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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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26
SEP
2021

Better ESL Classes with More Classroom Conversation Activities!

Do students who know proper English grammar on worksheets, but can’t hold a conversation in English really speak English? Consider me sceptical. After all, does anyone ever ask "Do you grammar English?"
09
FEB
2021

Understanding Your Students Better with a Remote Learning Survey

“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), American human rights leader By Samantha Jungheim & Eric H. Roth How do we know what our students already know about edtech tools? Should we, perhaps, ask...
12
FEB
2016
Two young people with candied haw.

“Good Enough”: English as a lingua franca & a uniting force

“I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they’re interested in.” ~Bill Gates (1955- ) American business...
10
DEC
2014

Ask Why Your Students Want to Learn English

“Well begun is half done.” Ancient Greek proverb Sometimes we forget the most basic questions. What brings the students in your English class into the room? Are they fulfilling school requirements, pursuing academic achievements, or creating new possibilities? How do...
20
SEP
2014

Conversation Tip #1: The right attitude is key

Positive attitudes generate positive experiences “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” -Tenzin Gyatso (1935- ) the 14th Dalai LamaSo often our desire to have meaningful conversations overshadows the reason why we want to have them in the...
17
SEP
2014

Perfection and grammar: not essential for ESL students, or even native speakers

Certain grammar rules unnecessary for comprehension, everyday conversation “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” -Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) Spanish surrealist painterIs it always essential to have perfect grammar? Must we always avoid split infinitives, dangling...
15
AUG
2014

Between life and death: Zombie nouns privilege pretentious vocabulary at the expense of simple clarity

The nominalization of nouns creates abstract, dry and often misleading language “Simplicity is the glory of expression.” -Walt Whitman (1819-1892) American poetSometimes, it’s fun to play with the English language and transform its adjectives, adverbs and nouns into more...
14
JUL
2014

McREL standards provide universal guide for teachers

Foreign language classrooms could benefit from McREL standards “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” ―C.S. Lewis (1889-1936) British author While conducting research for a review on Journeys In Film, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching social study...
13
JUL
2014

English as a lingua franca unifies people

Emergence of ELF unites people, brings praise, and generates discussion on English student needs “I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of...
12
JUL
2014

‘English is Stupid’ spotlights new teaching, learning approach

Judy Thompson discusses how to overcome English as a crazy language “English is a funny language that explains why we park our car on the driveway and drive our car on the parkway.” ―American sayingESL teacher and pronunciation maven Judy Thompson’s new book boasts a surprising...