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1. Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies in the English Language Classroom

   Format(s): Text, Video

   This webinar, Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies in the English Language Classroom, will focus on ways English teachers can raise cultural and linguistic awareness so that students will become more successful English speaking, global citizens.

2. 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.

3. Classroom Activities

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

   These classrooms activities, which are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students, focus on the issue’s fishing theme. Classroom activities include written and oral work, vocabulary, team work and individual work. Lessons include creating a vocabulary card game, oral story telling based on the “fish story” concept of telling exaggerated stories, and the creation of a persuasive piece. Variations are included to expand and vary the lessons.

4. Reconceptualizing Interactional Groups: Grouping Schemes for Maximizing Language Learning

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   While noting the research on the benefits of learner interaction, this article states that more attention needs to be given to strategies for planning successful group work while avoiding the problems that can come with group activities. The author gives guidelines for forming groups, such as how many students to put in each group, whether to use flexible or fixed groupings, and how to divide students (by personal affiliation, oral language ability, personality, L1, and academic interests). Also addressed are guidelines for designing tasks and assigning group roles.

5. American Memory Project

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Documents the American experience based on art and song, produced by the Library of Congress.

6. We the People

   Format(s): Website

   The National Endowment for the Humanities presents We The People. Find numerous resources dedicated to learning more about American history, culture, and democratic principles.

7. GoEnglish.Me: A VOA English Software Program

   Format(s): Video, Website

   Interactive, task-based American English learning program produced by Voice of America.

8. Cross Cultural Activities and Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Activities and lesson plans based on Peace Corps Volunteers’ cross-cultural experiences.

9. 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.

10. Making Connections: Language Activities for Creating Interpersonal Tolerance in the Classroom

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

    Using communicative activities with learners from diverse cultures can create excitement and empathy while promoting the acquisition of English. This article offers ESL/EFL activities that foster interpersonal tolerance among students who have experienced intergroup conflict. The activities are based on the idea that there are four levels of cultural awareness: self, family, community, and region/world.

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