Teaching Life Experience in Cambodia with TEFL TESOL LanguageCorps Asia

Teaching Life Experience in Cambodia with TEFL / TESOL LanguageCorps Asia. 

When I think back to life changing moments, boarding that 747 on a cool August morning in Boston is among the most definitive. I have always had the desire to explore this small world, intrigued by opportunities that enable such exploration. Teaching turned out to be a great way to travel the world and make some money. Beyond that, it is a job where you can make a positive impact in another person’s life. No matter how I rationalized it, teaching abroad seemed like the right decision to make. And with one blink of the eye, I was landing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, grabbing my luggage and driving through the dirty streets, wide-eyed and ready for the adventure.

After doing the research on how to go about teaching abroad I chose to work with a company named LanguageCorps Asia(www.languagecorpsasia.com).

Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/10/18/teaching-experience-in-cambodia/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Living, Working And Learning About A New Culture

Interested in living in, working in, and learning about a new culture?
LanguageCorps helps you create a personal adventure in teaching English abroad. Our programs allow you to learn and apply new skills while developing a wider, first-person perspective about the diversity of cultures and populations around the world — all with the security of intensive on-site training and TESOL certification, a guaranteed paid job, a highly organized system, and a supportive community. To learn more or apply online www.languagecorpsasia.com
TESOL Certification also offered in Spain, Italy, and other European and North African locations; volunteer programs in Cambodia and Sri Lanka; shorter-term programs available; program fees and pay vary by country.
Our Flagship Program combines TESOL / TEFL training...
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/10/25/interested-in-living-in-working-in-and-learning-about-a-new-culture/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Why Learning a New Language is a Great Idea

5 Reasons Why Learning a New Language is a Great Idea!

Lately, have you noticed how many language schools there are around you? Even online, there is such an abundance of courses and aids to help you learn a new language, isn’t there? So, why should you indeed study a new language? Well, following are five great reasons why.

1. Communicate better with friends / family / business associates / living abroad.
2. To experience more pleasures when traveling.
3. To get in touch with your roots.
4. For purposes of emigration.
5. To be more ‘worldly’.
How to learn a new language? Well, the best is to attend a language school because there you’re assured that you’re learning in an organized, step-by-step manner. Better yet, why not attend a language school in the country where that language is spoken!

Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/01/5-reasons-why-learning-a-new-language-is-a-great-idea/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

The Easiest Way To Learn Languages

The Easiest Way To Learn Languages.
The easiest way to learn languages cannot be found in one single method. The truth is, there are many different ways to learn languages that are friendly to foreign language novices and virtually costs nothing.
If you are looking for the easiest way to learn languages, you may want to start by getting yourself a dictionary of whatever language you wish to learn and start looking up random words that are often used in everyday conversations. Do not get intimidated when you do not get the words and their definition right away. It is understandable especially if you have been speaking only one language, like English, for a very long time. Language audio tapes could also come in handy. In fact, it is better if you have a dictionary and an audio tape of the language you are trying to learn for purposes...
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/08/the-easiest-way-to-learn-languages/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Importance of Learning a Second Language

The Importance of Learning a Second Language.
Learning a second language can be difficult: it takes much time, patience and practising. Knowing a second language can create a better understanding of different cultures, open job opportunities; help with academic success, make traveling easier, and help people communicate throughout the world. A foreign language can take the learner out of the comfort zone and allow them to experience different cultures; also it has been reported that learning a second language gives the brain more stimulation (BBC News, 2004).
In the United States only 30 states have said that English is the official language (Wikipedia, 2007). In Miami, Florida residents who do not speak Spanish have difficulty interacting with the large population of Latin Americans; making conducting business harder for business owners.
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/15/the-importance-of-learning-a-second-language/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Foreign Language Degrees Prepare You for Much More Than Teaching

Foreign Language Degrees Prepare You for Much More Than Teaching.
Most people associate a foreign language degree with teaching, assuming that someone with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, French, Japanese or some other foreign language will teach the language. Most students with fluency in a second language, however, pursue career options that focus on the private sector or government service. In fact, having a degree in a foreign language makes you marketable in almost any field within today’s global economy.
Teaching is a time-honored career for anyone fluent in a foreign language, but it isn’t the only career option. If you have a degree in a second language and you enjoy traveling and experiencing the culture associated with another language, the travel industry offers lots of opportunities.
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/22/foreign-language-degrees-prepare-you-for-much-more-than-teaching/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

English Speaking Practice through Presentations

English Speaking Practice through Presentations by Josef Essberger.
If you’re anything like most teachers, you’re probably constantly looking for new ways to encourage your students to practise their oral English and speak spontaneously. This month, we’re going to consider the value of the ‘presentation’ in achieving this.
Asking students to give presentations has the following advantages:
* it gives the presenting student a good opportunity to practise unaided speaking
* it gives the other students good listening practice
* it increases the presenting student’s confidence when using English
* it can be good practice for the real situation for those students who may actually need to give presentations in English in their professional lives
* it is an excellent generator of spontaneous discussion
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/01/english-speaking-practice-through-presentations-by-josef-essberger/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Do I Need a TEFL or TESOL Qualification?

Do I Need a TEFL or TESOL Qualification? By Chris Soames.
If you’ve been hanging around in online TEFL forums, you’ve probably wandered across a conversation about whether you really need a TEFL or TESOL qualification. It’s a natural enough question: after all, you may well be planning a career in teaching because you can’t afford to travel without working. And the truth is, in a few countries you can secure a teaching position without a TEFL qualification. The question is – do you really want to?
It pays to be prepared
You can always throw yourself in at the deep end. You know, just start teaching without any preparation and see how well you do. But that’s a pretty scary thought isn’t it? Without TEFL or TESOL training you won’t know if what you’re doing is right...
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/06/do-i-need-a-tefl-or-tesol-qualification-by-chris-soames/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Tips For Enjoying The Holidays while Teaching English Abroad

Tips For Enjoying The Holidays while Teaching English Abroad.
Ahhhhhh the holidays! The perfect excuse to take a brief reprise from every day life. A time to enjoy with family and friends, devour scrumptious, comforting food, watch some football (or futbol, or rugby, or however you like your ballsports), pet the family dog, and RELAX.
But what if you’re spending the holidays away from home, as many LanguageCorps Asia teachers are?
During an extended stay abroad, whether you’re teaching English as a foreign language, saving turtles in Mexico, or simply traveling for pleasure, the holidays can be a time when homesickness rears its ugly head. For many people (myself included), more so than any other time of year, the winter holidays tend to remind us of the comforts of home, and the people we’ve been away from for what seems like forever.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/tips-to-enjoy-the-holidays-abroad/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Beat the Job Seeking Blues and Work Teach English Abroad

Beat the Job Seeking Blues and Work Teach English Abroad By Sarah Simmons.
The economy is rough right now. If you’re like nearly 10% of Americans in the United States who are currently unemployed, you may be struggling to find a job. One of the main reasons many applicants get turned down for jobs is because they lack experience, so why not add valuable experience to your resume while exploring the world and experience of a lifetime? Teach English abroad!
Teaching English abroad is an incredibly rewarding opportunity that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to live in another culture, travel, and gain professional paid work experience. If you can’t find a job in the US, there are many options to teach English abroad, so what’s stopping you from getting paid to create your own unique, international adventure?
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/14/beat-the-job-seeking-blues-and-teach-english-abroad-by-sarah-simmons/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Discover How To Teach English Abroad TEFL / TESOL

Discover How To Teach English Abroad TEFL / TESOL By Joel Gray.

