Becoming A More Autotelic – Self-Directed – English Language Learner
Why do you want to learn English? What are your interests and priorities? Why not create your own, independent English language program this summer – for free? Learning English, on your own and according to your own wishes and needs, has never been easier. Everyone with internet access can become autotelic, or self-directed, in creating their own educational program. Naturally, ambitious English...
Read MoreGlobish – or Global English – Becomes Mainstream
Have you heard about the international bestseller Globish by Robert McCrum? Suddenly the term Globish seems everywhere. McCrum, who wrote the influential book “The Story of English”, argues that English has become Globish because it is the world’s international language. Partly descriptive and partly prescriptive, the author reviews the astonishing spread of English, its many changes...
Read MoreLibrary ESL Conversation Clubs Grow
Where can immigrants go to practice their English speaking skills in a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere? How can American libraries introduce their wonderful resources to new users and provide a vital need? Where can volunteers, librarians, and both novice and experienced English teachers enjoy leading small groups of English language learners in engaging, reflective conversations? American...
Read MoreDoes Teaching English Open Minds in Closed Societies? – Part 1
Does teaching English open minds in closed societies? Are repressive governments “right” to fear the spread of English? Can the mania for learning English destabilize a rigidly controlled nation? In short, are dictators smart to jam the radio broadcasts of Voice of America, censor the Internet, and control textbooks in English programs? Will the worldwide fashion for learning English...
Read MorePassion and Persistence: Self-Published ESL Authors Tell Their Stories
What motivates ESL teachers to become authors? Why do many of these authors self-publish? What’s their likelihood of success? Naturally, I’m quite interested in these questions – and hope other English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers will share my interests. The acceptance of this panel discussion by CATESOL for the state conference both surprised and pleased me –...
Read MoreCATESOL Accepts ESL Teacher-Author’s Panel; I Will Give Two CATESOL Presentations
When it rains, it pours. So goes the classic proverb. This week has been quite rainy and cold in Los Angeles, but I’m feeling warm inside. Why? CATESOL 2010 state conference has accepted a second proposal where I will be one of the presenters. CATESOL, the California Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, state convention will include a panel on ESL teachers who have published their...
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