Globish – 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 MoreVietnam Embraces English Classes – and Looks for Communicative English Teachers
My recent trip to Vietnam to meet English teachers and lead a professional development seminar at the American-Pacific University, Vietnam lead to many wonderful moments and a few surprising conversations. Teaching English in developing countries always poses challenges, and Vietnam falls into that category. Lt me share a few selective details to provide a brief introduction to education...
Read MoreCalifornia Immigrants are Learning English – and Want to Learn More!
Do American immigrants want to learn English? Are the children of Spanish-speaking adult immigrants learning English? What are the recent trends in California and Los Angeles? A recently released Census Bureau report, based on the 2007 Census information, shows that – shock, shock – immigrants overwhelmingly want to improve their English skills. It also shows that a slight majority (51%) of...
Read MoreTeaching English Language Learners: What Seems to Work in American Public Schools
Do English language learners, or English as a Second language students, learn better in sheltered programs? Should students receive some instruction in their native language – and if so, for how long? Are there clear differences to effectively write and speak fluently? Teaching Language Learners: What the Research Does – and Does Not – Say , a 19- page article published in American Educator...
Read MoreWhy not create a culturally sensitive Compelling Conversations?
Why I chose not to censor Compelling Conversations to increase accessibility “Only the educated are free.” Epictetus (55-135), Greek philosopher Many English teachers have asked if I plan a “culturally sensitive” version so Compelling Conversations can be used in more countries. For instance, China censors not only their classrooms, but has created a great electronic fallwall so its...
Read MoreUnexpected events at TESOL Convention
Pleasant surprises at TESOL Convention “Expect the unexpected.” -ProverbI kept an open schedule, previewed some workshop titles, and conducted more research than usual before going to the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages convention in New York. I expected crowds, chaos, and constant choice. Still, the stark reality of 7,000 teachers descending on a few floors of three...
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