English Language Teaching Tip #12: Ask a Question While Taking Attendance

Make a bureaucratic procedure more engaging by asking questions “The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” -Thomas Berger (1924-2014) American novelist Can you recommend a good movie? What’s your favorite song? What’s your favorite color? How do you prepare for a test? How do you relax? Do you have a favorite English word? Can you turn a bureaucratic...

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ESL classes should include more conversation activities!

Conversation activities need greater presence in classrooms “Speech is civilization itself. It is silence which isolates.” -Thomas Mann (1875-1955) German novelist Conversation remains a vital social skill for our English students. Naturally, immigrants and international students want to fully participate in their schools, their jobs, and their communities. Speaking clearly in...

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What should every (college) ESL student know?

What should every ESL student know? Beats me. One size fits all philosophies often seem a bit strange to me. Can anybody really answer this question for every international student and ESL (English as a Second Language) college student? Really? Don’t circumstances, needs, and desires differ? On the other hand, college and university administrators, ESL teachers, future college students, and...

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