English as A Second Language (ELS)

Who gets to speak in class? Whose ideas count? Who chooses the assignments? How do students receive feedback? Do students have a chance to conference with their instructors? Can YouTube be a valuable source for homework assignment? Do you want your students to become self-directed - or autotelic - in their studies? Here’s a quick checklist that ESL teachers that I created for a recent CATESOL workshop called “Techniques for a More Democratic Classroom”. My core assumption remains that giving students more opportunities to literally speak, write, and share their insights leads to a more engaging, dynamic, and valuable classroom experience. I will write ... Read Full Story

One of the most widely spoken languages in the world is the English language. English is by far the most important language apart from a few other popular languages. It's essential if you want to make a great career or just to communicate with people from other countries when you're on holiday.  America is identified as a country of opportunity for immigrants, and that is one of the remarkable matters about the nation. Nevertheless, if you want to have a better opportunity of starting a life in America or doing business with English speakers, then it is imperative that you learn English. Studying a ... Read Full Story

This simple question has been posed twice in emails this week. Both ESL students and teachers know that too many textbooks fail to engage readers. Yet rather than focusing on the many sins of the many boring textbooks, let’s focus on those few informative, practical, and interesting ESL books that we like. Here is a quick, superficial, and by no means comprehensive list of English as a Second Language books that I personally have found successful in teaching English Academic ESL/intensive English programs Cambridge Vocabulary in Use series - An excellent supplemental text, especially for the more academically inclined. The self-contained two page format ... Read Full Story

Let ESL Students Give Product Reviews in the New Year! Do you let your English students write and deliver product reviews? Consumer reviews help ESL students develop research skills, use critical thinking, and share their consumer choices. The giving and receiving of gifts has become a central feature of Christmas, Hanukkah, winter solstice and New Year celebrations. We live – for worse or for better – in a consumer age. English language learners, around the world, share in this winter shopping spree. Product reviews allow them to talk about their gift selections and holiday gifts. Plus, being a savvy consumer remains a critical adult ... Read Full Story

Learn a Language in Denver - The Amazing Mystery Revealed on How to Learn a Mesmerizing New Culture Have you ever thought about opening your eyes to a mesmerizing new culture? So what is the first thing to do in order to fulfill your curiosity for what is different? You could start from the beginning and learn a new language in Denver- Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese. Spanish is a handy language that is spoken over 25 countries over the world. Over 330 people around the planet use this form of communication. Picture yourself visiting one of those countries, like ... Read Full Story