Trying to give an authentic exam to test speaking skills can be difficult. I have enjoyed this exam and have used it as an additional section to a written exam. The only con is that the other students need to be busy doing something else while I am testing some of them (or have a few students stay after class alternating days). It is quick and I usually will record the students response so I […]
Role Play and Word Emphasis
I picked this up from one of my colleagues at UCD (sorry, I don’t remember who) and have often used these “scenarios” with different activities. In this activity, I have had advanced students change the stress in the sentence to change the meaning of the dialogue – asking them to perform the skit twice. In my lower levels, I may simply have students write out a skit and then the class tries to guess the […]
Grammar Fun with Poetry/Songs
When we are in a “dull” grammar lesson, I try to add some excitement though the arts, poetry, or music. I usually start the lesson off very slowly, then introduce a song or poem. I find that this prompts the students to be more engaged (as they know the alternative is a grammar worksheet). This is a format for a poem that I have used in my intermediate/advanced classes. I have students write their own […]
ESL Reading/Composition Syllabus
<<ESL 116B Syllabus>> A syllabus for an advanced ESL reading/writing class (using accelerated methodologies).
Classmate Bingo with mixed verb tenses
<<Classmate Bingo with mixed verb tense >> I use this lesson towards the end of the semester in an intermediate integrated skills class (although I did it in an advanced class and they found it a good review at the start of the semester). First we started by labeling the verb tenses in the boxes, and then students have to write their own questions using the appropriate tense (numbered boxes to numbered lines) on the back. […]
Intermediate Integrated Skills Course Syllabus
I put this syllabus together for my intermediate integrated skills class. It’s rather long since it has a number of different sections. In my syllabus, I include a diversity statement that we go over on the first day of class. I use it to set the tone for the semester and as something I can point to if there is any discrimination in my class, which does sometimes come up in a classroom with a […]
Flashcard Class Routine
I wanted a way to expand my students’ vocabulary this semester. I started using this routine in my class. I’m excited to see how it turns out. Students will create and rotate flashcards throughout the semester. Read more about it here: https://tesolplanner.com/2018/02/01/flash-card-vocabulary-exchange/
Homework Paragraph Packet (Unit Based)
This is a homework packet with prompts for each unit. Paragraphs are due at the end of each unit. These topics are related to the chapter. Students in my class were assigned to do this in addition to other assignments. I believe that having them practice writing at home improves their writing in the class. It could also be a springboard for in-class discussion for common student errors. Example: Unit 7 is about activities and […]
World English Intro: Slides for Unit 10
These are slides I created for unit ten of World English Intro. The topic is health. The slides guide you through the unit and also have extra activities beyond the book that give students more interactive practice of the topics. To modify and add to these slides, simply click make a copy under the file tab. You can also download handouts by clicking on the second link. (If you teach at Woodland Community College, some of these […]
Which one do you like best?
Add these to your picture bank to use for lots of different activities. The document has 20 different pages each with a different set of similar items. On the top is the question, “Which one do you like best?” Click here to get some ideas of ways you can use these pages. Leave a comment below and let us know how you end up using these? >>Click to download the handout.<<