Have you ever thought about an opportunity to teach the English language abroad but are unsure how you can get involved? If so, than this article can help. If you have ever wondered how to teach English internationally then a TEFL / TESOL certification course could be the answer for you. Throughout this article we will explain what TEFL / TESOL is, as well as what it involves, and how a TEFL / TESOL course can advance your opportunities if you are looking to teach people from other countries how to speak English. By the end of the next few paragraphs, you will have a much deeper understanding as to how to begin your dream career and become one-step closer in your goal of teaching abroad.

Let’s begin by discussing what TEFL / TESOL actually is and who is qualified to take TEFL / TESOL training courses.

Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/20/discover-how-to-teach-english-abroad-by-joel-gray/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

What Makes a Good EFL Teacher?

What Makes a Good EFL Teacher? By Chris Soames.
“How long is a piece of string?” springs to mind but the answer may be much simpler than you think, because you probably tick many of the boxes already. You’re probably asking this question because you are already or soon plan to be an EFL teacher. This means that you probably like working with people, that you prefer variety to routine, and that you are don’t mind taking calculated risks. As a rule, Teaching English as a Foreign Language is one of the most satisfying jobs you can do because the vast majority of learners are highly-motivated, so all you need to do is try to recognize which aspect of your teaching skills needs to be used at any given time. Below are some suggestions about the different roles you’ll find yourself playing – all of which combine to make a good teacher.
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/27/what-makes-a-good-efl-teacher-by-chris-soames/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teach English Abroad - Check Out Asia

Teach English Abroad - Check Out Asia.
 
We at LanguageCorps Asia love preparing people to go teach English abroad. You get to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn (or relearn!) a foreign language, get paid to travel, have access to lots of new cultural ideas, and you can build up your resume while you’re at it. An opportunity to teach English abroad widens your horizons while also helping you find out more about yourself, besides, teaching English is fun!
Explore the Possibilities, but Choose a Country Carefully!

You can teach English abroad almost anywhere you like, but not all country destinations are equal. With all the recent unrest in the Middle East and Africa, it would be wise to do extra research on the social and political conditions in any country where you hope to teach English abroad.

Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teacher-named-fullbright-scholar/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnam Teacher Named Fullbright Scholar

LanguageCorps Asia, Vietnam Teacher Named Fullbright Scholar!
Jacob Daniels, Fulbright Teaching Assistantship, Vietnam
Former LanguageCorps Asia teacher Jacob Daniels, has been awarded a Fullbright Scholarship for Teaching English in Vietnam!
Daniels, who majored in government at Connecticut College, has been traveling and living abroad since his graduation.
“My interest in travel and other cultures began with a program called LanguageCorps Asia. I used their services to secure a job teaching English in Cambodia for a semester while still attending Conn College, and immediately knew that I wanted to continue living and working abroad. I then went to Korea to teach in the winter of 2008 and 2009, and then back to Cambodia where I taught at the Pannasastra University of Cambodia and studied Buddhist philosophy,” Daniels said. “I’m currently traveling in India.”
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teacher-named-fullbright-scholar/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

LanguageCorps Scam?

LanguageCorps Scam?
LangaugeCorps is a Massachusetts based company that specializes in creating personalized adventures in teaching English abroad. To put it simply, we help you become certified to teach English as a foreign language, and then assist you in finding a good, paying job in your country of choice.
We know that there are a whole lot of choices when it comes to teaching English abroad. An overwhelming amount, in fact. And while many of our competitors offer excellent products as well, we believe that LanguageCorps provides a better value and service than anyone in the field.
So, we take it somewhat personally, when every now and again we talk to someone that asks, “Is LanguageCorps a scam?”
But, when I put myself in your shoes, the skepticism makes sense. If I were a newcomer to the TEFL/TESOL world, sifting through the massive amount of information...
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-scam/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Most Popular Places to Teach English Overseas in Asia

Most Popular Places to Teach English Overseas in Asia.
LanguageCorps Asia offers a wide variety of TESOL / TEFL certification programs in popular countries.
Thailand
Thailand's many gorgeous beaches, delicious food, exciting excursions and great job placement assistance, it’s no wonder that Thailand is one of our teachers’ favorite places to teach English overseas. We have several different program options for those who want to teach English in Thailand.
Vietnam
Vietnam is home to lush green landscapes, exotic beaches and magnificent mountains and its traditional charm and rare beauty make it a favorite for teachers. We have the same program options mentioned above for those who want to teach English in Vietnam. Given the salaries LanguageCorps Asia teachers earn teaching English in Vietnam, most people are able to save money while teaching there.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/most-popular-places-to-teach-english-overseas/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

A Day in the Life of the Awkward American Traverler in Cambodia - LanguageCorps Asia

A Day in the Life: A LanguageCorps Asia TESOL Classroom in Cambodia.
It is LanguageCorps Asia pleasure to introduce an exerpt from our teacher Margaret Ulrich, currently teaching English abroad in Cambodia.
RePosted from her blog “Awkward American Traverler”, which you can Check out here: http://awkwardamericantraveler.wordpress.com/
Any idiot knows what happens when you assume. So why do I keep feeling like the only ass here?
My latest blunder came from teaching at an orphanage. I assumed I’d be teaching little darlings. But I was what, class? Very good, kids, I was wrong.
Part of our training for the LanguageCorps certificate included two weeks of student teaching. For three of us who stayed in Phnom Penh—some moved to either Thailand or Vietnam—we were assigned to teach at an orphanage called SSD.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-a-languagecorps-tesol-classroom-in-cambodia/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Cambodia Accessible Education Attracts Female Students Back to School

Cambodia Accessible Education Attracts Female Students Back to School. 

A dream of going back to school has come true for 23-year-old Van Sarem. Now she sits in the front row of her grade 8 class at a new secondary school in Sre Ang Krong commune by the Se San River in Ratanakiri province, excited and delighted to be back learning after a five-year absence since she finished primary school in 2004.

