, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    The author describes a challenge that is familiar to many language teachers: trying to get students to speak up independently, share thoughts, and participate authentically in the target language. The article includes general and specific tips for creating a comfortable, communicative classroom environment.

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