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1. Some Suggestions for Academic Writing Instruction at English Teacher Training Colleges

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article presents practical suggestions and tasks to make it easier to teach second language academic writing at the college level. It discusses the necessity of a warm-up period in which learners produce first drafts in pairs or small groups and do peer error correction. The article offers tasks such as reacting to an academic review, comparing two academic articles, and summarizing academic articles.

2. The Reflective Portfolio: Two Case Studies from the United Arab Emirates

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   This article explains the benefits of using portfolios, an alternative assessment tool, to assess writing. The author identifies the characteristics of alternative assessment. Portfolios evaluate student progress over time and can include revisions. They are based on activities that show what students can do with language. Portfolios emphasize strengths and involve reflection by the student. Case studies show how portfolios were used in English courses at two universities. The authors advise allowing time for reflection and training in self-evaluation.

3. Reflective Teacher Observation Model for In-Service Teacher Trainees

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article proposes the Teacher Observation Programme for in-service teacher trainees. The program is reflective, collaborative, and builds confidence. It enables teachers to grow in their ability to self-evaluate. Trainees who have made decisions about their own observation, who have created and used their own observational tools, and who have used reflective lesson plans will be better equipped to do action research. Some of the key components of the program are needs assessment, building rapport, summative assessment and post-observational feedback.

4. Written Peer Response in L2 Writing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article argues that peer reviews of student writing should be done in writing and orally, as opposed to only in writing or only orally. Peer reviewing usually addresses the organization and style of student writing. The author discusses eight advantages to managing a peer-review process this way.

5. Motivating Students by Modifying Evaluation Methods

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This author identifies three key elements to student assessment—overly critical correcting, expectations, and competitive scoring—that prevent success in the ESL environment, based on the typical Chinese educational structure. The article discusses several techniques, mostly learner-centered, that a teacher can use to provide effective assessments while also creating an environment of trust, confidence, and fairness, where a student feels safe to take risks.

6. 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.

7. Module 11: Individual Learner Differences

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

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series is focused on facilitating learning for a wide variety of students and student needs.

8. Teacher Resources

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

   This section offers brief reviews of two commercial publications. The first is Academic Success for English Language Learners: Strategies for K-12 Mainstream Teachers, a collection of suggestions appropriate for ESL, EFL and mainstream teachers edited by Patricia A. Richard-Amato and Marguerite Ann Snow. The other publication is Making It Happen: From Interactive to Participatory Language Teaching, a book by Patricia A. Richard-Amato with practical ideas for getting students to participate more in the classroom.

9. Purposeful Language Assessment: Selecting the Right Alternative Test

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

   This article, originally published in 2000, looks at various instruments, procedures, and practices for language testing and offers strategies for determining which assessment options are most appropriate in various contexts.

10. Using Comics in the English Language Classroom

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

    This webinar demonstrates the universality of comics for any language classroom, showing how multi-skill comic activities can be used with students of all ages and ability levels.

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