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1. A Paradigm Shift: From Paper-and-Pencil Tests to Performance-Based Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article describes how The Language Center at the Espirito Santo Federal University changed from using traditional pencil-and-paper tests to performance testing, based on authentic tasks. The change was prompted because people thought that their testing did not reflect a communicative approach to language teaching. The Assessment Project lasted for two years; the author discusses its participants, goals, stages (including pilot testing), and results. Content and construct validity improved, leading to positive washback. Learning objectives and criteria for passing were clarified.

2. Understanding Documentation and Draft Writing for Business English

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

   This webinar considers how context, content, and tone can help make business-related draft writing processes more effective and enjoyable for both writers and readers.

3. To Correct or Not Correct? Ideas for Subtle Error Correction During Speaking Tasks

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

   This webinar presents techniques designed to correct students’ grammar without interrupting the free flow of speech or the lesson.

4. English Teaching Forum 2018, Volume 56, Number 2

   Format(s): Text

   This issue features articles on helping students recognize and avoid plagiarism, create original radio dramas, write and perform movie trailers, and more.

5. English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   Find suggestions and encouragement for turning your teaching ideas into articles … discover ways to use nonnative speakers as role models for your students … try new dictogloss strategies to improve learners’ literacy … see how to run a MOOC camp … use student-generated videos productively … and explore creative ways to use emojis for speaking practice!

6. Process Writing and the Internet: Blogs and Ning Networks in the Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article presents a student-centered technique for teaching writing to ESL and EFL students who are familiar with Internet-based technology. There are two classroom lessons which use blogs (an Internet-based diary tool accessible by many) and Ning networks (an Internet-based network created for small groups for a small fee). A process-writing concept focuses on students’ social relationships and interests. Step-by-step directions are included for teachers and students who may be less familiar with these two technologies.

7. Dynamic Ways to Check Answers and Share Responses in the EFL Classroom

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

   This session, "Dynamic Ways to Check Answers and Share Responses in the EFL Classroom," reviews ways to check answers and share responses in a variety of ways to keep students focused and engaged in their learning.

8. "The Potential of Open Educational Resources for English Language Teaching and Learning: From Selection to Adaptation"

   In: English Teaching Forum, Volume 60, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The article outlines how to find and adapt open educational resources (OERs) and presents a specific example of remixing OERs for the language classroom; the authors’ goal is to inspire other educators to create and adapt OERs and incorporate the materials into their own teaching contexts.

9. Constructivism in Theory and in Practice

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

   The article describes the change in teacher training from instructivist to constructivist. The author defines constructivism and discusses its two main approaches: cognitive and social constructivism. The author then compares an instructivist versus a constructivist classroom and focuses on how they are different in terms of the level of flexibility. The author describes how an in-service teachers’ workshop successfully transformed. Benefits discussed include positive learning experience and the wash-back effect on pedagogy. (This article quotes theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, and Krashen.)

10. Looking for the Big Picture: Macrostrategies for L2 Teacher Observation and Feedback

    In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4 Format(s): Text

    The authors describe the typical type of teacher observation and assessment used today -- top down, one-way communication from supervisor to teacher that looks at the weaknesses in the teaching. The authors believe that observation and feedback can be something more. They present six strategies for supervisors (e.g., recognizing subjectiveness, talking across the data, providing alternatives and resources). Additional suggestions include structured intervention and supervisor portfolios.

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