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1. Bear Fights: An Ursine Introduction to Debating in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Author Charlie Taylor describes a simple yet clever technique to introduce students to “debating” in a fun, creative way. Read the article to learn how “bears with superpowers” can help your students learn and practice basic principles of debating.   

2. The Collaborative Scaffolding Model of Teaching Speaking

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article, by Krishna Prasad Parajuli, describes a step-by-step activity in which students work in groups to begin, develop, and share stories they create. Teachers can also use the approach with debates, speeches, interviews, and other speaking genres as students enhance their speaking, listening, and collaborating skills.

3. In the Mood: Introducing Pragmatic Awareness at Low Levels

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Website

   This lesson in Teaching Pragmatics focuses on raising pragmatic awareness in students using the concept of "mood."

4. 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.

5. Speaking and Listening Online

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

   This article gives an overview of online technology for developing students’ listening and speaking skills. The author explores websites for both receptive and interactive communication and discusses the benefits and limitations of the technology as well as possible classroom activities. The article argues that the quality of the programs supports their use in the second language classroom.

6. Classroom Techniques: - What a Feeling!

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

   This article argues for the use of collaborative writing through poems in the ESL classroom. This activity gives students the motivation to express their creativity while improving teamwork skills that are important outside of the classroom. The author describes how collaborative poetry is introduced and carried out, gives examples of student poems, and suggests how the activity can be used with other genres as well.

7. Communication Practice vs. Pattern Practice or A Live Teacher Is Absolutely Necessary

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article, originally published in 1971, posits that the main goal of language learning is communication and that classroom work should concentrate on developing students’ communication skills. Communication-practice drills are presented and discussed.

8. Word Bricks-Brick Bingo

   In: Activate: Games for Learning American English - Word Bricks Format(s): Text

   Brick Bingo helps students make connections between the spoken and written forms of words in a fun, low-stress game. Download the game and instructions!

9. 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.

10. 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.

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