Advanced Search: Resources

1. Teacher Resources

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

   In this special section of Forum, four commercial publications are presented. Topics include techniques to help middle school students with reading, student involvement and choice; an introduction to the concept of genre (of interest to ESL teachers, writing teachers, etc., including genre-based assessment and the importance of audience in writing); the use of literature circles with elementary learners to foster discussion and love of literature; and a book of EFL methodology.

2. Keeping Discipline in the Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the challenges of keeping order in the classroom and provides suggestions for fostering an environment of mutual respect. The article looks at what students expect of teachers as well as temporary games and long-term strategies that students use to take control from the teacher. Some practical solutions to discipline problems include keeping students’ attention, establishing clear rules together, and addressing discipline problems by using nonverbal and verbal cues before reacting to the problem.

3. Tips for Reading Extensively

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

   This article describes how instructors can help their students benefit from extensive reading. Ten tips cover the basic guidelines of extensive reading. Extensive reading can improve learners’ fluency, confidence, and motivation in addition to expanding vocabulary and increasing reading speed. Students should read for overall comprehension and avoid turning to dictionaries with each new word. Modeling extensive reading and reading aloud with enthusiasm may also encourage student interest.

4. Classroom Management Idea Book

   Format(s): Text, Website

   A manual and idea book on how to manage classrooms, produced by the Peace Corps (PDF).

5. Misconception Analysis: A Necessary Complement to Foreign Language Teaching

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

   This article draws on findings from cognitive psychology that emphasize learners and their learning needs. The author proposes a solution for dealing with language learning problems, called misconception analysis (MA). The article explains MA, its usefulness, and language classroom applications. The author classifies misconceptions about language learning into four groups: misconceptions about the goals of language learning, the nature of language, the processes and strategies of language learning, and language elements.

6. A Judicious Lesson: A Whole-learning Reading Activity

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

   This article discusses the use of whole-reading activities in a university level reading and speaking course. The author used a magazine article about a murder and a trial to develop a four-week unit in which students investigated ideas about crime, punishment, rhetorical strategies, idiomatic language, and the United States' judicial system. Through the use of this unit, the author advocates for readings and activities that challenge students to move beyond comprehension of a text.

7. Determining Students' Language Needs in a Tertiary Setting

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

   This article discusses students' perceptions of their language learning needs. It describes a survey conducted among university students and professors to find out how students rated their competence in particular skills and compares the results to those of their English teachers. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with the students, English teachers, and program directors. This needs analysis project helped to update the university English department curriculum and course offerings.

8. The Joy of Watching Others Learn: An Interview with Diane Larsen-Freeman

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This interview shares insights from Diane Larsen-Freeman, who has written numerous books and articles on language teaching methodology, second language acquisition, English grammar, and teacher education. It touches on topics including Larsen-Freeman's beginning in EFL, advice for new teachers, Larsen-Freeman's teaching methodology books, and her views on the state of English language teaching and its future.

9. TIRF Resources

   Format(s): Website

   The International Research Foundation for English Language Education has a wide variety of resources for teachers, researchers, parents, graduate students, program administrators, and the general public. Here you will find links to educational websites, lists of professional development opportunities and articles, and information about grants and fellowships for educators.

10. Introduction to Teaching Pragmatics (Reprinted from the online book Teaching Pragmatics, published by the Office of English Language Programs)

    In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    Second and foreign language learners use English differently than native speakers do, especially in regard to greetings, closings, and managing conversations. Pragmatics does not receive the attention it should even though mistakes can be interpreted on a social and personal level. This article introduces a rationale for teaching pragmatics and discusses the goals. Teaching materials should include authentic language, and input should precede interpretation or production. Instructors may decide to use the L1 for raising awareness since these types of lessons are useful even for beginners.

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