This article explores three recent books related to World Englishes studies and considers ways they overtly and implicitly frame the politics of the field. The author also describes some of his own experiences working with graduate students that suggest a disruption of traditional dichotomies between single standard and pluralistic models of…

The purpose of this article is to share pedagogical materials and activities which can help TESOL practitioners prepare service-learning activities inside and outside the classroom. This study utilizes action research tools to improve academic service-learning in TESOL as a holistic approach to problem solving rather than a single method for…

"Am I a girl?" This question from a long-ago English class (quoted by Kennedy, 1983) illustrates what was once considered suitable practice for language learners. Over the decades, ideas for the content of a language lesson have reflected developing theories of second language learning and teaching. This essay draws on materials,…

Critical thinking skills remain at the forefront of educational discussions. These higher order thinking processes, including but not limited to reflection, inference, and synthesizing information, enable individuals to make reasoned judgments not only in the classroom but in everyday life. School systems demand that critical thinking be…

Discusses what reading is and how someone can be taught to read in a second or foreign language. Looks at reading as a psycholinguistic process, reading as sociocultural practice, reading as individual behavior, and implications for teaching. (Author/VWL)

Offers practical suggestions for incorporating music activities into the adult English-as-a-Second-or- Other-Language (ESOL) classroom. Focuses on reasons for using music, guidelines for selecting songs, categories of music activities, guidelines for structuring classroom music activities, and ways to use music in adult ESOL classes. (Author/VWL)

Describes the Language-Content-Task (LCT) framework, which highlights three areas of academic literacy around which teachers organize their sheltered English instruction. Used the LCT framework to examine instruction in middle school social studies classes. (Author/VWL)

Lists and describes 10 tips for successfully implementing writing tutorials as generated by English as a Second or Other Language teachers and based on the points they commented on in their journals and class discussions. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that the use of collections of authentic, thematic resources can facilitate research writing for English for academic purposes students and can form a unifying curricular thread in a variety of English teaching settings. (Author/VWL)

Proposes the use of usability testing to systematically evaluate instructor-developed materials. Discusses the application of this methods in the field of computer-assisted language learning using a multimedia CD-Rom project that was designed to improve the skills of international graduate students at Ohio University (Author/VWL)

Explores the link between culture and international language and examines what is meant by international language. The role of culture in language teaching is discussed. and a description of the various levels of culture that can be included in teaching materials is provided. Concludes by suggesting that there are many benefits to including a…

Offers specific suggestions to teachers of elementary and middle school English-as-a-Second-Language students for helping their students develop a positive attitude toward reading. Teachers can help students become readers by developing their sense of control and competence in tasks, materials, and the environment. (Author/VWL)

In this essay, the author argues that English language learners (ELLs) can meet and exceed the Common Core State Standards, and that more complex materials are in fact precisely what they need. Lack of access to such materials is what prevents ELLs from attaining full proficiency in English.

Discusses the use of film in the classroom as a tool for second-language instruction. Argues that controversial subject matter, such as sex, violence, and profane language, can enhance students' learning experience and deepen their critical thinking skills if treated sensitively and in a pedagogically sound manner. (12 references) (Author/CK)

Presents various tips that are useful in the classroom for teaching second languages. These tips focus on teaching basic computer operations; using annotations to foster error corrections in language; using video clips as a part of a U.S. history or culture-based English-as-a-Second-Language lesson; using karaoke to speak with less inhibition; and…