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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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08
JUN
2011

Ask Your English Students to Review TED.Com videos – and Create Compelling Conversations

How can you encourage your advanced ESL students to develop their speaking skills and tap their interest in our rapidly changing world? Create compelling classroom assignments that respect their intelligence, engage their curiosity, and model great speaking skills. Let your...
04
MAR
2011

Speaking Together to Write Academic Definitions

“The beginning of wisdom is in the definition of terms.” Socrates (469 BCE–399 BCE) , Greek philosopher Getting students to speak can be a challenge, especially in ESL courses focused on academic writing. Flexibility remains essential. How does one, for instance,...
07
FEB
2011

Fluency Requires Practice

“To know and not do is to not know.” The Talmud Fluency requires practice. Our students also know that speaking English can be both satisfying and stressful. Therefore, we require speaking activities in class – and strongly suggest ways to speak more out of...
08
JAN
2011

An ESL Author Looks at an ESL website with New Eyes

Sometimes we don’t see what is in front of our eyes. Today I learned a bit more about my own website from a fellow English teacher and friendly fan. A gentleman from Tennessee called my home, thanked me for the sample conversation materials, and asked some insightful...
15
DEC
2010

Dwell in Possibility: Discussing Books Enlivens ESL Classes

Reading remains a great pleasure and a helpful guide. Literature can also enliven our ESL classrooms, and discussing our favorite books opens up new possibilities. The humanities should be for everyone - including English language learners. Let us, as Emily Dickinson advised,...
17
OCT
2010

Conversation Tip #10: What brings you here?

Sometimes a simple, flexible question can create compelling conversations. “What brings you here?” remains one of my personal favorites. Many job interview experts like this question because it allows applicants to explain their motives. In fact, the open-ended...
04
JUL
2010

Becoming 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...
28
JUN
2010

Globish – or Global English – Becomes Mainstream

McCrum, who wrote the influential book "The Story of English", argues that English has become Globish because it is the world’s international language....
16
JUN
2010

Library ESL Conversation Clubs Grow

Where can immigrants go to practice their English speaking skills in a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere? How can American libraries introduce their wonderful resources to new users and provide a vital need? Where can volunteers, librarians, and both novice and experienced...
06
FEB
2010

Does Teaching English Open Minds in Closed Societies? – Part 1

Does teaching English open minds in closed societies? Are repressive governments “right” to fear the spread of English? Can the mania for learning English destabilize a rigidly controlled nation? In short, are dictators smart to jam the radio broadcasts of Voice of...