English as a Second Language

From assigning audio journals and monitoring classroom conversations to videotaping mock interviews and analyzing YouTube videotapes, Indiana ESL teachers heard presenters share practical tips and favorite lessons at an outstanding INTESOL conference today. Several INTESOL presenters also lead workshops and shared materials and techniques to incorporate the internet, radio, and other authentic materials into ESL classrooms. Further, several speakers – including keynote ESL guru Randall Davis – emphasized the need for appropriate technology and “less is more” when designing classroom lessons. As ever, we discussed ways that technology could help English classrooms become more student-centered and provide additional critical thinking activities. More English teachers, ... Read Full Story

(This is a re-post from a friend's blog - I am not part of this organization - R.P.) Every Monday evening from 7 to 8:30 PM there are free "ESL" English as a second language lessons and classes. The free English conversation classes are offered at the Saint Paul's Anglican Church located at 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. St. Paul's is located about 200 metres east of the Yonge and Bloor Street intersection on the south side of Bloor Street. If traveling by subway you can exit at Yonge and Bloor - then walk east on the south side for about 2 ... Read Full Story

2009 Peel Halton Etobicoke TESL Spring Workshops for LINC and ESL Teachers Thursday May 14, 2009 Placing ESL Methodology in a Broader Context Presenter: Dr. John Sivell (Brock University) Abstract: Subject-specific aspects of ESL methodology define the expertise on which our profession is built. However, effective ESL teaching is also an excitingly interdisciplinary endeavour. Thus, Dr. John Sivell proposes to visit a few allied areas that strike him as especially interesting ‘neighbours’ of ESL methodology: culture-general principles of Intercultural Communication; Systems Planning and Ergonomics; and Universal Design for Learning. Awareness of each of these fields can, Dr Sivell believes, not only enrich our practice ... Read Full Story

Why state the obvious? Why take turns asking questions? Why ask follow up questions? Common sense and social skills don’t seem to be universal. Conversation skills remain a vital soft skill that many scientists, engineers, shy people, and English language learners struggle to master. A key technique is just asking simple questions to keep a conversation moving forward. Asking follow up questions can provide clarity and allow our conversation partners to elaborate on details. English teachers, especially when reviewing fluency skills, can introduce common phrases to help ESL and EFL students improve their fluency. Use these simple phrases to go beyond hello and create ... Read Full Story

Learn English FREE with Twitter Twitter is a free micro-blogging service. You can set up a free profile and follow others. You can ask questions and get answers. You can follow several Study English language updates. Here are several ESL English as a Second Language Education Twitterers you can follow to Study or Practice English. Link to ESL in Canada News Updates on Twitter Everything about Study English in Canada for students and teachers Link to Study ESL English on Twitter English as a second language study tips for grammar vocabulary writing speaking listening reading Link to the SentenceMaster English Writing Games Twitter Updates ... Read Full Story