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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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10
AUG
2009

What Does Success Mean? What Definition Works for You?

Sometimes the simplest questions create the best conversations. What does success mean? What definition are you using? How is that definition working for you?
21
JUN
2009

Standardized Exams: Ends or Means?

The main focus of language programs, especially in high schools, should be helping students develop authentic language skills so they can actually read, write, listen, and speak English - both inside and outside the classrooms and away from multiple choice exams.
07
JUN
2009

Do You Really Use Youtube in Your EFL Classes? How?

I slightly edit the reviews, watch the videos and add my own comments in blue ink, and combine the reviews into a single document that is emailed to all class members. "Use or lose" I say, but here are the reviews from your classmates. Result: almost every student watches every...
23
MAY
2009

Are you prepared? Are you ready? Aren’t you nervous?

* Are you ready? * Are you prepared? * Aren't you nervous? * Do you have enough time to do that? * When are you going to sleep? Friends - and close relatives - ask these questions out of concern and curiosity. I appreciate their questions and enjoy our...
02
APR
2009

Vietnam Embraces English Classes – and Looks for Communicative English Teachers

Good schools cultivate student curiosity, and English lessons should allow students to display their experiences and perceptions. Further, students who have been forced to take years of English class should be able to speak English - and I literally mean speak English....
24
MAR
2009

This I Believe

The "This I Believe" website includes a tremendous amount of free resources for teachers and students. Naturally, I also have a simple reproducible worksheet that allows students to find, summarize, and share their own favorite podcasts....
07
MAR
2009

Creating More Student-Centered Conversation Materials

EFL teachers continue to bring communicative techniques and direct learning methods to more and more Vietnamese students. Yet another exceptional educator working in Vietnam has also warned me that preparing for standardized testing and drill-and-kill grammar exercises remain the...
02
MAR
2009

Worksheet – or Cheat Sheet – for English Teachers to Observe Conversations and Lead Class Discussions

Many English teachers, especially novice ESL instructors, talk more than ideal - and allow their English students to talk too little. Ironically, many ESL instructors make this "good mistake" because they are so dedicated. What, after all, are they supposed to do while students...
29
JAN
2009

English Teaching Professional Strongly Recommends Compelling Conversations!

"In sum, Compelling Conversations is a recommended resource for teachers who want to make their conversation classes more learner-centered," wrote reviewer Hall Houston. "It should be especially appealing to those who who to escape the confines of the...
04
JAN
2009

Do You Feel Rich Enough? What’s the Standard?

Talking about money remains problematic, but this conversation topic is more for self-reflection than classroom application. But please bear with me. How rich are you? How much money would satisfy you? Americans, and many other people in consumer societies, sometimes seem to be...