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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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12
JUL
2016
Students in discussion

Teaching Matters: Adding Student Voices to Class Discussions

For various reasons, many ESL students are reluctant to speak up in class. How can we better prepare them for American university class discussions?
05
JUL
2016
Man tired and frustrated

Teaching Matters: Discussing Stress in the English Classroom

Discussing stress in the classroom fosters emotionally articulate students and creates compelling conversations. How do you address your students' stress?
19
FEB
2016
Older student frustrated with books

Swimming in English: Meaning Matters Most

In conversation, meaning matters most. Our students don’t need to have perfect English grammar; they have to be understood. Let's help them swim in English!
15
JAN
2016

Teaching Matters: Creating a Democratic English Classroom

From my perspective, a good English classroom is a democratic English classroom. Here's a quick checklist I created to help ESL teachers achieve this goal.
11
JAN
2016
Happy students waving international flags

Teaching Matters: What Are Reasonable Standards for Listening Comprehension and Speaking Skills for ESL Students?

“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 question! Context, as ever, matters. Are you going into a new semester of class looking for a clear, detailed chart to...
30
OCT
2015
Three cheerful friends drinking coffee

Compelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition Comes Out!

“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” ~ John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S.   Are you a teacher looking for fresh tips to flip your classroom discussions? Do...
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...
02
JUL
2014

Volume Matters – Even in Personal Conversations

Why volume matters, especially in difficult student-teacher conferences “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” ―Rollo May (1909-1994) American author and psychologist Student conferences, especially those involving shy students...
11
SEP
2011

The Language of Opportunity – Wabash profiles an English Teacher

Most of the book’s prompts ask for recollections or personal opinions.“Whatever perspective you bring to the book, I want you to find validation in some great thinker, that it’s okay to see things that way. That gives us all the freedom to be ourselves and less of who we think we...
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,...