ESL EFL Teaching Techniques and Strategies
ESL EFL teaching techniques for a wide variety of English settings including teaching writing, reading, pronunciation, via multimedia, suggestopedia and teaching theory.
Reading Tips
Reading Tips for English language learners to help improve pronunciation, vocabulary, conversational skills, grammar and listening skills.
Reading Tips for English language learners to help improve pronunciation, vocabulary, conversational skills, grammar and listening skills.
Music in the ESL Classroom
A look at how to use music as a learning aid in the ESL EFL classroom as an affective way to improve long term memory through the use of multiple intelligence types, whole brain learning, suggestopedia and NLP
A look at how to use music as a learning aid in the ESL EFL classroom as an affective way to improve long term memory through the use of multiple intelligence types, whole brain learning, suggestopedia and NLP
Multiple Intelligences in the ESL Classroom
An overview of multiple intelligences and their use in the ESL and EFL classroom. Each overview provides example lessons focusing on the intelligence type.
An overview of multiple intelligences and their use in the ESL and EFL classroom. Each overview provides example lessons focusing on the intelligence type.
Accommodating Parents of English Language Learners
About's guide to learning disabilities Ann Logsdon provides useful information on involving parents of English Language Learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL)students. These parents have significant communication challenges impacting their lives. Imagine how different your life would be if you spoke no English, and your child was in charge.
About's guide to learning disabilities Ann Logsdon provides useful information on involving parents of English Language Learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL)students. These parents have significant communication challenges impacting their lives. Imagine how different your life would be if you spoke no English, and your child was in charge.
Appropriate Teaching Materials
A discussion of when to use authentic and teacher generated teaching materials for the class room.
A discussion of when to use authentic and teacher generated teaching materials for the class room.
Aquiring Listening Skills
Acquiring listening skills is frustrating. This is because successful listening skills are acquired over time and with lots of practice. It's frustrating for students because there are no rules as in grammar teaching. Here is a discussion of the problem and some suggestions to improving listening skills.
Acquiring listening skills is frustrating. This is because successful listening skills are acquired over time and with lots of practice. It's frustrating for students because there are no rules as in grammar teaching. Here is a discussion of the problem and some suggestions to improving listening skills.
Basic English Curriculum for Teaching
This basic English curriculum can be used for lower level ESL classes. It includes all important grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking objectives that should be covered in a ESL course.
This basic English curriculum can be used for lower level ESL classes. It includes all important grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking objectives that should be covered in a ESL course.
Bilingual Two Language Assessment Batery of Tests
Review of Branden Books' Bilingual Two Language Assessment Batery of Tests in English, Spanish, Portugese, Vietnamese, Italian and French.
Review of Branden Books' Bilingual Two Language Assessment Batery of Tests in English, Spanish, Portugese, Vietnamese, Italian and French.
Book Review: "Implementing the Lexical Approach"
"Implementing the Lexical Approach" by Michael Lewis provides teachers with tools and strategies to implement the lexical approach in their classes. Included are six case studies which provide valuable context for teaching professionals.
"Implementing the Lexical Approach" by Michael Lewis provides teachers with tools and strategies to implement the lexical approach in their classes. Included are six case studies which provide valuable context for teaching professionals.
Book Review: "The Language Instinct"
"The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker provides an interesting and provocative look at how we acquire our language skills. His humorous style makes this book well worth reading for both teachers and advanced level students.
"The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker provides an interesting and provocative look at how we acquire our language skills. His humorous style makes this book well worth reading for both teachers and advanced level students.
BRAIN friendly English Learning
Take a look at this exciting approach to learning/teaching English which focuses on using all areas of the brain while enjoying learning.
Take a look at this exciting approach to learning/teaching English which focuses on using all areas of the brain while enjoying learning.
CALICO
CALICO, the Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium, is a professional organization that serves a membership involved in both education and high technology.
CALICO, the Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium, is a professional organization that serves a membership involved in both education and high technology.
CALL in the ESL/EFL Classroom
Using Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in the ESL/EFL classroom, including sample lessons. By your About.com ESL guide.
Using Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in the ESL/EFL classroom, including sample lessons. By your About.com ESL guide.
Children's ESL Journal
This journal is to provide a first-hand account from a child's point of view. This information will be valuable in a number of ways: as a means of comparison for other ESL educators, for parents as a guide to the challenges their children face, for the unique voice only an ESL learner can provide.
