Compelling Conversations logo
Sophisticated English for Global Souls
1-855-375-2665 - U.S./Canada
1-310-390-0131 - Outside U.S.
04
SEP
2009

Making Accurate, Sound Comparisions in ESL/EFL Conversation Classes

How do you say that again? Which is correct? What is a sound comparison?

English teachers and linguists might also find website www.soundcomparisions.com worth a...

21
AUG
2009

What is Your American Dream?

What is your American Dream? This remains one of my favorite questions to ask new immigrants and American citizens. I asked that question, followed by, “why” in a regular column for Easy English Times this month. I gave the last words to Toni Morrison, the Nobel-Prize...
20
AUG
2009

Where Do English Language Learners Live in the U.S.A?

Check out this New York Times’ Interactive Map of English Language Learners across the United States that documents their growth since 1996 – and the side chart on the continuing achievement gap. Personally, I was surprised by the depth and width of new immigrants across the...
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?
26
JUL
2009

Redefining Success – and Staying Optimistic

Sometimes we have to redefine success in our English language classrooms. Sometimes we disappoint ourselves, sometimes our ESL students disappoint us – and sometimes school administrators disappoint us. ESL and EFL teachers, often underpaid and overworked, have to deal with...
17
JUL
2009

What will I learn today?

Consider me psyched. I’m going to a huge conference of ELT, EFL, and ESL professionals today in Vietnam’s White Palace. The 4th-annual VUS-TESOL conference program is full, and I expect to hear many more teaching tips for working with Vietnamese students who want to...
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.
15
JUN
2009

Two More Steps Forward

Today is a good day. For the first time ever, an English teacher used Compelling Conversations for English Language Learners in Vietnam in an EFL/ESL classroom. Emily, a close friend and fine teacher, used the modified “going beyond hello” chapter with advanced...
11
JUN
2009

What do you look for in an apartment?

So following my philosophy of seeking information through conversation, I've been asking many Vietnamese for advice as I hunt for a new apartment. Here are some useful questions. - What districts/neighborhoods do you suggest? Why? - What seems like a...
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...