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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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07
JUN
2009

Do You Really Use Youtube in Your EFL Classes? How?

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 is emailed to all class members. "Use or lose" I say, but here are the reviews from your classmates. Result: almost every student watches every...
02
APR
2009

Vietnam Embraces English Classes – and Looks for Communicative English Teachers

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 years of English class should be able to speak English - and I literally mean speak English....
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...
07
MAR
2009

Creating More Student-Centered Conversation Materials

EFL teachers continue to bring communicative techniques and direct learning methods to more and more Vietnamese students. Yet another exceptional educator working in Vietnam has also warned me that preparing for standardized testing and drill-and-kill grammar exercises remain the...
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...
29
JAN
2009

English Teaching Professional Strongly Recommends Compelling Conversations!

"In sum, Compelling Conversations is a recommended resource for teachers who want to make their conversation classes more learner-centered," wrote reviewer Hall Houston. "It should be especially appealing to those who who to escape the confines of the...
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...
07
NOV
2008

Let’s Talk About the American Elections, Voting, and Democratic Values in English Class

Who makes the rules? Who chooses the rulers? Can citizens peacefully replace ineffective, unpopular leaders? Yes, we can! In the United States of America, voters enjoyed their opportunity to hire and fire their President. People voted, machines counted the votes, and millions of...
21
OCT
2008

Small blessings during a stressful work week

Keeping perspective remains a challenge, especially during stressful times.It’s easy to feel discouraged as we disappoint ourselves. Yet sometimes we reap benefits from our prior work that can remind us of small successes. This week, a very awkard and difficult work week,...
08
SEP
2008

Words of solace for a crammed semester

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are,” advised President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt. These words of solace often comfort me when I stress myself out trying to cram too much material into lessons. How can I cover everything that I want in a single...