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1. Multi-Level Classes Part One: Differentiating Instruction with Learning Stations

   In: Teacher's Corner: Common Challenges in the English Classroom Format(s): Text

   Teachers sometimes struggle with managing different level learners in one classroom. Learn how to set up learning stations to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students from various levels.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Raising Students' Awareness of the Varieties of English

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Image / Poster / Maps

   This article argues that EFL students need to be familiar with different varieties of English. If EFL students hope to enter a global job market, knowledge of English around the world is essential. The author, an English teacher in Japan, proposes doing classroom workshops on language variation and English as a world language to broaden students’ views of language.

5. Developing Your Students' Vocabulary and Grammar for Critical Thinking

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

   This webinar, "Developing Your Students' Vocabulary and Grammar for Critical thinking," identifies key vocabulary and grammatical structures and models classroom approaches for introducing and practicing them in critical thinking exercises.

6. Introducing Topics and Activating Students' Background Knowledge

   In: Teacher's Corner – Teaching with Authentic Materials Format(s): Text

   This week will focus on warm-ups and activities to help students connect to authentic materials and create a meaningful context for practicing English.

7. Instructional Enhancements to Improve Students' Reading Abilities

   In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article offers five instructional enhancements that help students become better readers. These classroom practices coincide with five key elements of EFL reading instruction: “extensive practice and exposure to print,” “commitment to building student motivation,” “attention to reading fluency,” “vocabulary building,” and “comprehension skills practice and discussion.”

8. Teacher's Corner: Adapting Materials for Students' Levels

   Format(s): Text

   Finding and choosing materials to use in classes can be a challenge. Teachers must take into account a number of things, including authenticity, the original source, the target language skill, and learners’ language levels and ages.

9. Getting Students Into Pairs and Groups for Collaborative Learning - Part 2

   In: Teacher's Corner: Classroom Management Format(s): Text

   As we saw in last week’s Teacher’s Corner, the process of creating student groups doesn’t have to be boring! This week we will explore more ideas on how to create impromptu groups for collaborative learning activities and projects.

10. Getting Students Into Impromptu Groups and Pairs for Collaborative Learning - Part 1

    In: Teacher's Corner: Classroom Management Format(s): Text

    Group and pair work provide students frequent opportunities to practice using English with a variety of people in a lower-stakes setting.

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