TEFL theory
A look at some of the theoretical and practical issues in English language learning and teaching.
How to Design Language Practice Activities
Language practice activities come in many forms, and their design should take into account learning aims, the most important being language production.
The Silent Period of Second Language Acquisition
There are five stages in the second language acquisition process, and the Silent Period is probably the most misunderstood, ignored or even unknown both by teachers and students.
Should I Only Use English in the EFL Classroom?
Is there a case for using your learners' first language in your ESL classes, as long as this use is strictly controlled?
7 Factors Which Affect Language Learners’ Listening Comprehension
These seven factors can directly or indirectly contribute to your learners' listening comprehension skills.
10 Tips for Giving and Checking Instructions in an ESL Classroom
Here are 10 ways to make sure your instructions are as clear and comprehensible as possible in your ESL classes.
Grammar Teaching: Implicit or Explicit?
Should we be teaching grammar implicitly, in context and communicatively, or explicitly, with rules-based grammar lessons? Or is a combination of the two the most effective way?
What is Standard English?
Does anyone actually speak a pure form of their own English anymore? Does it matter? Does it make a difference to how we teach?
Authentic Vs Graded Material in Second Languages
What are the pros and cons of using authentic versus graded material in the second language classroom?
A Guide to Testing English Language Students
When we train as English language teachers, testing is often one of the parts of the job that doesn't get much attention. So here's a guide to how, why and when we test our students, and how to do it well.
Language Acquisition Vs Language Learning
In order to acquire language, learners need a source of natural communication. Unfortunately, with adult students, a quick look at current methodologies clearly shows that communication is set aside, neglected or even disregarded.
How to Teach Mixed Ability Language Courses
One of the most difficult situations for a language teacher is a group with students of different levels, varying learning ability, or both. How do you design a lesson to meet all the varying needs?
Effective Learners and a Learner-Centered Classroom
Designing effective learning requirements requires a clear understanding of, and attention to, both commonalities and differences in the learners and the learning.
