Teaching Matters: Do Our Students Need to Swim in English or Pass Grammar Tests?
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” ~C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), British novelist, theologian, and literary critic Last week we discussed English as a lingua franca (ELF), and how emphasis on a mutual understanding between conversation partners remains the goal. Earlier last month, we questioned what standards were reasonable for...
Read MoreResources: Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” ~Vidal Sassoon (1928-2012), British hairstylist and businessman Late last year, we published a blog post on mock job interviews and self-evaluation. In connection to that, here are some helpful links we’ve found in the past for teachers and students alike to encourage networking and a better sense of...
Read MorePracticing Interview Skills, Staging a Mock Job Interview and Self Evaluation
Finding work is not always an easy thing, particularly in an uncertain economy such as that of the United States. But how does one get a job? Research, self-nomination, and persistence are common paths that lead to job interviews. Our students, naturally, find the prospect of interviewing for a competitive job an intimidating prospect. We can reduce their justified anxiety by teaching a...
Read MoreCompelling Conversations – Japan Focuses on Fluency and Authentic Communication for Japanese English Language Learners
“The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.” ~Haruki Murakami (1949- ), Japanese author Do your English students want to speak more English? Do you currently teach Japanese English language learners? Are you looking for an engaging, fresh EFL conversation book to guide your English students...
Read MoreSpring ESL: “One Stop Connection to ESL, EFL, ELD, ELT, and ESOL instructional materials”
Book center hosts a wealth of ELL materials “Spring Book Center strives in three basic principles: Service, Responsibility and Lower Prices.” -Spring ESL We live in a Golden Age for teaching English. We can find resources from around the globe to fit the needs of the language learners in our classrooms. Yet this overwhelming plethora of choices can cause headaches. Where do you go to find...
Read MoreInfinite English App supplements ESL speaking, listening skills
Photo source: iTunes screenshot Using Infinite English to practice reading text, passages aloud “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” -Aristotle (384 B.C.E.-322 C.E.) Greek philosopher Do your students use phone apps to learn English? For those looking to sharpen their speaking, pronunciation and listening skills, Infinite English from Vocefy Inc....
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