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English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4

Format(s): Text

This issue showcases the U.S. National Park System. The feature article is coupled with a lesson plan on environmental preservation or “going green.” Other articles cover replacement performance role-plays, the paradigm shift from paper-and-pencil tests to performance-based assessments, using story-based frameworks, microteaching for non-native speaking teacher trainees, and open classroom communication centered on civic education.

Lesson Plan: Cultural Crossroads: Hawaii and Beyond

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 1 Format(s): Text

This content-based lesson plan is about ethnic/cultural heritage and diversity in Hawaii. It also encourages students to explore their own cultures. The author includes four activities (listening and speaking, small group discussion, place-based group work, and role play). Ideas are also provided for multi-session lessons that encourage students to revise and communicate.

Introduction to Teaching Pragmatics (Reprinted from the online book Teaching Pragmatics, published by the Office of English Language Programs)

In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

Second and foreign language learners use English differently than native speakers do, especially in regard to greetings, closings, and managing conversations. Pragmatics does not receive the attention it should even though mistakes can be interpreted on a social and personal level. This article introduces a rationale for teaching pragmatics and discusses the goals. Teaching materials should include authentic language, and input should precede interpretation or production. Instructors may decide to use the L1 for raising awareness since these types of lessons are useful even for beginners.

Abstracts from Other Journals

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

“Challenges for ELT from the expansion in teaching children” addresses a growing international trend of teaching English to younger learners (TEYL). Some issues raised are teacher education, student motivation, assessment, and the diversity of levels that exist in secondary school. The second article explores the topic of “Ownership” of English and the NS-NNS distinction. The study asked speakers from India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States to rate the acceptability of sentences. Their answers reflected their degree of ownership and perceptions of the target language.

Useful Resources for Editing Academic Writing in English

In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This article describes how the author assisted graduate students with academic writing in English. It also shares useful resources for teachers in non-English speaking countries who are responsible for editing academic theses and dissertations, professional articles, and papers for international conferences. The author's editing process includes corrections written on the paper as well as typed, detailed explanations of grammar points and suggestions for rewording or reorganization. Online and print resources are included.

Rediscovering Curiosity, Imagination, and Humor in Learning

In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This piece introduces three previously published articles that speak to the effectiveness of teaching the English language through curiosity, imagination, and humor. The articles introduced are “Curiosity and Comprehension,” “Using Story Jokes for Real Communication,” and “An Imaginative Approach to Teaching Writing.”

The TOEFL and Grammar

In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This article examines the implications of universities in non-English-speaking countries imposing TOEFL requirements on their students. The author points out the difference between grammar taught in classrooms and how structure is evaluated on the TOEFL. The author identifies and discusses three categories: syntax, combination, and vocabulary. The article discusses important features of the test in order to familiarize EFL teachers with the TOEFL in each of these categories.

Try This: All in the Family Photo

In: English Teaching Forum 2015, Volume 53, Number 4 Format(s): Text

This activity can build community and relationships in the classroom.

To Teach Standard English or World Englishes? A Balanced Approach to Instruction

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

What is Standard English? This article talks about the problem in defining this term. Teaching the standard inner-circle varieties of English may devalue students' local English, but the authors note that teaching the local variety may cause problems for students who need to talk with non-local speakers. The solution is a balanced approach that is culturally and contextually sensitive, values learner language, and prepares students for intercultural communication. Example activities are provided.

English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 2