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1. Towards Better Group Work: Seeing the Difference between Cooperation and Collaboration

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

   The author explains the difference between cooperation and collaboration in the classroom. Cooperation is students working together (each with individual tasks) for an end product, while collaboration is students interacting to create knowledge. The author discusses the strengths of collaboration and the teacher’s role. Also provided are guidelines for successful collaboration, sample activities, and frequently asked questions, such as what to do when students have emotional reactions to the group work.

2. The Lighter Side of TEFL: Puzzle Stories

   In: The Lighter Side of TEFL, Volume 1 Format(s): Text

   This section of The Lighter Side of TEFL focuses on puzzle stories, which are "thinking" games that get students to think about what they are listening to or reading. This section has an audio component.

3. Using Favorite Songs and Poems with Young Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   In this article, the author discusses the benefits of using songs and poems to teach young learners. The author explains how songs and poems can be used in English class and what their benefits are. The author explains how teachers can use actions or puppets to accompany the selected songs or poems, or allow young learners to create ideas themselves. Each suggestion includes an activity. The author also offers an example of a song chart.

4. Further Down

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text

   In the indie folk song "Further Down," singer Kris Gruen combines catchy lyrics with the soft sound of the acoustic guitar. Download the MP3 or listen online.

5. Stronger and Stronger

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   Part of an award-winning album, this is a song about believing in yourself and about fighting to reach your full potential. Hear the beautiful sounds of the slack key guitar, which is commonly used in Hawaiian music.

6. Adapting Songs for Beginning Learners

   In: Teacher's Corner: Adapting Materials for Students' Levels Format(s): Text

   During week 2 of this month’s Teacher’s Corner, learn a fun way to adapt a song activity for beginner-level students.

7. 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.

8. Strange Weather: Climate Change Activities for the English Classroom

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

   This webinar will review key themes related to climate change and the environment and will provide relevant, thought-provoking activities and materials that teachers can easily use in their English language classes.

9. Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen

   In: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   How strong is tradition? For nine years, an old gentleman and a homeless man have met every Thanksgiving Day to share a meal. One year, the day ends in a very different way. Read to find out what happens!

10. America

    In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text, Video

    What is a road trip? Why are road trips popular in the United States? Find out more with this set of activities based on music by the award winning ukulele player Victoria Vox.

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