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1. Exploring Generational Culture through Oral Histories

   Format(s): Text, Video

   This session, "Exploring Generational Culture through Oral Histories," presents an oral exchange project where students interview older adults to learn about culture, history, society, technological advances, and more.

2. How to Set Up Oral Homework: A Case of Limited Technology

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the benefits and challenges of having students complete oral homework as a way to practice speaking skills. The author explains the technology necessary as well as steps to follow when using this type of homework when designing a course. Also provided is a detailed list of assignments that can be completed orally (as an individual or in a group) and how a teacher can give feedback on this work and keep records.

3. Using Public Speaking Tasks in English Language Teaching

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   There are advantages to using public speaking tasks in the L2 classroom. Among them are the ability to use the four skills (e.g., when responding to audience questions, creating a presentation, or writing notes), the development of critical thinking skills, and the opportunity that public speaking provides for sharing information. The author offers guidelines and figures to illustrate the steps involved in supporting students in their research, demonstration, and review.

4. 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.

5. "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.

6. VOA Learning English Activities

   Format(s): Website

   Leveled activities (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) on specific functions, produced by Voice of America.

7. To the Moon! — A Launch Pad for Encouraging Students to Express Their Opinions

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. This article outlines an activity that involves developing, communicating, and exploring opinions. Students work individually to select volunteers to go to the moon. Groups then try to agree on the selection, discussing their reasons and assumptions. A number of letter-writing assignments incorporate material from the discussions. This student-centered activity can improve confidence, critical thinking skills, and writing fluency, while students learn from and challenge each other.

8. Nichole

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   In this interview, Nichole talks about her week at high school and her plans to study photography in college.

9. Casey

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   What would it be like to be homeschooled? Read and listen to Casey tell her story of going to school at home.

10. Lilac

    In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

    In this interview, Lilac talks about her part-time job, being on the swim team, and buying a car.

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