Site Search

1. Alternatives to Current Pedagogy for Teaching the Present Perfect Progressive

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   These researchers collected 250 samples of spoken and written American English from high-level communicators and analyzed the use of the present perfect progressive tense. They compared these samples to five leading ESL and EFL grammar textbooks. This article reviews the research and findings. The five leading textbooks provided good overall structure for teaching the present perfect progressive tense, but the use of the tense was critically influenced by broad context, adverbs, temporal context and the uses of other tenses including the present and present perfect tense.

2. 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.

3. Story Theater

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article introduces an interactive and engaging classroom activity entitled Story Theater. The goal of this activity is to provide students with a text to read aloud as they act out the storyline using props and special effects. The purpose of Story Theater is to aid fluency and memorization and to provide students with a chance to use the language and their imaginations. This activity can be used with all ages and all English proficiency levels. The author includes examples of effective Story Theater lessons.

4. Simple Down

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   In Simple Down, California-based artist Lael Neale uses guitars and the banjo to sing about living a simpler life.

5. Teaching Techniques: Give or Take? Test Review in the ESL/EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2016, Volume 54, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   “Give or Take?” is a fun game that teachers can use to review vocabulary in the English as a second language or foreign language (ESL/ EFL) classroom.

6. Sing Out Loud Children's Songs

   Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   Sing Out Loud Children's Songs CD includes popular children's songs in the U.S.A. Several posters accompany the individual Sing Out Loud Children's Songs.

7. Discourse Markers Well and Oh

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

   This lesson focuses on using the discourse markers well and oh for smoother discourse flow.

8. Making Contrasts in English

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

   This lesson aims to help students learn how to make contrasts using intonation.

9. VOA Interactive Learning: Wordbooks

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Interactive wordbooks for business English and general English, and an idiom dictionary. Learn English and American Business English.

10. Library of Congress Teacher’s Page

    Format(s): Website

    Teaching the use of primary sources through interactive media, online professional development, and materials.

Pages