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1. Task-Based Language Teaching for Designing Grammar-Focused Communicative Activities

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

   This session, "Task-Based Language Teaching for Designing Grammar-Focused Communicative Activities," examines how task-based language teaching (TBLT) creates opportunities for students to use and develop language skills in the course of authentic communication.

2. SWELL: A Writing Method to Help English Language Learners

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

   Social-interactive Writing for English Language Learners (SWELL) is collaborative writing based on Topping’s Paired Writing Method. The method was changed to meet the needs of English language learners. In both methods, pairs are formed according to proficiency, pairing a more advanced student (a Helper) with a less advanced one (a Writer). The author describes the steps of generating ideas, drafting, reading, editing, best copy, and evaluating. Features of SWELL include using students’ linguistic knowledge (L1), balancing fluency with mechanics, and promoting explicit teacher instruction.

3. Classroom Activities

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

   This "Classroom Activities" features three stand-alone language-learning activity related to the theme of summer.

4. Hickory Dickory Dock

   In: Sing Out Loud Children's Songs Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This song in the Sing Out Loud Children's Songs collection introduces students to numbers. Poster included.

5. Classroom Techniques: - Nonstop Writing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article offers Nonstop Writing as a classroom activity to help students overcome the anxiety that can come with composition in a second language. Nonstop Writing is defined as timed, ungraded writing on an assigned topic. The author describes how to carry out and use this activity.

6. Classroom Techniques: Some Communicative Activities Based on Overhead Projectors

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

   This article offers sample activities that use an overhead projector. These activities encourage students to use the target language while recalling information they have already learned. Activities include making shapes on the projector for discussion, manipulating objects to practice prepositions, and creating dialogues.

7. Laugh and Learn: Thinking Over the "Funny Teacher" Myth

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The author in this article presents laughter and fun as an important part of a language classroom. The author suggests that when you laugh you learn better. Humor is introduced as a way to increase motivation and decrease anxiety. The author defines the “funny teacher” as a serious professional who uses humor to provide students with an enjoyable journey through learning. Activities are suggested for increasing fun and learning in the language classroom.

8. Deep Impact Storytelling

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

   The authors discuss the importance of storytelling for giving a course depth. They outline ways to help teachers deepen the impact of storytelling through language and thinking activities that include shadowing, summarizing, student retelling, action logging, and creating newsletters. The authors include a story split into assigned readings and sequenced homework and classroom activities. They found that using these activities increases student comprehension, negotiation of meaning, and feelings of community.

9. Board Game: Would You Rather?

   In: Activate Games for Learning American English: Board Games Format(s): Text

   The board game "Would You Rather…Why?" gives students a chance to express their preferences on a num­ber of different topics. For this board game, you will find the downloadable game, game instructions, and game variations.

10. Board Game: Name Your Favorite

    In: Activate Games for Learning American English: Board Games Format(s): Text

    The board game 'Name Your Favorite' provides an opportunity for students to talk about their favorite things in a variety of categories. For this board game, you will find the downloadable game, game instructions, and game variations.

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