Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Innovations in the Continuous Professional Development for teachers of English



This is the first in a series of articles http://goo.gl/bpKsI4 which presents extracts from this free, downloadable British Council publication.

"Teachers across all professional life phases felt that heavy workload, a lack of time and financial constraints were important inhibitors in their pursuit of professional development".

Extract from 'Innovations in the continuing professional development of English language teachers’, David Hayes, Editor (p 5 - 6).

Click here to download the complete publication.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Inspiring English Teachers


Are inspiring teachers born or are they made?

– What makes an inspiring teacher? When you think about the inspiring teachers that you’ve known, can you spot any common features that they all share?

Inspiring English teachers: a comparative study of learner perceptions of inspirational teaching

Martin Lamb and Martin Wedell

What makes teachers motivating? This paper reviews the literature on motivational teaching and presents findings on the nature of inspiring teaching in two countries, looking at how learners perceive the qualities of teachers who inspire them.

This research project received funding from the British Council’s English Language Teaching Research Award.

This publication is free to download.

Teaching IELTS: Vocabulary for the Listening Module.



Did you know that IELTS is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year?

In this set of films Sam McCarter focuses on the Listening Module within IELTS. Sam offers a useful overview of how to approach the module and shows many techniques aimed at helping you and your classroom.

If you have students preparing to take the exam, make sure to check out our playlist on teaching IELTS with Sam McCarter: http://ow.ly/EdjO2

Fifty Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners


Fifty Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners, by Adrienne Herrell and Michael Jordan, includes a rich assortment of practical strategies aligned to TESOL standards which have been field-tested in diverse classrooms. Each strategy includes a brief explanation, step-by-step instructions on how to plan and use the strategy, and two classroom scenarios demonstrating how the strategy can be adapted for different grade levels and content areas. Herrell and Jordan have included additional language and literacy development strategies, technology strategies, and assessment strategies to support both pre-service and inservice teachers.



Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching & Applied Linguistics


This best-selling dictionary is now in its 4th edition. Specifically written for students of language teaching and applied linguistics, it has become an indispensible resource for those engaged in courses in TEFL, TESOL, applied linguistics and introductory courses in general linguistics. 

Fully revised, this new edition includes over 350 new entries. Previous definitions have been revised or replaced in order to make this the most up-to-date and comprehensive dictionary available. 

Providing straightforward and accessible explanations of difficult terms and ideas in applied linguistics, this dictionary offers:
  • Nearly 3000 detailed entries, from subject areas such as teaching methodology, curriculum development, sociolinguistics, syntax and phonetics. 
  • Clear and accurate definitions which assume no prior knowledge of the subject matter
  • helpful diagrams and tables
  • cross references throughout, linking related subject areas for ease of reference, and helping to broaden students' knowledge
The Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics is the definitive resource for students.

Get your copy, here: http://on.fb.me/QC8zAc

Monday, November 17, 2014

IELTS Resource Pack


IELTS Resource Pack

Photocopiable resource book for all teachers of IELTS preparation classes


Key features

IELTS Resource Pack provides teachers with valuable resource material to liven up their IELTS preparation classes and help ensure success for their students.
Preparing classes for the IELTS exam can become a gruelling cycle of exam practice and intensive language analysis. Communication games and activities may be available, but with the exam approaching, it can seem inappropriate to spend time on anything not directly relevant to the exam.
The games and activites in this book aim to help with this dilemma. They are fun, motivating, and in many cases kinaesthetic (i.e. students use their bodies as well as their minds), yet they all relate directly to the exam.
IELTS Resource Pack features:
  • A bank of photocopiable exam practice material
  • 25 lively communicative activities specifically designed for students preparing for the IELTS exam
  • Highly motivating pair-work, small-group and whole-class activities
  • Language and skills students need for success in the Academic Writing, Academic Reading, Speaking and Listening modules of the exam
  • Free Audio CD with listening material for the exam

The "How to teach" Series from Jeremy Harmer.


The How to series is written by teachers and teacher trainers, people who know the reality of the classroom and the support teachers need to get the most out of their students. The aim is to build teachers confidence, knowledge, and classroom abilities and inspire them to try out new ideas.

This collection of user-friendly development books will assist a broad range of teachers and trainers in expanding their classroom capabilities. Each text offers practical information within a clear theoretical framework. The series builds teachers' confidence, knowledge and classroom abilities -- and inspires them to try out new ideas.

The series includes:
How to Teach Writing by Jeremy Harmer
This book delivers an uncomplicated analysis of the nature of writing, particularly in terms of process, product, and genre. Descriptions of a broad range of writing tasks enable teachers to select those that will be most effective in developing students’ writing skills.
How to Teach Writing - 69 M
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336751558
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How to Teach Grammar by Scott Thornbury
Here you’ll find a host of ways to develop or enhance your grammar teaching skills. How to Teach Grammar demonstrates methods for practicing a variety of grammar topics, dealing with errors, and integrating grammar instruction into general methodologies such as task-based learning.
How to Teach Grammar - 7 M
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336750273
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How to Teach Vocabulary by Scott Thornbury
Finally...an introduction to teaching vocabulary that’s both accessible and content-rich. You’ll find details on the characteristics of words, how they are learned and memorized, and the best ways to teach them. Complex issues are presented in the context of the real-life challenges of today’s classrooms.
How to Teach Vocabulary - 9 M
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336751052
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How to Teach Speaking by Scott Thornbury
This book examines the different approaches and activities that can be used for teaching and testing speaking. It covers areas of speech such as articulation, fluency and register, and looks at classroom approaches including discussions, drama, and drills. A task file and reading list is included.
How to Teach Speaking - 71 M
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336750976
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How to Teach Pronunciation by Gerald Kelly
A straightforward primer on the theory and teaching of pronunciation, this text offers detailed analysis and teaching techniques for vowels, consonants, stress and intonation, and the features of fluent speech. An enclosed Audio CD provides spoken examples of the material in the text.
How to Teach Pronunciation 13 + 22 M
Book
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336750368
Audio CD
https://vk.com/doc208922441_322833503
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How to Teach for Exams by Sally Burgess and Katie Head
This text offers a thorough analysis of how listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as grammar and vocabulary, are tested in a range of exams, along with appropriate teaching strategies for each. Also includes a guide to all major international English language exams.
How to Teach for Exams - 24 M
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336750206
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How to Teach English, New Edition by Jeremy Harmer
This essential introduction to the theory and practice of teaching English illustrates a variety of methods, based on the author’s extensive teaching and training experience. Ideas on lesson planning and textbook use can be put into practice immediately.

How to Teach English - 21 M
https://vk.com/doc222861790_336750005

How to Teach English - Second Edition - 8 M 
https://vk.com/doc243798239_315335328