A primary objective for a language learner is increase their vocabulary – learning new vocabulary is an essential part of any ESL student’s language development. The process of acquiring a second language, such as English, can only occur effectively if students become...

In most educational contexts, summative assessment – to evaluate student learning by comparing it against course objectives at the end of a period of study – is firmly entrenched. In elementary and high schools, very few argue with the concept that grading students...

Perhaps the best and fairest way to judge the quality of an ESL/EFL textbook that purports to be communicative is to critically examine the claims made by the authors of the book, with regard to its content and goals, and to ascertain to what extent these claims can...

Critical thinking skills are fundamental for setting up ESL students for future success. It’s important for them to have opportunities to develop skills such as giving opinions, providing supporting evidence, debating ideas including rebuttal, negotiating,...

There is a general misconception among some teachers new to English Language Teaching (ELT) that it’s perfectly reasonable to just rock up to a language school, get given a textbook, and walk into a classroom and start teaching. This approach – and it does happen in...

Out of all the important things that a TESOL teacher needs to be, do and think about, one of the most important is student motivation. Even if you have the best lesson plan in the world, the highest possible qualifications and years of experience, it will all fall...

What is Formative Assessment? Formative assessment is a range of procedures conducted by teachers that monitor student learning during the learning process. These procedures have a dual purpose: To help teachers check student progress and recognise where their...

Let’s face it, having to write an essay for most people is a daunting prospect, even if it’s in your first language, let alone trying to write one in your second language. There are a number of barriers for ESL students to overcome that native speakers don’t have to...

Do you remember your high school years? For many of us, the events that stick out weren’t that important in the big scheme of things – just some kind of nonsense that went on every single day.  Even if you played no part in the drama, you wanted the inside scoop – who...

Anyone who gets into English Language Teaching doesn’t do it for the money. There are lots of jobs out there that pay a lot, lot more. So why do we do it? For a lot of instructors, teaching ESL students isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation, a calling. We’re not just...