“My dream has come true now,” she says with a beautiful smile. “I am so happy that I have a chance to come back to school even though I am older. And my parents support my return to school.”

Sarem is from one of the poorest families in Sre Ang Krong village. When she finished study at the local primary school, her family did not have the money to send her to the nearest secondary school, which was more than 20 km away. She dropped out of school...

Read more at http://khmerviews.com/accessible-education-attracts-female-students-back-to-school/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

LanguageCorps Asia TEFL / TESOL Alum Student Founds Fair Trade Fashion Company

LanguageCorps Asia TEFL / TESOL Alum Student Founds Fair Trade Fashion Company.
One of the most common questions we receive at LanguageCorps Asia is what kind of careers teaching English abroad can lead to. Many people decide to teach English in a foreign country as a gap year adventure, and then with the help of a unique, distinctive resume, go on to diverse careers in a variety of different fields.
One former teacher, Jacob Daniels, founded a fair trade fashion company called Cambodian Threads.
The company sells handmade, fair trade silk crafts produced by the Hengs, a family of artisans who work out of their home studio in the Island village of Prek BongKong, Cambodia.
Daniels and his staff then use proceeds from sales to fund educational development projects in Prek BongKong and other rural Cambodian villages.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-alum-founds-fair-trade-fashion-company/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnamese Students Get a look at Taiwan's Higher Education Scene

Vietnamese students get a look at Taiwan's higher education scene.
Taipei, Nov. 21 (CNA) Taiwan opened a series of higher education fairs in Vietnam Monday, hoping to encourage students to pursue a university education on the island. The Ministry of Education (MOE) said a delegation led by Minister Wu Ching-ji presented higher education opportunities in Taiwan at a fair in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday and will hold similar events in Danang on Thursday and Hanoi on Friday. Taking part in the three fairs will be 130 representatives - including 18 school presidents, seven vice presidents and 17 heads of international affairs offices - from 41 public and private schools. The representatives will provide visitors with the latest information on their schools, on Taiwan's education system and on scholarship opportunities, the MOE said.
Read more at http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1764944
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

European education fair kicks off in Taipei

European education fair kicks off in Taipei. 

Taipei, Oct. 22 (CNA) The annual European Education Fair Taiwan (EEFT) kicked off Saturday in Taipei, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the diverse educational environments in Europe. The largest education fair in Taiwan, the two-day event incorporates 115 universities and colleges from 12 European countries. "Europe is wide open to Taiwanese students and ready to welcome them with its best universities, business and engineering schools," said Patrick Bonneville, director of the Bureau Francais de Taipei. Among the countries involved, the United Kingdom represents the largest contingent, with 60 participating institutions, while Denmark is a first-time exhibitor. The only participant from Scandinavia, Denmark decided to take part in the fair after discovering a growing interest from Taiwanese students...

Read more at http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1740249

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

10 Million Teachers Influencing Students

Intel Teach: 10 Million Teachers Influencing 300 Million Students.
Intel corporation is well known for their forays into educational development and assisting with the ongoing battle between educators, the educated and dwindling school budgets around the world. With their latest campaign, the Intel Teach Program is focused on integrating technology into traditional classroom learning. Intel is not doing this through backing up large trucks full of computers to schools, but rather they are taking a much more personal approach.
Through the Intel Teach professional development program, Intel has gotten hands on with 10 millions teachers to seamlessly work technology into their lesson plans. The goal is to help improve problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills within their students little growing brains.
Read more at http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/09/intel-teach-10-million-teachers-influencing-300-million-students/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Global Search for Education: Arts

The Global Search for Education: More on Arts.
Thought leaders in The Global Search for Education series have consistently argued that an education without the arts is incomplete. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities report, Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America's Future Through Creative Schools, made a powerful case for why education in the arts has never been more important than now. The report showed the link between arts education and student achievement in other subject areas. Beyond empowering students to create art and appreciate all art forms, the study illustrates how arts education strategies play a significant role in closing the achievement gap, improving student engagement, and nurturing creativity and innovative thinking skills essential to the 21st century.
Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_19_b_1103268.html?ref=education
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

LanguageCorps Teachers Making a Difference Abroad



In addition to teaching abroad, many of our Teachers give back to their new communities by volunteering, fund raising and more. From time to time we have profiled their efforts.



Tis the season of thanks and giving, so we wanted to share a couple inspirational stories from abroad with you. We are pleased to report on the amazing work of two of our Teachers: one in Thailand and one in Vietnam. We hope that their stories will open your hearts and inspire you to support their efforts, or perhaps to give back to your community with some volunteer undertakings of your own.



Flooding in Thailand



We have all seen the heartbreaking news stories about the flooding in and around Bangkok this year. Thankfully, most of our teachers were not affected and have continued to teach....



Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teachers-making-a-difference-abroad/



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jq66

LanguageCorps Teachers Making a Difference Abroad

LanguageCorps Asia Teachers Making a Difference Abroad.
In addition to teaching abroad, many of our Teachers give back to their new communities by volunteering, fund raising and more. From time to time we have profiled their efforts.
Tis the season of thanks and giving, so we wanted to share a couple inspirational stories from abroad with you.  We are pleased to report on the amazing work of two of our Teachers: one in Thailand and one in Vietnam. We hope that their stories will open your hearts and inspire you to support their efforts, or perhaps to give back to your community with some volunteer undertakings of your own.
Flooding in Thailand
We have all seen the heartbreaking news stories about the flooding in and around Bangkok this year. Thankfully, most of our teachers were not affected and have continued to teach....
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teachers-making-a-difference-abroad/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

The Global Search for Education: More on Arts.



Thought leaders in The Global Search for Education series have consistently argued that an education without the arts is incomplete. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities report, Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America's Future Through Creative Schools, made a powerful case for why education in the arts has never been more important than now. The report showed the link between arts education and student achievement in other subject areas. Beyond empowering students to create art and appreciate all art forms, the study illustrates how arts education strategies play a significant role in closing the achievement gap, improving student engagement, and nurturing creativity and innovative thinking skills essential to the 21st century.



Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_19_b_1103268.html?ref=education



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jp4n

Occupying Our Education

Occupying Our Education.
This post was coauthored with Mark Paschal.
Last Wednesday we were arrested with some 90 people, most of them fellow students, at a peaceful sit-in inside the Bank of America. We had a simple request. We would like the UC Regents, including Bank of America Board Member Monica Lozano, to pledge to refund public education in California.
The UC Regents had planned to meet in San Francisco last Wednesday, but cancelled their meeting at the last minute, fearing student unrest. The UC Regents may not want to meet with us, but we would like to meet with them. In her role on the Board of the bank, Regent Monica Lozano presided over thousands of foreclosures in a crisis that cost California communities billions of dollars -- money that could have gone to education.
Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-shattuck/uc-regents-tuition-increase_b_1108336.html?ref=education&ir=Education
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Occupying Our Education.



