This article describes three service-learning projects implemented in three different ESL programs in the United States. Each description includes typical course goals, service-learning assignments, reflection activities, student learning outcomes, and pedagogical challenges. The first project was developing digital literacy through…

Many teacher training programs, including MATESOL programs, encourage their trainees to be reflective practitioners. The MATESOL program at The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is no exception and offers the students many opportunities for reflection. This article discusses my experience with a recent cohort's reaction to being asked to…

The importance of teachers in the success of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is unquestionable. However, designing a teacher course on TBLT raises many questions concerning "what" and "how" it can be implemented. Can teachers' professional development be promoted through Task-Based Instruction (TBI)? This paper explores…

A basic goal of ELT is that students will apply outside the classroom what they have learned in the classroom. This goal is related to transfer of learning. Research on transfer of learning suggests that this phenomenon is not automatic and can be difficult to stimulate. However, instruction can be designed to try to promote transfer of learning.…

Describes an essay activity used in freshman English-as-a-Second-Language classes to teach observation of detail. Components of the approach include the following: (1) students must learn how to observe; (2) they must begin with a realistic, clearly defined task; and (3) they must work through the process of generating and organizing ideas…

Discusses problems inherent in testing translation students and emphasizes that the test of a translation student will depend primarily on the aim of the course concerned, e.g. tests of students in metalinguistic-awareness-oriented courses will focus on items attesting to metalinguistic knowledge rather than a mere competence in the languages per…

Attempts to identify those dimensions lacking in most adolescent/adult English-as-a-foreign-language coursebooks whose objectives are to foster developmental language learning in instructed social contexts and to assist students in communicating in and learning English. Findings indicate that most coursebooks fail in these objectives. (27…

Presents an account of how a composition program can effectively address English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writers' linguistic, strategic, and rhetorical differences without separating them from their native-English-speaking (NES) peers. The program provided a positive cross-cultural communication experience for the ESL and NES participants. (six…

Describes a "Culture and Foreign Language" action research project that consisted of two years teaching experience with Finnish uppersecondary school pupils. (21 references) (CK)

The literature suggests that teachers may rely more often on intuition when making course planning decisions than on informed assessment of learners' needs (Barkhuizen 1998; Spratt 1999). This article proposes a more principled alternative to the intuitive approach, based on the use of teacher-designed class-specific questionnaires intended to…

Discusses issues related to the integration of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) into an intensive English program (IEP), drawing from the experiences of a program involved in change from a skill-separated to a skill-integrated curricular model. Emphasizes that student use of software should be monitored and that programs should have…

Discusses the elements of a successful English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) bridge program to assist students seeking certification as nursing assistants. The article focuses on unique situations requiring special needs assessment and on the relationship between ESL and basic skills instruction. The keys to success include small class size and a…

Focuses on using the community as an environment in which to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in a socially responsive way. The article points out that many ESL classes exist for social reasons and that these reasons need to be foregrounded for effective language instruction to proceed. The article also discusses the role played by course…

The author is presenting a program that she designed for teaching liaison interpreting to translation students in their fifth semester of the translation program at the College of Languages and Translation (COLT), who are starting their training in liaison interpreting. The students never had any interpreting or translation training before. The…

Three principal types of goal structure are (1) cooperative; (2) competitive; and (3) individualistic. Specifically designed cooperatively structured group activities can improve group performance and attitudes in class. A writing class for English majors is briefly described and evaluated before and after goal structure was considered. Grade…