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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...
05
MAY
2009

Finding more practical materials at CATESOL

Time flies. Or, as the Romans used to say, “tempus fugit.” Two weeks after the CATESOL 2009 convention in Pasadena ended, I’m finally having a chance to sort through the numerous books, doublecheck website leads, and evaluate materials that I picked up. Sometimes “the eyes are...
31
MAR
2009

British English, American English, International English or World Englishes?

My TEFL.net book review outlines the Kirkpatrick's controversial thesis, his principal examples, and central arguments. It also includes my perceptions of the limits and difficulties with his...
24
MAR
2009

Practice Might not Make Perfect, but it Does Help ESL Students in Job Interviews

More Practical Job Interview Tips for ESL Students, Teachers from Q Blog During these difficult economic times, English teachers should take every possible opportunity to focus on job interview skills. As blog readers know, I’m a big fan of both videotaping practice...
27
FEB
2009

CATESOL Accepts My Presentation on Practices for a More Democratic ESL Classroom!

Do you want to create a more student-centered, democratic ESL classroom? How do you tailor assignments to individual students? What websites and resources do you incorporate in your classes to help students improve their speaking and listening skills? Finally, are you an English...
23
FEB
2009

Three Free Exceptional ESL and EFL Resources for English Students, Teachers, Tutors

Learning English, on your own and according to your own wishes and needs, has never been easier. Everyone with internet access can become autotelic, or self-directed, in creating their own educational program. Naturally, innovative ESL educators and EFL schools have embraced...
23
JAN
2009

Looking for An ESL Book to Improve Speaking Skills? SMDP Recommends Compelling Conversations!

Have you been looking for a good ESL manual? If you have, I think this is one to consider. The topics cover: Your Life, The Civic Life, along with the everyday aspects as dating, enjoying money, handling stress.
10
JAN
2009

How Many American Adults Can Not Read This Blog? Can Not Read?

"Only the educated are free," noted Epictetus, a former slave and Greek stoic philosopher, over 2,000 years ago. How free are those 32 illiterate American adults?
31
DEC
2008

What New English Words Will You Learn in 2009?

What new English words will you learn in 2009? Which English words will you teach? Do you have a way with words? Are you a lover of word trivia and origins? Are you an English teacher? If so, consider listening to the celebrated public radio show in 2009! Forget forcing students...
26
DEC
2008

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

Tough question! Context, as ever, matters. Looking for a clear, detailed chart to evaluate the speaking skills of your students? Check out the practical chart with ten categories for listening comprehension and speaking skills developed by the United States Office of Refugee...