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22
JUL
2018

Guest Post: What are the 6 Principles for Teaching English as a Second Language?

“More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the spirit in which the teaching is given.”  —Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), British philosopher and 1950 Nobel Prize winner in Literature What are the most important English as a Second Language...
12
FEB
2016
Two young people with candied haw.

“Good Enough”: English as a lingua franca & a uniting force

“I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they’re interested in.” ~Bill Gates (1955- ) American business...
13
JUL
2014

English as a lingua franca unifies people

Emergence of ELF unites people, brings praise, and generates discussion on English student needs “I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of...
28
SEP
2011

Why Are So Many EFL Textbooks So Bland, Boring, and Culturally Tone Deaf?

Why are so many EFL Textbooks so bland, boring, and culturally tone-deaf?  Allow me to ask a more polite question. How can English teachers working abroad and international English textbook publishers both respect local cultures and create more engaging English classroom lessons?...
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...
20
SEP
2008

Who ranks English language programs and ESL schools?

How would you choose an English language school? What if you lived in Korea, Spain, China, Brazil, Turkey, or Vietnam? What factors would influence your decision? How would you find out the school’s reputation? Who ranks ESL programs? What is their criteria? Hundreds of thousands...
15
JUN
2008

Center for Applied Linguistics Suggests Workshops at TESOL convention

CAL offers workshop suggestions “The Center for Applied Linguistics is a private, nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.” -Center for Applied Linguistics homepage How...