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1. The Lighter Side

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

   Blue is a common word found in American idioms. For example, “Once in a blue moon” means something happening rarely. And “Blue in the face” means a person is pale from exhaustion or frustration. This short section lists several idioms with the word blue in them, and gives an explanation of the phrase.

2. Module 1: Contextualizing Language

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on contexualization.

3. The Lighter Side

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

   The Lighter Side in this issue has three parts. “Scrambled Energy Words” is an unscrambling-the-words activity using vocabulary related to energy. “Energy Jokes and Puns” has jokes related to energy, and “Energy Idioms” contains idioms related to energy.

4. Teaching Weak Forms

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article describes a pronunciation concept referred to as the weak form, a compression of sounds used to keep the rhythm of spoken English. The author uses the word “that” as an example. Stressing or not stressing the word “that” when reading aloud the sentence “John thinks that man is evil” changes the meaning. Reading “that” as unstressed is an example of the weak form. The author provides examples of how to teach the weak form to provide students with better spoken English and better comprehension.

5. Module 5: Learner Feedback

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on formative feedback.

6. Module 10: Alternative Assessment

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on alternative assessment.

7. The Mediational Role of Language Teachers in Sociocultural Theory

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article describes a sociocultural view of interaction, in which teachers construct knowledge with learners. Language is a mediating factor in cognitive development. The article discusses Vygotsky and the Zone of Proximal Development. According to Vygotsky, students are capable of doing more with guidance and support than they can alone. This principle leads instructors to scaffold material just beyond the leaner’s level. When teachers and students have meaningful interaction, learning is enhanced.

8. Teacher Resources

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Two publications are summarized. First, Controversies in Applied Linguistics, edited by Barbara Seidlhofer, clarifies the issues that are at the center of controversies. The book explores and analyzes the arguments and “subcontroversies” in a neutral manner. The book does not require previous knowledge of the arguments. The second book is Linguistic Genocide in Education—or Worldwide Diversity and Human Rights? by Tove Skutnabb-Kangas. It discusses the dying off of minority languages and the importance of language diversity.

9. Reflective Teaching: The Principles and Practices

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

   Reflective teaching is highly popular within English language programs, but there is some debate over definitions and best practices for reflective teaching. The author explores current approaches to reflective teaching (e.g., reflection-in-action, action research) and provides guides for a teacher development model using reflective teaching. He concludes that teachers who use reflection will gain freedom from impulse and uncertainty and will redefine themselves as educated and experienced human beings.

10. Teacher Supervision: Moving Towards an Interactive Approach

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

    Supervision is a standard part of most language programs. However, teachers often respond negatively to supervision. Adopting a teacher-centered, democratic, clear, and systematic model for supervision will create a positive supervisory experience and result in vital professional development. One model that fits this description is clinical supervision. The author's detailed guidelines for implementation of this model are flexible enough to allow for local adaptation.

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