Why We Wrote Compelling American Conversations for Intermediate American English Language Learners
July 18, 2012
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“America needs new immigrants to love and cherish it.” – Eric Hoffer (1902-1983), American writer and longshoreman Compelling American Conversations: Questions and Quotations for intermediate…
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Fluency Requires Practice
February 7, 2011
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“To know and not do is to not know.” The Talmud Fluency requires practice. Our students also know that speaking English can be both satisfying…
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Dwell in Possibility: Discussing Books Enlivens ESL Classes
December 15, 2010
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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.…
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Do You Use Newspapers in Your English Class Yet?
July 23, 2010
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Newspapers tell us the news, and inform us about how today is different from yesterday. They provide us with some clues and some information to…
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Globish – or Global English – Becomes Mainstream
June 28, 2010
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McCrum, who wrote the influential book "The Story of English", argues that English has become Globish because it is the world’s international language. Partly descriptive…
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Does Teaching English Open Minds in Closed Societies? – Part 1
February 6, 2010
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Does teaching English open minds in closed societies? Are repressive governments “right” to fear the spread of English? Can the mania for learning English destabilize…
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The Crazy Alphabet Game of Teaching English Here, There, and Elsewhere
December 22, 2009
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Confused by the long litany of acronyms in our fast-growing field? You’re not alone. English teachers, linguists, and school administrators must navigate an Amazon River…
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Standardized Exams: Ends or Means?
June 21, 2009
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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,…
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Do You Really Use Youtube in Your EFL Classes? How?
June 7, 2009
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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…
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Vietnam Embraces English Classes – and Looks for Communicative English Teachers
April 2, 2009
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Good schools cultivate student curiosity, and English lessons should allow students to display their experiences and perceptions. Further, students who have been forced to take…
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