Teacher Discussion Forums

Andrew, I can see why you would say that CALL is somewhat based on hype. Although, I think one of the best features regarding CALL would be the convenience for the students. These programs provide a safe place to make mistakes since the students can be alone on the computer. They are also nice becau...

I just wanted to know what current teachers thought about meaningful learning vs. rote memorization. Are there any words/phrases that you always encourage your students to memorize? We know that students end up learning more when they are learning the language to gain both skills and knowledge. Sinc...

I was just wondering what listening techniques native English-speaking teachers (who are teaching ELLs in an English-speaking country) are using to motivate their students intrinsically. I realize that it would be great for teachers to take into account the personal interest and goals of their ELLs,...

I agree with you. I am also studying to become an ESL teacher while getting a teaching certificate via the alternate route method at the same time, so I have never taught before either. It does seem rather difficult for a first time English speaker to benefit from (all English) listening exercises. ...

I was just wondering if anyone gives their students strategies regarding the upcoming test before taking it. Do any of you use strategy-based testing? If so, do you give the students a list of exactly what the test will cover, highlighting what topics will be the most important? Do you give them pra...

For courses in writing, having individual conferences with the students might be a great idea, too! There are many different purposes for conferences including: - reviewing and commenting on writing drafts - reviewing portfolios - responding to journals - guiding a student on their plan for a projec...

I think it’s a great idea to group two different proficiency levels for a group assignment! I would imagine that the students who are in the lower proficiency levels would feel more comfortable practicing speaking English in a smaller group setting as opposed to in front of the entire class. I would...

I was just wondering how you get students to be willing to communicate. This type of interaction definitely requires a "can do" and "want to do" attitude on the part of the English Language Learner. This is certainly an important aspect of interacting. What do you do if your students just simply do ...

I am in the process of not only getting certified to become an ESL teacher, but I am going to get my standard teaching certificate as well. My background is not in the field of education, so please excuse my lack of knowledge if the answer to this question is obvious. I was just wondering how often ...

Sally, what level are your students? I love the idea of giving them the choice of what to present from the teacher's manual. I can definitely see how that would make them more motivated! Do you ever incorporate realia, as in food items, cosmetics, household gadgets, tools, etc. into your lessons? I ...

Hi Everyone, I am studying to be an ESL teacher and I am wondering if anyone has any advice for finding a balance between correcting and not correcting students' errors. I know that students should be encouraged to speak freely and openly without fear of being corrected all the time. But then, I wou...

Clio.gr, I like how you mentioned children, adults, and teens in your post! I am also studying to be an ESL teacher and from what I have read, there are many differences when teaching children, adults, and teens. They ALL need encouragement and boosts to their self-esteem, though. Something very imp...

Content-based teaching seems like the perfect plan, in theory. I would like to know how effective it is in practice. I am studying to be an ESL teacher now and this seems like a great idea! I was wondering how realistic it is for a subject-matter teacher and a language teacher to collaborate, and li...

Hi Andrew, Thank you for posting your site! I found it very interesting as a student who is preparing to become an ESL teacher myself. I certainly agree that we need to teach our students to develop linguistic fluency and not focus solely on accuracy or proper English. You provided great examples of...