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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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26
SEP
2021

Better ESL Classes with More Classroom Conversation Activities!

Do students who know proper English grammar on worksheets, but can’t hold a conversation in English really speak English? Consider me sceptical. After all, does anyone ever ask "Do you grammar English?"
27
JUL
2021

What are the 1000 most common words in English?

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” –Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), British author Sometimes students ask simple, direct questions that I can’t immediately answer. For instance, an ESL student wondered, “What are the 1000 most common...
23
JUL
2021

Can we make more time for conversations inside and outside of English classrooms?

English teachers must, therefore, explicitly teach these conversation skills.  The asking, understanding, and responding to questions remains a complicated skill. It's also a vital communication ability both inside and outside our ESL classrooms. Students need to practice and...
03
JUL
2019

The Benefits of Discussing Quotations in the English Classroom

Quotations provide insight and perspective on a variety of topics, past and present. How can this carry over into English classroom discussions?
12
JUN
2019

Learning English Opens Doors Here and There

“Next to money, English is the leading international language.” —Evan Esar (1899-1995), American humorist How does learning English open doors for people around the globe? What prejudgments do we make about why others want to learn English? How can we, as English teachers, help...
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!
06
FEB
2016
Muslim girl studying in library

In the News: Will the U.K. Debate over Teaching English to Reduce Islamic Extremism Travel Here?

“Education is an ornament in prosperity, and a refuge in adversity.” ~Aristotle (384-322 BCE), Ancient Greek philosopher and scientist Can teaching English to new immigrants and refugees make the United Kingdom safer? Is learning English essential to successfully...
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.
20
SEP
2014

Conversation Tip #1: The right attitude is key

Positive attitudes generate positive experiences “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” -Tenzin Gyatso (1935- ) the 14th Dalai LamaSo often our desire to have meaningful conversations overshadows the reason why we want to have them in the...
28
JUN
2014

Learning by Doing and Making “Good Mistakes” in English classes

Why English learners must practice and make “good mistakes” in order to grow “A man’s mistakes are his portals of discovery.” ―James Joyce (1882-1941), Irish novelist and poet How can English language teachers create a rigorous, tolerant and focused classroom...
12