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1. 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.

2. Lesson Plan: Going Green

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

   The lesson plan, “Going Green,” allows students to develop research and problem-solving skills on the theme of environmental conservation. The lesson includes a glossary of environmental terms. It uses a learner-centered approach as learners work in groups to determine their topic, the vocabulary they want to learn, how to collect information, how to report it (qualitatively or quantitatively), and what action to take based on the results. Students report their findings and action plan in a poster presentation. Creative writing, a debate, or a "green fair" are optional extensions.

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. Multi-Modal Writing: Promoting Digital Literacy in the English Language Classroom

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): MP3, Text

   This webinar discusses how multi-modal writing uses more than just words to communicate–it encourages students to use audio, video, photographs, and drawings to supplement their writing in meaningful ways.

5. Language and Life Sciences: Mapping the Human Genome (Reprinted from Chapter 1 of the FORUM Electronic Journal Language and Life Sciences)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The authors use the study of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the building blocks of all living things) to develop student vocabulary and assist in developing a fundamental understanding of the science behind DNA. The article provides supplemental material including helpful Web sites, student group activities with handouts, vocabulary lessons, and warm-up activities.

6. Teaching Young Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This author shares her unique approach to teaching young learners. She emphasizes that her approach involves features of communicative styles, the audio lingual approach (AL), and Total Physical Response (TPR), as she believes it is necessary to bring together all three styles of teaching to develop language proficiency. She includes a lesson plan for beginner level students to improve grammar competency.

7. English Grammar and Technical Writing

   Format(s): Text

   English Grammar and Technical Writing is a textbook for international students who are studying science, medicine, or technology.

8. 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.

9. Making Connections: Language Activities for Creating Interpersonal Tolerance in the Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Using communicative activities with learners from diverse cultures can create excitement and empathy while promoting the acquisition of English. This article offers ESL/EFL activities that foster interpersonal tolerance among students who have experienced intergroup conflict. The activities are based on the idea that there are four levels of cultural awareness: self, family, community, and region/world.

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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