This post was coauthored with Mark Paschal.



Last Wednesday we were arrested with some 90 people, most of them fellow students, at a peaceful sit-in inside the Bank of America. We had a simple request. We would like the UC Regents, including Bank of America Board Member Monica Lozano, to pledge to refund public education in California.



The UC Regents had planned to meet in San Francisco last Wednesday, but cancelled their meeting at the last minute, fearing student unrest. The UC Regents may not want to meet with us, but we would like to meet with them. In her role on the Board of the bank, Regent Monica Lozano presided over thousands of foreclosures in a crisis that cost California communities billions of dollars -- money that could have gone to education.



Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-shattuck/uc-regents-tuition-increase_b_1108336.html?ref=education&ir=Education



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jmf8

How China is Winning the School Race

How China is winning the school race.

China's education performance - at least in cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong - seems to be as spectacular as the country's breakneck economic expansion, outperforming many more advanced countries.
But what is behind this success?

Eyebrows were raised when the results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's international maths, science and reading tests - the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) tests - were published.

Shanghai, taking part for the first time, came top in all three subjects.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong which was performing well in the last decade of British rule, has gone from good to great. In this global ranking, it came fourth in reading, second in maths and third in science.

These two Chinese cities - there was no national ranking for China - had outstripped leading education systems...

Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14812822

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

How China is winning the school race.



China's education performance - at least in cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong - seems to be as spectacular as the country's breakneck economic expansion, outperforming many more advanced countries.



But what is behind this success?



Eyebrows were raised when the results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's international maths, science and reading tests - the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) tests - were published.



Shanghai, taking part for the first time, came top in all three subjects.



Meanwhile, Hong Kong which was performing well in the last decade of British rule, has gone from good to great. In this global ranking, it came fourth in reading, second in maths and third in science.



These two Chinese cities - there was no national ranking for China - had outstripped leading education systems...



Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14812822



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jiac

Learning to Play the Game

Learning to Play the Game to Get Into College.
Since second grade, she has taken advantage of a voluntary integration program here, leaving her home in one of the city’s poorer sections before 6:30 a.m. and riding a bus over an hour to Newton, a well-to-do suburb with top-quality schools. Some nights, she has so many activities that she does not get home until 10 p.m.; often she’s up past midnight studying.
“Nathaly gets so mad if she doesn’t make the honor roll,” says Stephanie Serrata, a classmate.
Last Wednesday, Nathaly did it again, with 5 A’s and 2 B’s for the first marking period.
She has excelled at Newton North High, a school with enormous resources, in part by figuring out whom to ask for help.
Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/education/lets-get-ready-offers-help-for-college-admissions.html?_r=1&ref=education
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Learning to Play the Game to Get Into College



Since second grade, she has taken advantage of a voluntary integration program here, leaving her home in one of the city’s poorer sections before 6:30 a.m. and riding a bus over an hour to Newton, a well-to-do suburb with top-quality schools. Some nights, she has so many activities that she does not get home until 10 p.m.; often she’s up past midnight studying.



“Nathaly gets so mad if she doesn’t make the honor roll,” says Stephanie Serrata, a classmate.



Last Wednesday, Nathaly did it again, with 5 A’s and 2 B’s for the first marking period.



She has excelled at Newton North High, a school with enormous resources, in part by figuring out whom to ask for help.



Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/education/lets-get-ready-offers-help-for-college-admissions.html?_r=1&ref=education



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jett

Vietnam Universities Help Speed Response

Vietnam universities to help speed epidemic response.
VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam One Health University Network has established linking universities throughout the country to increase regional co-ordination in the response to animal diseases that can affect human health.
Its first meeting was held yesterday with the participation of 10 universities, laying the foundation for Vietnamese universities to address and develop training and research.
With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ha Noi School of Public Health, the Ha Noi Medical University and the Ha Noi University of Agriculture’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will act as the focal institutions for the newly formed network.
* English Centres ink pact with Oxford Press
The Viet Nam-USA Society English Centres (VUS)...
Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/universities-to-help-speed-epidemic-response.html
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnam universities to help speed epidemic response.



VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam One Health University Network has established linking universities throughout the country to increase regional co-ordination in the response to animal diseases that can affect human health.



Its first meeting was held yesterday with the participation of 10 universities, laying the foundation for Vietnamese universities to address and develop training and research.



With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ha Noi School of Public Health, the Ha Noi Medical University and the Ha Noi University of Agriculture’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will act as the focal institutions for the newly formed network.



* English Centres ink pact with Oxford Press



The Viet Nam-USA Society English Centres (VUS)...



Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/universities-to-help-speed-epidemic-response.html



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List of Idioms in the English Language

This is a list of idioms in the English Language.
An idiom is a word or phrase, common in everyday conversation and understood within the culture, having a meaning completely different than the meaning of it's words. In the example "Kick the Bucket" the listener understands the meaning is "to die" which is completely different than actually kicking a bucket. An idiom is not be confused with other Figures of speech such as a Metaphor - like "the man of steel" which invokes an image, or a Simile - like "Faster than a speeding bullet" which compares two things, or Hyperbole - like "missed by a mile" which creates a strong impression but is not meant to be taken literally.
* A bitter pill [to swallow] – A situation or information that is difficult to accept.
* Bug – To irritate, pester or bother.
* Cloud Nine -- Heavenly.
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_idioms_in_the_English_language
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This is a list of idioms in the English Language.



An idiom is a word or phrase, common in everyday conversation and understood within the culture, having a meaning completely different than the meaning of it's words. In the example "Kick the Bucket" the listener understands the meaning is "to die" which is completely different than actually kicking a bucket. An idiom is not be confused with other Figures of speech such as a Metaphor - like "the man of steel" which invokes an image, or a Simile - like "Faster than a speeding bullet" which compares two things, or Hyperbole - like "missed by a mile" which creates a strong impression but is not meant to be taken literally.



* A bitter pill [to swallow] – A situation or information that is difficult to accept.

* Bug – To irritate, pester or bother.

* Cloud Nine -- Heavenly.



Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_idioms_in_the_English_language



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Vietnamese University Students Increase

Vietnamese university students increase rapidly, but university lecturers do not increase accordingly.
Professor Nguyen Viet Thinh, President of the Hanoi University of Education,
said that the school has to recruit lecturers monthly, because a lot of
lecturers leave for training courses or have a break. Candidates come from
different sources. Some of them are excellent graduates from the Hanoi
University of Education themselves. Others are the lecturers of other schools,
or overseas Vietnamese students, who have finished foreign training courses, or
scientific researchers.
Demand high, income low teaching jobs in Vietnam
The Hanoi University of Mining and Geology every year recruits nearly 100
lecturers for different majors, but it never finds enough lecturers.
Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/university-students-increase-rapidly-but-university-lecturers-do-not-increase-accordingly.html
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Vietnamese university students increase rapidly, but university lecturers do not increase accordingly.



Professor Nguyen Viet Thinh, President of the Hanoi University of Education,

said that the school has to recruit lecturers monthly, because a lot of

lecturers leave for training courses or have a break. Candidates come from

different sources. Some of them are excellent graduates from the Hanoi

University of Education themselves. Others are the lecturers of other schools,

or overseas Vietnamese students, who have finished foreign training courses, or

scientific researchers.



Demand high, income low teaching jobs in Vietnam



The Hanoi University of Mining and Geology every year recruits nearly 100

lecturers for different majors, but it never finds enough lecturers.



Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/university-students-increase-rapidly-but-university-lecturers-do-not-increase-accordingly.html



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Cambodia Facing Literacy Challenges

Cambodia Facing Ongoing Literacy Challenges.
Cambodia’s literacy has improved over the past decade, but key challenges remain for girls, the rural poor and minorities, education experts say.
According to government figures, the literacy rate stands at about 70 percent. But that may only be basic literacy, where another ability, functional literacy, is harder to define.
Still, education experts say that still leaves 30 percent of the population without the ability to read or write, though that percentage could improve as the younger generation goes through school to learn to read and write.
Ministry of Education officials say they count a total enrollment of 3.2 million students, with about 607,000 in urban areas and more than 2.5 million in rural areas.
“This gathering of students at school means it is serving literacy,”...
Read more at http://www.voanews.com/khmer-english/news/Cambodia-Facing-Ongoing-Literacy-Challenges-128470623.html
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Cambodia Facing Ongoing Literacy Challenges.



Cambodia’s literacy has improved over the past decade, but key challenges remain for girls, the rural poor and minorities, education experts say.



According to government figures, the literacy rate stands at about 70 percent. But that may only be basic literacy, where another ability, functional literacy, is harder to define.



Still, education experts say that still leaves 30 percent of the population without the ability to read or write, though that percentage could improve as the younger generation goes through school to learn to read and write.



Ministry of Education officials say they count a total enrollment of 3.2 million students, with about 607,000 in urban areas and more than 2.5 million in rural areas.



“This gathering of students at school means it is serving literacy,”...



Read more at http://www.voanews.com/khmer-english/news/Cambodia-Facing-Ongoing-Literacy-Challenges-128470623.html



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We Can All Learn A Bit From Shackleton.



I just finished reading Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Usually I find non-fiction kind of dull. But man, this was different. So different that I had to write about it, because Shackleton’s story is one that all of us wanderers can relate to and learn from, on some level at least. And so, without further ado, welcome to the first edition of the LanguageCorps Book Club!



Heralded as one of the great adventure tales of our time, Endurance is the story of a strange little fella named Ernest Shackleton, and his quest to become the first man to cross the Antarctic continent by foot. His ship, “Endurance” becomes lodged in impassable ice, eventually sinking and forcing the crew to abandon ship. What follows is an incredible story of leadership, willpower, and ultimately, survival...



Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/we-can-all-learn-a-bit-from-shackleton/



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We Can All Learn A Bit From Shackleton

We Can All Learn A Bit From Shackleton.
I just finished reading Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing.  Usually I find non-fiction kind of dull.  But man, this was different.  So different that I had to write about it, because Shackleton’s story is one that all of us wanderers can relate to and learn from, on some level at least.  And so, without further ado, welcome to the first edition of the LanguageCorps Book Club!
Heralded as one of the great adventure tales of our time, Endurance is the story of a strange little fella named Ernest Shackleton, and his quest to become the first man to cross the Antarctic continent by foot.  His ship, “Endurance” becomes lodged in impassable ice, eventually sinking and forcing the crew to abandon ship.  What follows is an incredible story of leadership, willpower, and ultimately, survival...
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/we-can-all-learn-a-bit-from-shackleton/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Questions

Teaching Questions.
Once you have explained how to make questions you can play a kind of question chain. That is, you start asking something like "what's this?" Next person answers "It's a scarf". Again next person makes a question with the word scarf and the other one answers and so on. After several questions you ask them "What's the relationship between the scarf and the last word and they have to remember all questions and answers and tell the story. For example: "This is a scarf which is made of wool that comes from sheep which are farm animals like cows that provide you with milk..."
I have the students asking each other questions. I have created two worksheets of information about 4 people, but with lots of games. The students works in pairs to ask questions to fill in the gaps. The information includes date of birth (past simple), job (present tense) and ambitions (future)...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/questions
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Teaching Reporting Verbs

Teaching Reporting Verbs.
After having introduced the basic reported verbs: ask, say and tell, I ask my students to write about 10 personal questions they will be able to ask me. Students love asking personal questions to their teachers! I put the questions on the board and then divide the class into 2 groups and make the first group leave and wait outside. The first group members take turns in asking me the prepared questions and write down my answers. Now, they leave and the second group does the same thing. However, what they do not know is that I am honest with one group and give correct answers, but lie to the other. It's a good idea not to tell them beforehand. When the second group is ready I ask the group outside in and tell the students to pair off as 1st and 2nd group partners....
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/reporting-verbs
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Teaching Reported Speech

Teaching Reported Speech.
I give the students comic strips from the funny pages, and they have to summarize the direct speech. There are always lots of questions, and that makes especially good practice."
I ask students to tell three secrets to a partner. Then this partner goes and tells these secrets to other people in the class (gossip). In this way, students practice reporting but in a fun way."
I ask students to think of a fun sentence, they're all in a line and the one at the end whispers his/her sentence to the one beside them, this student reports the sentence to the following student, and so on. The last student says the sentence aloud and we see if they did it correctly... it is like the "telefono descompuesto" in Spanish."
Job evaluation for an underachiever:
Boss: In our interview, you said that you could speak Japanese well, but...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/reported-speech
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Teaching Reported Questions

Teaching Reported Questions.
One of your students could be a famous personality visiting their town/city. Other students interview him/her and report back."
Rama
quote Example A
Student 1: Are they happy?
Student 2: Yes, they are.
Student 3: What did he ask you?
Student 2: He asked me if they were happy.
Example B
Student 1: What is your name?
Student 2: My name is Sami.
Student 3: What did he ask you?
Student 2: He asked me what my name was."
Khalid
I use a timeline:
I put the reporting verb in the "PAST" on the line in regard to "NOW".
---PAST (reporting verb)---NOW---
This is to better understand the logics of English, to see e.g. why the present tense in direct speech becomes the past tense in reported speech, in fact to show that it stays in the past together with the reporting verb.
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/reported-questions
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Teaching Reflexive Pronouns

