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1. Articles: Using Comics in the Classroom

   In: Why English? Comics for the Classroom Format(s): Text

   In these two English Teaching Forum articles, learn how to use comic strips in the English language classroom and how to encourage student storytelling through sequential art.

2. Web 2.0 Tools: Using Free and Open Educational Resources to Impact Learning Locally and Globally

   Format(s): Text, Video

   This webinar, “Web 2.0 Tools: Using Free and Open Educational Resources to Impact Learning Locally and Globally,” explores some of the most useful online resources for educators with a focus on open education resources (OER).

3. Using Pop Songs to Teach English to Young Adults: Principles Derived from an Outreach Project

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Authors Enrique Alejandro Basabe and Mary Beringause present clear, practical suggestions for using pop songs—which most young adults listen to regularly—to teach English and to do much more. The authors argue that “using pop songs in the EFL classroom should follow the principles of meaningfulness, focus on language, criticality, active consumption, and personal growth, and it should encourage the creation of communities of knowledge.” Numerous examples of current and recent pop songs illustrate how teachers can achieve these goals.

4. Making the Most of Large Classes by Using Learning Teams

   In: Teacher's Corner: Common Challenges in the English Classroom Format(s): Text

   Large classes can be challenging. Learn ways to make the most of large classes by using learning teams in this week’s Teacher’s Corner.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Using Group Work Effectively to Increase Student Speaking Time in Class

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

   This webinar, “Using Group Work Effectively to Increase Student Speaking Time in Class” explores several new warm-up activities and grouping strategies.

10. Animating Your Instruction: Using Comics and Graphic Novels in the English Language Classroom

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

    "Animating Your Instruction: Using Comics and Graphic Novels in the English Language Classroom" explores the popularity of illustrated stories among teachers and students alike and offers suggestions on how to use them to “animate” your classes.

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