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1. Using Replacement Performance Role-Plays in the Language Classroom

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

   Replacement performance role plays are a different type of role play. Rather than memorizing or writing a dialogue, this activity asks learners to listen and consider other possible responses. Students decide which character will be replaced and what they will do differently. Even shy learners or ones with lower proficiency levels can be involved because it is less overwhelming than writing a dialogue. The activity develops pragmatic competence and critical thinking skills. Popular TV shows can be used.

2. Using Comics in the English Language Classroom

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

   This webinar demonstrates the universality of comics for any language classroom, showing how multi-skill comic activities can be used with students of all ages and ability levels.

3. Using L1 in the L2 Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   There may be more to the use of L1 in the L2 classroom than previously thought. Recent findings show that L1 usage values the native culture and language of the students, allowing them to feel comfortable taking risks in English. The author distributed a questionnaire on Spanish usage to English language students and professors at a Puerto Rican university. Results showed that both students and teachers felt there were clear instances where Spanish would help understanding. The author also shares his own personal experiences as a Spanish-speaking English teacher.

4. Listen Up! Using Audio Books for English Teaching

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

   "Listen Up! Using Audio Books for English Teaching" features a webinar recording, a downloadable presentation, and classic American literature like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, along with additional resources.

5. Teacher Development - What Works in the ELT Classroom? Using Robust Reasoning to Find Out

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article focuses on the usefulness of “robust reasoning” or reflection on one’s own teaching to discover what “works,” or what is effective and appropriate in the classroom. The author describes what “robust reasoning” is and explains how it can be used. The author states that going through such a reflection will lead teachers to definitions of effective teaching that are context appropriate and applicable to their classrooms.

6. Proverbs & Quotables: Using Very Short Texts in Language Learning

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

   This webinar demonstrates why and how to use short texts in the language classroom. Discover the usefulness of proverbs and actively take part in a range of activities based on very short texts. Watch the online webinar recording and or download the presentation.

7. Using Self-Assessment for Evaluation

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This article explains the usefulness of self-assessment for learning purposes as well as evaluation purposes. The author emphasizes the ways that learners can conduct reliable, global self-assessment as well as three ways in which data-driven self-assessment can be done. The author discusses the purpose of self-assessment and provides specific instruments that can be used. The three data-driven self-assessments that are discussed include Portfolios, Pre- and Post-course writing, and Learner Contracts.

8. Using Cooperative Learning to Facilitate Alternative Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the use of cooperative learning, an instructional strategy that utilizes group work to structure classroom interaction, to facilitate alternative assessment in the second or foreign language classroom. It highlights the importance of cooperative learning in assessment because assessment includes both linguistic and non-linguistic objectives, and meeting these objectives requires continuous and performance-based assessment. The article offers seven examples of cooperative assessments and shows how they can be used.

9. Authentic Video in the Beginning ESOL Classroom: Using a Full-Length Feature Film for Listening and Speaking Strategy Practice

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   Using film in the classroom can be effective with beginning English learners. A full-length film offers continuous context to discuss humor, culture, and language functions, real-life communication with images and non-verbal cues, increased retention due to activating the right hemisphere of the brain, and the lowering of students’ affective filters. The authors include a lesson based on their experience teaching listening and speaking skills using the movie “What about Bob.” Assessment techniques and potential problems are considered.

10. Reciprocal Teaching: A Useful Tool in Increasing Student-Talking Time

    In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

    Reciprocal Teaching (RT) can be used to increase student talk time and improve communicative competence. This strategy uses paraphrasing, reported speech, question formation and concept-checking to promote dialogue. As students move from short responses toward longer conversations (or language for transactional purposes), their fluency and retention increase. These “long turns” provide important practice. The author also emphasizes the importance of prompts for lower-level students. The article includes examples of each strategy as well as several axioms of reciprocal teaching.

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