Teaching Reflexive Pronouns.
quote Thank you very much, everything you share is very important to review or learn. Usually I start making the student see her/his face in a mirror to compare the situation and start expressing ideas using "myself", later they listen about the other cases of reflexive and understand them easily.
Form
myself
yourself
himself / herself / itself
ourselves
yourselves (plural)
themselves
Functions and examples
We use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are the same.
I burnt myself on the stove this morning.
NOT: I burnt me on the stove this morning.
You can help yourselves to drinks.
NOT: You can help you to drinks.
He blames himself for the accident.
NOT: He blames him for the accident.
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/reflexive-pronouns
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China TEFL TESOL Education Alliance

China Education Alliance, Inc. Introduces Newly Developed Online Educational Game 'Fortune Island'.
 
HARBIN, China, Jan. 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Education Alliance, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CEUA) ("China Education Alliance" or "the Company"), a leading distributor of educational resources, offering high - quality programs and training both through online networks and an on-site training center in China, today announced the introduction of a newly developed online educational game "Fortune Island," which was a game platform first recommended by the "National Educational Game Research Base" by the Ministry of Education of China.

The "National Educational Game Research Base" is the most authoritative educational strategic collaboration entity developed by the Ministry of Education of China, while "Fortune Island"..

Read more at http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/01/07/idUS107284+07Jan-2008+PRN20080107

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China Education Alliance, Inc. Introduces Newly Developed Online Educational Game 'Fortune Island'.



HARBIN, China, Jan. 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Education

Alliance, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CEUA) ("China Education Alliance" or "the

Company"), a leading distributor of educational resources, offering high-

quality programs and training both through online networks and an on-site

training center in China, today announced the introduction of a newly

developed online educational game "Fortune Island," which was a game platform

first recommended by the "National Educational Game Research Base" by the

Ministry of Education of China.



The "National Educational Game Research Base" is the most authoritative

educational strategic collaboration entity developed by the Ministry of

Education of China, while "Fortune Island"..



Read more at http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/01/07/idUS107284+07-Jan-2008+PRN20080107



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Teaching Indirect Questions

Teaching Indirect Questions.
I teach this with the concept of permission.
- with a direct question the person being questioned has two options: answer the question or ignore it (ignoring it would be impolite)
- with indirect questions the person being questioned is presented with two parts :
Can I ask (permission)
The question
They have the choice of saying "no you cannot ask" or answering the question - both are polite.
I use very direct questions when expanding this idea in front of a group.
How much do you earn ?
Are you looking for a new job ?
Who are you dating at the moment ?
With these questions the student would rather not answer them in front of a group - so has to choose the "no you can't ask" variation.
Works for me :-) "
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/indirect-questions
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Teaching So and Such

Teaching So and Such.
Form
so + adjective or adverb
such + noun (with or without adjective)
Functions and examples
We use 'so' and 'such' to add emphasis.
It's cold today.
It's so cold today.
She's a nice person.
She's such a nice person.
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/so-such
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Teaching Small and Little

Teaching Small and Little.
Functions and examples
1. 'Small' and 'little' are both adjectives. We use 'small' to talk about the size of something.
Your cat is very small.
Can I have two small pizzas please?
2. We can use 'little' to refer to size, but we usually use it with another adjective to express an emotion.
You're a silly little boy.
Nobody's looking after that poor little dog.
3. In comparative and superlative form, 'small' is more common in British English, and 'little' is more common in American English.
That's the smallest phone I've ever seen. -- British English
That's the littlest phone I've ever seen. -- American English
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/small-little
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Apple approaches Thai Education Ministry. Educational Technology.



Computer giant Apple has expressed interest in making a deal to supply its tablet computers to the Education Ministry for use in Thai schools.



A delegation from Apple Inc met Education Minister Woravat Au-apinyakul on Monday and proposed that its products could benefit the ministry's student tablet project.



The minister said Apple and his ministry would form a working group to test how Apple products could serve the project. If the test proved positive, the ministry would be interested, despite the high prices. If not, the ministry would choose an Android operating system, Mr Woravat said.



"What is needed today is technology that can be really applied. We are not buying devices because all of them are the same...



Read more at http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/267253/apple-inc-approaches-thai-education-ministry



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Apple Approaches Thai Education Ministry

Apple approaches Thai Education Ministry. Educational Technology.
Computer giant Apple has expressed interest in making a deal to supply its tablet computers to the Education Ministry for use in Thai schools.
A delegation from Apple Inc met Education Minister Woravat Au-apinyakul on Monday and proposed that its products could benefit the ministry's student tablet project.
The minister said Apple and his ministry would form a working group to test how Apple products could serve the project. If the test proved positive, the ministry would be interested, despite the high prices. If not, the ministry would choose an Android operating system, Mr Woravat said.
"What is needed today is technology that can be really applied. We are not buying devices because all of them are the same...
Read more at http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/267253/apple-inc-approaches-thai-education-ministry
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Teaching Tag Questions

Teaching Tag questions.
After I introduce the topic, we usually play bingo with tag endings. I give students cards like the bingo ones with different tag endings (for example ..., did she? ..., haven't they?). Then I take a paper and read the sentence (e.g. She went to the supermarket). If they have a possible ending, they cross it out. The idea is to complete the card first. Students enjoy the game a lot! They have to pay attention to the tense and pronoun used."
quote I find that children need to understand the basic concepts of positive and negative statements as well as identify the subject and its pronoun form. So before I begin the lesson on question tags, I introduce and review these concepts with my children first. Once this is done, the majority of the children are able to grasp the question tag rules fairly easily and controlled practice follows the lesson presentation.
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/tag-questions
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Things I learned From a Teacher

The most important thing I learned from a teacher.
Who inspired you?
The role that teachers play in influencing the lives of their students is something that's been lost in current debates about education mandates and standardized testing. Teaching isn't just about making sure kids can pass exams. It's also about helping future adults find their gifts, discover their interests, and learn who they want to be. That's a hard thing to quantify. You can't really put together a concise list of "Children I've Inspired" for a CV. But this is the part of a teacher's job that is the most lasting. What we remember about good teachers isn't necessarily the dry facts they taught us, it's the doors they opened, the curiosity they kindled, and the moments where they made us rethink everything.
Read more at http://boingboing.net/2011/10/05/the-most-important-thing-i-learned-from-a-teacher.html
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Teaching Grammar Too and Enough

