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1. Creating Positive Attitudes Towards English as a Foreign Language

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The author reviews research on the connections between attitudes and language learning, and between attitudes and motivation. The article suggests that language learners’ motivation and attitudes can influence learning outcomes, and that effective teaching can change negative attitudes. It describes a classroom action research project that was carried out among 95 students in Turkey to examine attitudes and motivation for English learning. Results and possible factors are discussed with regard to the students’ attitudes and motivation.

2. Reflection as a Necessary Condition for Action Research

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article explores the idea that teachers can improve their practice through reflection and action research. The author discusses the constructivist and socio-constructivist roots of action research. The case study explores the use of a project to improve learner autonomy and cooperation. Students made key decisions about the project content, the size of the groups, and the roles that each member would play. To evaluate the experience, the instructor asked students open-ended questions. A colleague-observer filled out rating scales about instructor and student behaviors.

3. Using Letters to Tell Stories in the EFL Classroom

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

   This article discusses how letter writing can be used as authentic language use. An activity for beginners involves an exchange of letters of introduction between the instructor and students. This serves a socially meaningful interactional purpose. The second activity is the construction of an story, one in which the plot is expressed in a series of letters. The writer suggests using letter exchanges for this creative writing project after using books such as The Color Purple. Letter writing is one way to enable and empower students to tell their own stories.

4. Trace Effects

   Format(s): Website

   Trace Effects is an English language video game for students. Learn English and explore American culture through puzzles, games, and adventures in an interactive world. If you would like to receive a copy of this game, please contact your Regional English Language Office: https://americanenglish.state.gov/support-near-you-regional-english-language-officer-relo

5. Try This: Collaborative Mind Mapping

   In: English Teaching Forum 2016, Volume 54, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Try This gives step-by-step instructions for carrying out language-learning activities in your classroom.

6. Teacher's Corner: Reported Speech

   Format(s): Text

   In this month’s Teacher’s Corner, we will showcase four activities that can be used to practice reported speech. These activities create opportunities for students to practice reported speech in both written and spoken form.

7. NASA Classroom

   Format(s): Website

   The National Aeronautic and Space Association provides graded instruction and teaching materials. Its Digital Learning Network provides free interactive lessons with videos and live webinars.

8. Teaching Techniques: Human Mind Maps

   In: English Teaching Forum 2016, Volume 54, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Teaching Techniques give English teachers the opportunity to share successful classroom practices.

9. Social Media as a Tool for Community Engagement

   Format(s): Text, Video

   This webinar looks beyond the framework of our current English language classrooms to prepare our students for the difficulties posed by an unknown future by deepening our teaching.

10. Compare and Contrast Variations for Same and Different Cards

    In: Teacher's Corner: Comparatives and Superlatives - Adjectives Format(s): Text

    Our Teacher’s Corner this week encourages students to use comparative and superlative adjectives as they discuss groups of related items.

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