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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...
08
JAN
2016
Two businesspeople

Resources: Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” ~Vidal Sassoon (1928-2012), British hairstylist and businessman   Late last year, we published a blog post on mock job interviews and self-evaluation. In connection to that, here are some...
23
DEC
2015
Students talking

Teaching Tips: Discussing Idioms in the Classroom

Idioms can be difficult for ESL beginners to make sense of. Here are some examples and tips to get you started.
27
SEP
2014

Conversation Tip #2: Listen louder!

Without listening, there’s no conversation “There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” -Simon Sinek (1973- ) English businessman, author and philanthropistDo your students pay attention to what others are saying in a conversation? About half the...
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...
26
JUL
2014

Teachers and Tutors Should Know About Compelling Conversations

English teacher and tutor Joan V reviews Compelling Conversations “We all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks, but for the ledger of our daily work.” ―Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) American astronaut Sometimes you just have to smile. Praise, especially from an...
20
JUL
2014

How do you teach the difference between “a” and “the” during conversation class?

Helping English language learners distinguish articles remains important in advanced ESL and English conversation classes “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ―Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) Dutch painter Does it make sense to emphasize the...
14
JUL
2014

How Do You Teach the Difference Between “Make” and “Do” in Your English Classrooms?

Distinguishing the difference between make and do in English classrooms “Do all you can to make your dreams come true.” ―Joel Osteen (1960- ) American preacher How do you teach the difference between “make” and “do” in your English classrooms? What do you do? What do...
10
JUL
2014

Paraphrasing is an Essential Conversation Skill!

If English students can accurately paraphrase a reading, a radio segment, or a verbal statement, they can actively participate in common conversations and classroom discussions. Many English teachers underestimate the importance of this skill, and assume students understand more...
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...