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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.

Teaching ESL Versus EFL

In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The author argues for different teaching approaches in EFL vs. ESL settings. He points out the differences in student motivation and suggests how to select different activities for the two contexts (with examples of relevant activities). He gives guidelines for the appropriate role of L1 in each classroom, and explains how the two classroom cultures differ (for example, in term of the learning styles of the students). He argues that keeping in mind these differences will help educators make more effective decisions for their students.

From Passive Participant to Active Thinker

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

This article discusses how, through materials development, teachers can help students think critically and feel comfortable enough to be active participants in class. The author suggests adapting materials to be more relevant to the interests and needs of students in a particular context. Another suggestion is to create materials that help students connect their thoughts and feelings to the language they are learning. The author includes techniques to promote critical thinking and learner autonomy.

Tasks for Integrating Language and Culture Teaching

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

This article discusses the role of culture in language teaching and provides activities for introducing culture in the classroom, focusing on teaching context and methodology to integrate culture. The authors outline five activities that can be adapted to the language level and interests of students. Instructions for each activity include language points and intercultural points.

Softening Short Requests

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

This lesson aims to introduce students to a range of different ways in which native speakers soften their requests and to develop their awareness of how these are used by different speakers and in different situations within the speech community.

Promoting Genre Awareness in the EFL Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The author introduces genre awareness, a concept from ESP (English for Specific Purposes) and EAP (English for Academic Purposes), and relates it to its potential use in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom. She explains genre awareness as the ability to use the communication tool that is most appropriate for the purpose and audience. She recognizes several challenges to using genre awareness curriculum in the EFL classroom. Finally, she presents several useful genre awareness classroom exercises.

Process Writing and the Internet: Blogs and Ning Networks in the Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 2 Format(s): Text

This article presents a student-centered technique for teaching writing to ESL and EFL students who are familiar with Internet-based technology. There are two classroom lessons which use blogs (an Internet-based diary tool accessible by many) and Ning networks (an Internet-based network created for small groups for a small fee). A process-writing concept focuses on students’ social relationships and interests. Step-by-step directions are included for teachers and students who may be less familiar with these two technologies.

U.S. National Parks: Protecting Nature and Providing Enjoyment

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

This feature article on national parks is appropriate for use with higher intermediate or advanced learners. It offers vivid photos and describes the history of national parks, their creation, management, and expansion. The author discusses features of parks from different regions of the country: Acadia National Park (Maine), Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska), Everglades National Park (Florida), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). Information about the national parks conservation association and the national park foundation is also included.

Rock and Roll English Teaching: Content-Based Cultural Workshops

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

This article considers content-based cultural workshops. With a focus on cultural content and a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, students practice language and cooperative learning strategies. The author describes the process of developing such a workshop as an extracurricular activity for a large, mixed audience. The article details an example interactive workshop on rock and roll and includes an appendix of useful websites related to the topic.

Giving and Responding to Compliments