MIDTESOL Matters
Winter 2003
A Publication of Mid-America Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages


TEACHING TIPS AND MEMORABLE METHODS
Corner Editor: Ayse G. Stromsdorfer

Valerie Meyer is a professor and the Reading Program Coordinator at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Prior to joining the faculty at SIUE she taught grades 5 through 12 and worked extensively with adults experiencing reading difficulties. She has published two books and over 15 articles regarding adult literacy.

A.I.M. Stories

By Valerie Meyer

A.I.M. (Appreciative Interactive Method) stories are a variation of the language experience approach. The first step is for the instructor to write a short story, which involves all members of the group. It must be dialogue rich and of interest to the class.

The story is then read aloud by the instructor using an overhead or power point. Next, individual members of the group are invited to read their parts. The following is a sample A.I.A. story:

OUR WEEKEND

"We had a great weekend! We went to a carnival," said Maria and Elena.
"We had relatives visit us and it was fun," stated Lin and Lee.
"Did anyone go to the movies?" asked Jose and Antonio.
"We rented a video if that counts," responded Rene and Susan.
"Everyone had fun but we had to work!" moaned Thomas and Lisa.
"Enough talk. Let's hurry so we won't be late for class," yelled Sue and Kim.

Learners enjoy this activity because of its non-threatening nature and because their names are used. When the group becomes comfortable with this activity, they may choose to write their own stories.

This activity can be adapted as a way to review important facts in a social studies , science or other content area. The dialogue involves important facts or key issues to be learned.

The method above was presented as part of Reading Strategies class and reported as very successful by Dr. Meyer's students who tried them in other classes.

Look for more such teaching tips from Dr. Meyer in our future issues of MIDTESOL MATTERS.