Teaching Grammar Too and Enough.
quote Give the rules of both in a very simple way and give importance to exercises, example sentences. I start with too. Students convert the sentences from too to enough.
"She is too young to go to a disco by herself." ________ (enough)
"She isn't old enough to go to a disco by herself."
Anonymous
quote Find pictures, for example a small girl standing next to a bicycle (adult) and say:
"What's the problem? Why can't she ride the bike?"
The students should come up with: "It's too big or she's too small..."
Monica
quote I usually show the students a picture of a fat woman and ask them if she can win a race and why. I then elicit sentences like:
"She is too fat to win a race or she is not fast enough..."
Another picture shows a man trying to change a bulb, but can't because he's short. Of course, visual aids are very important for this activity...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/too-enough
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Teaching Wish

Teaching wish.
quote Pictures work best. Something simple like a picture of someone running in the rain or a child crying (easy to find in magazines). Question students along the lines of:
"What is she doing?" (running in the rain)
"Does she want to be running in the rain?" (no)
"What does she want to be doing?" (sitting at home with a cup of tea).
"So, does she wish she was sitting at home with a cup of tea?"
Plenty of build up like this, repetition with different examples and different pictures will give students the idea and the structure.
You can do the same for any of the "wish" structures. A picture of a person in prison:
"Why is he in prison?" (because he stole a car)
"Does he regret stealing the car?" (if students are not comfortable with the verb regret: "Does he want to change the past?" (yes)
"What does he regret?" (stealing the car)
"So he wishes he hadn't stolen the car?"
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/wish
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Teaching Grammar Will and Going To

Teaching Grammar Will and Going to.
quote Teaching will: first I show a picture of a fortune teller and ask students what people usually want to know about their future, next I elicit from students how a fortune teller predicts something in the future.javascript:void(0)
Example: You will marry a very rich man. You will experience a great loss. You will be rich, etc...
Teaching (be) going to: first I show a picture of a man who won the lottery. Then I show a picture of a reporter who will interview him. The reporter wants to know how he will spend his money in the future. I ask students the questions that a reporter might ask, then elicit how the winner would answer the questions. Example: "I am going to set up my own business." "I am going to live in hollywood", etc...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/will-going-to
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Teaching Grammar Zero Conditional

Teaching grammar zero conditional.
When it rains, my roof leaks. When my roof leaks, the walls get wet. When the walls get wet, they get moldy. When they get moldy, I get sick. When I get sick, I go to the doctor. When I go the doctor, he always says the same thing, "Fix your roof!"
Then, I repeat the story substituting 'whenever', 'every time' and 'if'.
They guess the rule and I present / write it on the board. Then I present examples of other uses, scientific truths etc. This is followed with multiple choice sentence practice, a cloze activity and their writing their own little story.
After that, I point it out to them whenever it comes up in readings, and recycle it for comparative purposes when doing 1,2, and 3, just as a reminder.
After studying all 4 conditionals, I give them a type recognition activity - a long reading filled with 30 conditionals."..
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/zero-conditional
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Teaching Grammar Have and Have Got

Teaching Grammar Have and have got.
quote "have" is passive, "get" is active. I don't believe the two words are compatible. You either have it or you get it. I got it yesterday. I have it today. 'Have got' is a sloppy, incorrect use of a combination of the two words.
Kathy
quote Thanks Kathy. So the fact that "have got" is used naturally by nearly all native speakers (I wonder if you yourself have NEVER uttered the words, "I've got to pick up the kids from school") has no effect on your belief that it is "sloppy" and "incorrect"?"
Paul
quote I've got to do something is different from the 'have got' possession form, because the former goes with a verb and the latter goes with a noun.
I've got a headache. (a headache is a noun)
I've got to pick up the kids from school. (pick up is a verb) (verb phrase)...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/have-got
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Teaching Grammar Get Used To

Teaching Grammar Get used to.
Quote) Have you ever lived or worked abroad? If you have, you probably went through culture shock. I have spent a year teaching in Africa and two years teaching in Japan. I can tell you, it took me a long time to get used to some of the local customs.
(I then give some examples)
It was difficult getting used to having no electricity or running water when I was living in Africa.
In Japan, I had to get used to bowing all the time, every time I met another teacher or anyone to whom I had to show respect.
I had to get used to travelling in terribly crowded trains and being pushed on the train by a professional pusher with white gloves.
I had to get used to putting my hand in front of my mouth every time I smiled, as it is rude for women to show their teeth.
I had to get used to eating with chopsticks!
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/get-used-to
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Super Duper Homonyms and Pronouns

Super Duper Homonyms and Pronouns An Interview with Clint Johnson.
Clint, I understand that Super Duper has created two new educational grammar-based card decks
Let me ask you some questions about them–
1) What exactly are homonyms and why should we study them?
Homonyms are words that we spell and pronounce the same, but have different meanings. For example, the word file can mean to file something in a drawer, to file one’s nails, and to walk in a single file. Understanding and using homonyms is critical for language comprehension and reading decoding. A student that only understands one or two meanings for the word file will have significant difficulty interpreting the meaning of the word as the context of the sentence (the words around file) changes.
Read more at http://educationviews.org/2011/10/21/an-interview-with-clint-johnson-super-duper-homonyms-and-pronouns/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Grammar Future Perfect

Teaching Future Grammar Perfect.
quote Not an idea as such, but more of a question. How can you put the future perfect tense into some kind of theme with an activation that upper intermediates can relate to? I'm really struggling with this.. help!"
Candice
quote It's easy, you can set a date in the future and ask your students what they plan to have finished by then, like: "By the year 2010, I will have graduated from university" or "By the year 2015, I will probably have gotten married, etc. It's interesting because it makes them set goals, like "By the end of next year, I will be speaking English well"
Lorena
quote I am really stuck with this but I thought of this:
After analysing the form and doing some gap fills. Get the students to build a story together using questions or prompts. So each student writes a line, folds over the page and then passes it on...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/future-perfect
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Teaching Grammar Future Continuous

Teaching Grammar Future Continuous.
quote We use the Future Continuous to say that an action will be in progress at a specific time in the future. This is something your pupils will all be familiar with. One will be smoking weed, the other will be doing their homework after school. When you start the class (preferably on a Monday), ask your pupils what they have done during their weekends, then tell them about yours. After the weekend talk, move on to what you will be doing when you go home (When I go home, I will be checking all of your homework and after that I will be drinking some coffee with my wife). Then ask them: What will you be doing when you go home?. Their reply should be in a full sentence and you copy the sentence on the board. When you have dealt with five or six pupils, ask them about their plans for the coming holiday...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/first-conditional
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Super Duper Homonyms and Pronouns An Interview with Clint Johnson

Super Duper Homonyms and Pronouns An Interview with Clint Johnson.



