The Importance of the Academic Word List
January 14, 2017
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“One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.” – Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966), British author and journalist …
Read MoreTeaching Matters: Do Our Students Need to Swim in English or Pass Grammar Tests?
February 19, 2016
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Here is a short list of important questions for our English language learners. Can they order food in a nice restaurant? Can students fill in…
Read MoreTeaching Matters: What Are Reasonable Standards for Listening Comprehension and Speaking Skills for ESL Students?
January 11, 2016
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“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.” ~John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S. Tough…
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Memrise: online learning tool fuses memory, fun and community
October 1, 2014
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Through “mems,” students retain English vocabulary Photo source: Memrise website “We’ve built Memrise to embody the very best knowledge about how your brain works, and…
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Perfection and grammar: not essential for ESL students, or even native speakers
September 17, 2014
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Certain grammar rules unnecessary for comprehension, everyday conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” -Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)…
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EF reports decline of French EPI
September 13, 2014
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Declining EPI attributable to lack of exposure Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “French students report lower levels of exposure to English in everyday life than any…
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Newsmart: ESL Wall Street Journal
September 3, 2014
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Language learners absorb English, journalism and current events Photo Source: Newsmart ““To look at the paper is to raise a seashell to one’s ear and…
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Easy English Times newspaper remains a great resource
July 16, 2014
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Source: Easy English Times ESL students can read news, stories and Compelling Conversations “Newspapers always excite curiosity. No one ever puts one down without the…
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Do Our Students Need to Swim in English or Pass Grammar Tests?
October 26, 2012
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Here is a short list of important questions for our English language learners. Can they order food in a nice restaurant? Can students fill in…
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Why We Wrote Compelling American Conversations for Intermediate American English Language Learners
July 18, 2012
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“America needs new immigrants to love and cherish it.” – Eric Hoffer (1902-1983), American writer and longshoreman Compelling American Conversations: Questions and Quotations for intermediate…
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