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1. The Role of Humor and Language Play in the English Language Classroom

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

   In this webinar, we discuss theories and practical strategies regarding the use of humor and language play in the English language classroom.

2. Voice of America: Current Event Activities in the English Language Classroom

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

   This webinar explores today’s globalized world in the 24-hour news cycle, and the importance of teaching current events in the English language classroom.

3. Using Identity to Introduce ICC Skills in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The authors describe a detailed, step-by-step procedure to help students analyze the concept of identity—with the use of “identity wheels” and a knowledge-skills-attitudes framework—and apply their understanding to develop intercultural communicative competence

4. Countering Disinformation Discourse in the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Adam Mastandrea presents strategies for helping students recognize, analyze, and counter disinformation, using authentic examples to illustrate the approach. Incorporating aspects of media literacy and critical thinking, the author argues that the strategies strengthen language learning while also enabling learners to counter disinformation online.

5. The Trans-Cultural Comparative Literature Method: Using Grammar Translation Techniques Effectively

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article explains the trans-cultural comparative literature method, which uses elements of communicative language teaching (CLT) and grammar-translation (GT) while comparing two culturally different texts. This method focuses on grammar and vocabulary, but also gives students a chance to analyze different cultures. An overview of CLT and GT is followed by guidelines for the trans-cultural comparative literature method and sample lesson plans for its use.

6. PBS Kids

   Format(s): Website

   PBS Kids helps to educate young learners in creative and fun ways. The educational content is aimed at children, with many interactive games and activities to aid in learning.

7. Try This: The Great Mini-Debate

   In: English Teaching Forum 2017, Volume 55, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   Debates remain popular in English language courses, and this activity gives students a low-stress opportunity to develop their speaking debating skills; seven debate themes, with suggested topics, are provided.

8. Lesson Plan: Be a Good Sport

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan, targeted at upper-beginner and lower-intermediate learners, includes listening, speaking, and writing activities centered on the sport of lacrosse. At least two activities are included for each skill, such as a mini-presentation and a discussion of why being a good sport is a good way to practice speaking.

9. 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.

10. Encourage Critical Reading in the EFL Classroom

    In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 1 Format(s): Text

    Using a reading lesson designed for advanced university students in Brazil, the author discusses different types of exercises that can help students become more active readers and be more critical about the reading materials. The author distinguishes between passive and active reading tasks and argues that active tasks are more beneficial because they encourage readers to read between the lines. The author describes some pre-reading, while-reading, and post-reading activities.

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