Clint, I understand that Super Duper has created two new educational grammar-based card decks



Let me ask you some questions about them–



1) What exactly are homonyms and why should we study them?



Homonyms are words that we spell and pronounce the same, but have different meanings. For example, the word file can mean to file something in a drawer, to file one’s nails, and to walk in a single file. Understanding and using homonyms is critical for language comprehension and reading decoding. A student that only understands one or two meanings for the word file will have significant difficulty interpreting the meaning of the word as the context of the sentence (the words around file) changes.



Read more at http://educationviews.org/2011/10/21/an-interview-with-clint-johnson-super-duper-homonyms-and-pronouns/



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Teaching Grammar Third Conditional

Teaching Grammar Third conditional.
Quote) After a reading or listening activity, I ask students to write down all the sentences starting with "if". I write one of the examples on the board:
If it hadn't rained, he'd have gone to the beach.
I elicit the form first and then ask concept questions:
Did it rain? Ss: "Yes"
Did he want to go to the beach? Ss: "Yes"
Did he go to the beach? Ss: "No"
Did he regret it? Ss: "Yes"
Point out the relationship between REGRETTING and the FORM. (NB: eliciting is better than explaining). Good luck."
quote I give each student a a slip of paper with a funny excuse for not handing in homework (my dog ate it, I was abducted by aliens, my dad forgot to do it, it flew out of the bus window, etc). Students are supposed to write a short note for the teacher using the third conditional, explaining why they did not bring their homework...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/third-conditional

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Teaching Grammar Second Conditional

Teaching Grammar Second Conditional.
Quote The easiest (and probably most used) example is the lottery...
Start off by asking students about the lotto in their country. You could even make the whole lesson themed around this, maybe with a text about the lottery to start off for some reading comprehension. (Do a search for "lottery" on the internet and you'll find plenty of news stories about people who've won big).
Next, ask students what they would do if they won the lottery. Don't worry about correct form in their answers at this stage - the important thing is that they get the gist of the question (I'm yet to meet a student who hasn't understood the gist of "If you won the lottery, what would you do?") Develop some of their answers, maybe making another question out of it: "Oh, so if you bought a new car, what kind of car would you buy?"
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/second-conditional
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Teaching Grammar First Conditional

Teaching grammar first conditional.
Quote 1. I usually give some examples of superstitions, e.g. If you break a mirror, you will... (they give the answer, since they already know Future Simple Tense).
2. Then I give some more oral examples for them to finish.
3. After that they make their own examples.
4. Now they write down an example or two.
5. In groups they try to figure out what goes with the IF clause, what with the main clause. They report back to the class.
6. In groups, they make new examples of "silly" superstitions.
For homework, they write several sentences asking other students: What happens if you... (they finish). Other students give answers, and then they choose the silliest one.
I definitely try to make fun of it, because I think the first conditional is easy to comprehend (it is very similar to the first conditional in their mother tongue), so that they aren't bored."
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/first-conditional
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Few and Little

Teaching Few and Little.
Form
(a) few + plural countable noun
(a) little + uncountable noun
Functions and examples
'a' few and 'a' little mean a small quantity or a small number.
Without 'a' there is often a negative meaning.
I have a few friends. (a small number, but I am happy)
I have few friends. (a small number, and I wish I had more)
I have a little money. (a small amount, but I am happy)
I have little money. (a small amount, and I wish I had more)
Few and little without 'a' are quite formal.
In spoken English, it is more common to say 'only a few / little' or 'not much / many'.
Only a few people came to the meeting.
Not many people came to the meeting.
Few people came to the meeting. (more formal)
If we use 'a' few or 'a' little before a pronoun or determiner, we use of.
A few of them went to the cinema.
He only kept a little of his money with him.
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/few-little
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Comparatives and Superlatives

Teaching comparatives and superlatives.
If your class is looking a bit sleepy, try this for a quick pick-me-up.
In this activity, the class will compete in two large groups to say 'Student 1 is taller than student 2 - student 2 is taller than student 3' and so on. The first group to finish is the winner.
Divide the class into two groups. Ask them to line up from tallest to smallest. You can do this easily through gestures. Students quickly get the idea that there's some kind of comparison going on.
Write on the board, 'Student 1 is taller than Student 2' (where student 1 and 2 are real names.) Demonstrate the target sentence and idea a few times. Tell the groups that there is a race to see which group finishes first. Teach, 'ready-set-go' (if they don't already know it).
Vary the activity by going the other way round, 'Student 1 is smaller than student 2'...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/comparative-superlative
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Causative

Teaching Causative
quote I ask students to imagine they were rich and could have all sorts of things done for them, annoying everyday chores that nobody likes doing plus some luxury pampering that money allows for.
I give a few examples of my own:
I'd have my nails done once a week.
I'd have my garden weeded and my lawn mowed.
I'd have my bedroom redecorated in beautiful oriental sumptuous colours and fabrics.
I'd have the evening meal cooked by a professional cook.
I'd have my shopping done and the house cleaned from top to bottom every two days.
This would leave me time to do the things I enjoy, like reading, chatting to friends, going for walks and playing tennis."
Delia
quote I give each student a drawing of a town, with lots of different businesses. I first elicit what each business does (i.e. in the hair salon they cut your hair, at the mechanic they fix your car... etc)...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/causative
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching ‘be used to’

Teaching 'be used to'.
I teach "be used to" and "get used to" together, because "get used to" is much easier to explain straight after setting a context for "be used to".
I use the context of being used to driving on a different side of the road. So if you're British and are teaching in a country where they drive on the right, then you're in luck. Likewise, if you're American and are teaching where they drive on the left - you get the idea. (If not, just use "Tim" as your example, rather than yourself).
First, ask your students which side of the road they drive on in their country, and in the UK. Then ask them what it was like for you (or Tim) when you first arrived in (let's say) Spain. You want to elicit "strange" or "not normal".
Now tell them that you've been living in Spain for a year, and ask them if it is still strange.
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/be-used-to
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Articles

Teaching articles.
You can use a quiz. Divide students into teams and each of them must create questions and answers with no articles. The opposing team must find the right places for the articles and answer the questions."
Larissa
quote Ask students to encircle the articles present in a selected text. Students can apply the rules and get teacher feedback."
Sasi
quote Prepare cards with all the rules for articles and divide the class into two groups. Ask a student from group 1 to take one card and read the rule aloud. Now the members from group 2 must write a sentence based on that rule on the board. The second group chooses a card and the game goes on.
teachie96
quote This will be a fun and interactive learning practice session:
Building a Story:
The trainer/teacher starts by saying a sentence which has all the three artices, and then explains the following...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/articles
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

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