by Lindsey Jackson Plagiarism is something that language learners often struggle with, especially when they come from countries where taking others’ words or ideas is actually considered a compliment (see McCool, 2009, for a more thorough explanation of culture’s influence on writing). Language learners often voice concern about plagiarism. They may be able to verbally…
by Lindsey Jackson ECentral is an app designed to introduce English Language Learners (ELLs) to authentic materials in the L2. The app description boasts over 10,000 available videos for users to watch and learn from, directions given in eight different languages, and a variety of activities learners can do in response to the videos. Positive…
By Shaeley Santiago I recently spent four full days in Baltimore, Maryland, at the TESOL 2016 International Convention. Since returning home, I have struggled to summarize the convention so I can share with colleagues what it was like. So, I have selected four adjectives that capture the highlights of my experience this year. Educated –…
Seeking contributors with exciting and effective lesson plan ideas for using creative writing in the English language classroom. Submission Deadline: October 1, 2016 Scope and Purpose For decades, creative writing has long been ignored as a pivotal craft for helping ELLs enhance their writing skills. Recently, however, the tide has dramatically turned. There has been…
By Lindsey Jackson Like many teachers, one of my main concerns in the classroom is lowering my students’ affective filters. Reading past and current literature on the topic always further convinces me of my need to make my students feel safe in our English Composition for Non-Native Speakers classroom. Following best practices set forth in…
According to Migration Policy Institute estimates, as many as 3.6 million unauthorized immigrants would be eligible for President Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program currently on hold pending a Supreme Court decision on whether implementation will be permitted. The program would affect an estimated 10 million people living…
By Lindsey Jackson Universal Design (UD) is a concept originally intended for consumable products, operating under the principle that products should be usable by any consumer without requiring adaptation. It has since been implemented in other areas, too, and has fairly recently begun taking the educational world by storm, despite having been introduced there back…
TESOL’s annual convention is one of the largest gatherings of English language teachers in the world. Whether you have attended the convention before or not, it can be a little overwhelming with so many sessions to choose from, not to mention all the vendors in the Exhibit Hall and social gatherings to attend. Here are…
By Melissa Meisterheim Planning a listening class can be difficult. Sheppard (2015) accurately described what usually goes on in class: assessment disguised as instruction. Teachers and textbooks often give a few pre-listening activities, then have students listen to something before asking them to answer comprehension questions. In response, Sheppard advocates a balanced approach to listening…
By Jennifer Johnston The English Language Institute (ELI) at Missouri State University is now one of only 25 centers in the United States to offer the world renowned CELTA certificate (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Cambridge University English Language Assessment. The ELI is only one of 3 U.S. university-based centers…