This journal is to provide a first-hand account from a child's point of view. This information will be valuable in a number of ways: as a means of comparison for other ESL educators, for parents as a guide to the challenges their children face, for the unique voice only an ESL learner can provide.
Choosing Props for the ESL/EFL classroom
The use of various "props" in the classroom can really liven things up and help students improve their long term learning.
The use of various "props" in the classroom can really liven things up and help students improve their long term learning.
Computer Assisted Language Learning @ Chorus
This site is dedicated to anything related to CALL including product reviews of various language products, links to cutting-edge CALL demos, book reviews and much more.
This site is dedicated to anything related to CALL including product reviews of various language products, links to cutting-edge CALL demos, book reviews and much more.
Computers in the Classroom
A discussion and guide to using computers effectively in an ESL setting. Including a brief example lesson outline. By your About.com ESL guide.
A discussion and guide to using computers effectively in an ESL setting. Including a brief example lesson outline. By your About.com ESL guide.
Conversation Tips
Discussion of strategies to help students improve their conversational skills.
Discussion of strategies to help students improve their conversational skills.
Cultural Differences - Teaching English as a Second Language
Differences between cultures play a very important role in teaching English. This article explores raising awareness to this issue.
Differences between cultures play a very important role in teaching English. This article explores raising awareness to this issue.
Decide to Become an ESL Teacher
Things to think about before you decide to become an ESL (English as a Second Language ) teacher.
Things to think about before you decide to become an ESL (English as a Second Language ) teacher.
Elementary Level Syllabus for Beginner Level Courses
This syllabus is designed for a course of approximately 60 hours of instruction and takes students from the verb 'To be' through present, past and future forms, as well as other basic structures such as the comparative and superlative forms, the use of 'some' and 'any', 'have got', etc.
This syllabus is designed for a course of approximately 60 hours of instruction and takes students from the verb 'To be' through present, past and future forms, as well as other basic structures such as the comparative and superlative forms, the use of 'some' and 'any', 'have got', etc.
English Learning Software - Buying Guide
English learning software is provided for everything from beginning English to exam preparation for the TOEFL or Cambridge Exams. You need to know what your language learning goals are when deciding on a software package. Use the following list of software types to help guide you to the software you need.
English learning software is provided for everything from beginning English to exam preparation for the TOEFL or Cambridge Exams. You need to know what your language learning goals are when deciding on a software package. Use the following list of software types to help guide you to the software you need.
English Teaching Professional
An excellent magazine aimed mostly at the European TESOL market. This site promotes the magazine and includes past articles as well as subscription information.
An excellent magazine aimed mostly at the European TESOL market. This site promotes the magazine and includes past articles as well as subscription information.
FAQ about CALL
An introductory discussion concerning some of the most commonly asked questions and opinions about Computer Assisted Language Learning
An introductory discussion concerning some of the most commonly asked questions and opinions about Computer Assisted Language Learning
Free Teaching ESL / EFL Course
This course introduces and discusses the most important aspects of teaching: basic theory, job opportunities, teaching speaking, grammar, listening, reading and writing skills, how to assess student needs, develop a syllabus, and hints and tricks for a more enjoyable teaching environment. During the course ready to go lesson plans will be provided to help you implement the techniques discussed.
This course introduces and discusses the most important aspects of teaching: basic theory, job opportunities, teaching speaking, grammar, listening, reading and writing skills, how to assess student needs, develop a syllabus, and hints and tricks for a more enjoyable teaching environment. During the course ready to go lesson plans will be provided to help you implement the techniques discussed.
Global English
An introduction to the issue of the importance of the emerging "Global English" approach to English learning.
An introduction to the issue of the importance of the emerging "Global English" approach to English learning.
Guide to Teaching English (ESL, EFL, TEFL) for Non - Professionals
Speaking English as your mother tongue does not a ESL or EFL (English as second language / English as foreign language) teacher make! This guide is provided for those of you who would like to know some of the basics of teaching English to non-native speakers of English. These basic techniques are useful when teaching friends, at a charity, on a volunteer basis, as a part-time job, as a hobby, etc.
Speaking English as your mother tongue does not a ESL or EFL (English as second language / English as foreign language) teacher make! This guide is provided for those of you who would like to know some of the basics of teaching English to non-native speakers of English. These basic techniques are useful when teaching friends, at a charity, on a volunteer basis, as a part-time job, as a hobby, etc.
