This category highlights ESL/EFL aspects that have to do with language acquisition and the skills needed for speakers of other languages to acquire the target language. The posts in this category often overlap the ESL/EFL Tips category. You can’t always have one without the other…
The world progresses in jumps and starts but you can be sure that it only jumps forward when some innovative and determined person pushes ahead beyond her limits as Maya moved forward despite obstacles she...
Can you imagine what it would be like to carry on a conversation in any language in the world if you were unable to ask a question? Don't let your students fail to learn how to ask questions correctly in English as that is a big part of the language and not learning this skill will come back and slap them later...
Language acquisition is not a matter of learning a language, it is a skill that requires practice, copious practice. This blog focuses on how to channel the practice without overdoing the instruction. Acquisition comes from knowing what has to be done to doing it repeatedly through practice. Test yourself to see if you are the geeky teacher or the patient guide?
Language has hidden connotations that may affect the learner subliminally. How can we find a balance between hopeless constructions and more hopeful alternatives? See how old Greek mythology can lend us a hand...
What are the three most pernicious words in English? The words that never lead us to where we want to go? How guilty are you of using these words and are you willing to throw them out and change your tune...
What is the balance between freedom and restraint in the classroom if you want to produce lifelong learners who are motivated long after they graduate. Learn how to motivate students and give them self esteem that lasts long after you are out of the picture...
Getting students to study can be as difficult as making someone drink an horrible medication so how can we make the topic interesting enough to have students perk up and become motivated to study. These tips will aid motivation to study...
It is easy to get advanced students into a conversation class. But how can you get a beginners with no vocabulary to carry on a conversation in a new language? Here are valuable tips to get the ball rolling...
Do you avoid teaching certain words because you are not sure of how or why they are used in a certain way? Here are four tips on how to multitask a tricky new word situation with students...
Do your students make the same mistakes over and over causing them embarrassment and keep them from important opportunities. If your students are advanced, and still making repetitive mistakes you may need a different approach...