Journeys in Film promotes use of movies, documentaries to teach
How films can explore and examine cultures in classrooms Source: PBS.org “Film has the power to educate the most visually literate generation in history.” ―Liam Neeson (1952- ) Irish actorNeeson speaks specifically about Journeys in Film, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 from the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center, and its mission to educate at the middle and high school level...
Read MoreFantastic YouTube videos for the ESL classroom
CompellingConversations’ compilation of YouTube videos for ESL teachers and students alike “We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.” ―Mary Catherine Bateson (1939- ), American writer and cultural anthropologist Want to make use of YouTube’s gigantic collection of ESL and language-related videos, but don’t know where to start? Every semester, I compile a diverse set of useful,...
Read MoreSkype Makes Tutoring English with Clients Across the Globe Easy and Comfortable
Explore the benefits of using Skype to tutor English learners around the world. “A conversation can be made easy. Just ask a question and then listen.” ―Robert Bly (1926- ), American poet and author As millions of English-learners across the globe take advantage of new technology, English tutors may want to consider hosting their sessions via Skype. At no additional charge, both parties can...
Read MoreVideotaping Helps ESL Students Recognize Their Good Mistakes – and Learn from Them!
How do you help your ESL students recognize their errors in speaking English? What techniques do you use to make their mistakes “psychologically real” to them? One technique I’ve found effective may seem rather counter-intuitive: encourage them! This unorthodox teaching idea has recently attracted some welcome attention.. Larry Ferlazzo, the award-winning ESL blogger and author...
Read MoreBecoming 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 MoreHappy New Decade! How Will We Change? Will We Discuss Change in Our ESL Classes?
As the decade ends, this 2008 Did You Know videofor a Sony conference seems more relevant than ever. With quick factoids and fast edits, it shows how radically our world is changing. How do we prepare students for a world full of new technologies, new jobs, and new challenges? 2008 Sony Conference Video on Change Did you notice how dated this celebration of technological possibilities felt with...
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