Guide to Teaching English Basics for Non - Professionals - 2
Learn the basics to creating an effective learning experience for your classes or private students. This feature focuses on building a program for your class or private students based on language recycling, a technique that assures long-term communicative success. Use these guidelines to help you decide what should be taught and how to teach particular linguistic functions.
Learn the basics to creating an effective learning experience for your classes or private students. This feature focuses on building a program for your class or private students based on language recycling, a technique that assures long-term communicative success. Use these guidelines to help you decide what should be taught and how to teach particular linguistic functions.
How to Choose Teaching Materials
This quick guide will help you in your decision making process and point you to some of the resources on this site that can help you find the right coursebooks and supplementary materials for your course
This quick guide will help you in your decision making process and point you to some of the resources on this site that can help you find the right coursebooks and supplementary materials for your course
How to Use a Computer in Class
How to employ the computer as an English learning tool and make sure that it does not become the focus of the lesson.
How to employ the computer as an English learning tool and make sure that it does not become the focus of the lesson.
Improve Your Vocabulary
A guide to a number of methods to help you improve your vocabulary.
A guide to a number of methods to help you improve your vocabulary.
Intermediate Level Syllabus
This syllabus provides a general outline proposal for creating courses for intermediate level students. This syllabus can be easily adapted for individual classes while retaining an overall structure aimed at helping students acquire the language they need to communicate.
This syllabus provides a general outline proposal for creating courses for intermediate level students. This syllabus can be easily adapted for individual classes while retaining an overall structure aimed at helping students acquire the language they need to communicate.
Internet TESL Journal
An excellent resource for teachers. This site includes quite involved articles on teaching English as a second language.
An excellent resource for teachers. This site includes quite involved articles on teaching English as a second language.
Learning Theory, Styles
About Guide Kimeiko Hotta Dover provides this wonderful resource to information concerning: brain and intelligence, multiple intelligence theory and applications, learning styles, adult learning theory and more.
About Guide Kimeiko Hotta Dover provides this wonderful resource to information concerning: brain and intelligence, multiple intelligence theory and applications, learning styles, adult learning theory and more.
Lesson Plan Format
Guide to standard lesson plan format for teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language.
Guide to standard lesson plan format for teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language.
Principled Eclecticism
The art of picking and choosing your approach based on a student needs analysis. Includes an analysis of two example classes.
The art of picking and choosing your approach based on a student needs analysis. Includes an analysis of two example classes.
Printable Quizzes for Classes
A number of quizzes on this site are interactive and difficult to print out. Now, you can go to this page to print out these quizzes for in class use.
A number of quizzes on this site are interactive and difficult to print out. Now, you can go to this page to print out these quizzes for in class use.
Reference Glossary to Pronunciation Terms and Terminology
There are a host of terms and jargon used when speaking about pronunciation. Many teacher training courses require a thorough knowledge of these concepts and terms. Here is a glossary giving descriptions and explanations of the most common terminology used in this field of study.
There are a host of terms and jargon used when speaking about pronunciation. Many teacher training courses require a thorough knowledge of these concepts and terms. Here is a glossary giving descriptions and explanations of the most common terminology used in this field of study.
Reference Guide to Phonetic Symbols / Applied Pronunciation
This guide provides the terminology used for describing the various English phonemes. For an explanation of the terminology used.
This guide provides the terminology used for describing the various English phonemes. For an explanation of the terminology used.
Setting ESL Objectives
Knowing exactly what you want is half the battle and can dramatically improve your learning curve.
Knowing exactly what you want is half the battle and can dramatically improve your learning curve.
Software Review page
Reviews of software products ranging from all-around English learning programs to Business English, test production and specific programs for improving pronunciation.
Reviews of software products ranging from all-around English learning programs to Business English, test production and specific programs for improving pronunciation.
Student Colloboration in the ESL / EFL Classroom
Guest Article by John Baker: How effective is group work, and what are some of the strategies we should be using to make sure group / pair work makes for effective learning time?
Guest Article by John Baker: How effective is group work, and what are some of the strategies we should be using to make sure group / pair work makes for effective learning time?
Student Correction - When and How?
A discussion of when and how to correct students in English learning classes, especially ESL and EFL classes. After a short look at current techniques, the article ends with suggestions as to when and how it is appropriate to correct, while not curbing students' enthusiasm.
A discussion of when and how to correct students in English learning classes, especially ESL and EFL classes. After a short look at current techniques, the article ends with suggestions as to when and how it is appropriate to correct, while not curbing students' enthusiasm.
Suggestopedia
An introduction to Suggestopedia through a look at documentation on the Net concerning its theory, practice and principles.
An introduction to Suggestopedia through a look at documentation on the Net concerning its theory, practice and principles.
Suggestopedia: Lesson Plan
Introduction and lesson plan to a "concert" using the suggestopedia approach to effective/affective learning.
Introduction and lesson plan to a "concert" using the suggestopedia approach to effective/affective learning.
Teacher Blogs
An educational community connecting teachers from every level. If you are interested in connecting with teachers outside of the ESL EFL field this is an excellent community to explore.
An educational community connecting teachers from every level. If you are interested in connecting with teachers outside of the ESL EFL field this is an excellent community to explore.
Teaching Beginners
Most ESL / EFL teachers agree that there are two types of beginning students: Absolute Beginners and False Beginners. This feature focuses on both types of beginners and includes a discussion of what to expect, as well as giving helpful hints on teaching both types of beginners.
Most ESL / EFL teachers agree that there are two types of beginning students: Absolute Beginners and False Beginners. This feature focuses on both types of beginners and includes a discussion of what to expect, as well as giving helpful hints on teaching both types of beginners.
Teaching Book Review: The Internet and Business English
If you are a business English teacher, this book is a highly welcome resource that provides everything needed to successfully include the Internet into lesson plans.
If you are a business English teacher, this book is a highly welcome resource that provides everything needed to successfully include the Internet into lesson plans.
Teaching Grammar in an ESL / EFL Setting
An overview to teaching grammar in an ESL / EFL setting. This article discusses the questions that need to be asked before beginning to teach the class as well as an explaination of the importance of a bottom up style of teaching.
An overview to teaching grammar in an ESL / EFL setting. This article discusses the questions that need to be asked before beginning to teach the class as well as an explaination of the importance of a bottom up style of teaching.
TESL- Electronic Journal
Another excellent teacher resource with in depth discussion of teaching English. Articles are published quarterly. Archives are easily accessible.
Another excellent teacher resource with in depth discussion of teaching English. Articles are published quarterly. Archives are easily accessible.
The Dynamics of Using Argumentation in the EFL Classroom
An interesting look at the dynamics of using argumentation in the classroom with a large number of example activities providing activity description and a short discussion of the outcome of each activitiy.
An interesting look at the dynamics of using argumentation in the classroom with a large number of example activities providing activity description and a short discussion of the outcome of each activitiy.
Top English Teaching Picks - Teacher Resource Books for ESL Adult Learners
Guide overview to buying Teacher Resource Books for ESL Adult Learners
Guide overview to buying Teacher Resource Books for ESL Adult Learners
Understand Your Class - Fun Survey for ESL / EFL Learners
Use this fun survey for ESL EFL Learners to understand the reading and study habits, as well as the general interests of your class.
Use this fun survey for ESL EFL Learners to understand the reading and study habits, as well as the general interests of your class.
Using Blogs for ESL Learners and Teachers
You might have noticed that the homepage has changed styles. The homepage is now a 'blog'. Here is an introduction to the advantages of using blogs and feed readers for English learners and teachers.
You might have noticed that the homepage has changed styles. The homepage is now a 'blog'. Here is an introduction to the advantages of using blogs and feed readers for English learners and teachers.
Using the Internet to teach English for Special Purposes (ESP)
One of the problems that faces many English as Second Language (read ESP, ESL, EFL, TEFL, TESOL, TOEFL etc.) teachers is that students expect the teacher to be incredibly knowledgeable about everything! By using the methods in the example lesson - actually you will probably need at least two lessons - you can give your students "real world" English for their specific ESP needs.
One of the problems that faces many English as Second Language (read ESP, ESL, EFL, TEFL, TESOL, TOEFL etc.) teachers is that students expect the teacher to be incredibly knowledgeable about everything! By using the methods in the example lesson - actually you will probably need at least two lessons - you can give your students "real world" English for their specific ESP needs.
Whole Brain Learning
Tips, Tricks, Activities and Tools for the ESL EFL classroom - or any classroom - using "whole brain" techniques used in Suggestopedia, NLP, to help learners use their whole brain in an engaging and effective long term language learning experience.
Tips, Tricks, Activities and Tools for the ESL EFL classroom - or any classroom - using "whole brain" techniques used in Suggestopedia, NLP, to help learners use their whole brain in an engaging and effective long term language learning experience.