Gaming Tools for Teaching Online: Level Up

Posted on 14 April 2020 by Jeff Kuhn
Jeff Kuhn
Jeff Kuhn

The current pandemic has upended the status quo for classrooms around the world. Many teachers are now learning the fundamentals of teaching online and doing their best to keep students engaged and motivated. For many, this means classroom content now takes the form of online presentations and the need to screen-capture content and record video.

Traditionally, screen capture software could be resource intensive, and the videos produced with the software could be sizeable enough to make streaming these videos challenging in low-bandwidth contexts. However, with the rise of video game streaming via websites like Twitch and Mixer, new tools for screen-capture and video recording are available and easier than ever to use. Continue reading →

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Supporting ELs’ Social-Emotional Learning in a Virtual Classroom

Posted on 9 April 2020 by Judie Haynes
Judie Haynes
Judie Haynes

As teachers and students from all over the world have been fast-tracked into virtual classrooms, educators need to take a closer look at our response to the anxiety and stress that learners are experiencing during this process. As teachers of English learners (ELs), we need to examine what we can do to support our students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) in the virtual classroom. Here are six SEL practices for teachers who are teaching remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading →

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9 Ways to Do Retrieval Practice in the Classroom

Posted on 7 April 2020 by Hall Houston
Hall Houston
Hall Houston

In a recent article for TESOL Connections, I provided an introduction to retrieval practice. This is a technique where students pull information out of their long-term memory without referring to their notes. Research suggests that retrieval practice is an excellent way to ensure that students remember more of what you teach them.

This blog post focuses on doing retrieval practice in the classroom and provides some ideas and classroom activities. Continue reading →

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Teaching Writing Online

Posted on 3 April 2020 by Betsy Gilliland
Betsy Gilliland
Betsy Gilliland

Events of the past month have led to a dramatic change in how we teach our classes. Most college and university programs in North America and elsewhere in the world have suddenly shifted instruction to online formats, with teachers asked to redesign their courses midway through the semester (or just before the new quarter) from face-to-face instruction to entirely online instruction.

While some of you have likely taught online or hybrid courses before, for many of us, this is our first time not meeting regularly with our students in a classroom on campus. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling a bit overwhelmed with the prospects of turning the second half of a carefully developed face-to-face course into an all-online class while maintaining my connection with my students. In this blog post, I share a few thoughts and recommendations for teaching second language writing online. Continue reading →

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The Power of Stories, Part 1: Researchers as Storytellers

Posted on 25 March 2020 by Nathan Thomas
Nathan Thomas
Nathan Thomas

One of the aims of TESOL’s Research Professional Council, as indicated in the TESOL Research Agenda, is to support the efforts of those new to conducting research. This blog post explores why stories are so important to sound research and how new researchers can communicate their project stories. Continue reading →

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Taking Your Teaching Online

Posted on 20 March 2020 by Stephanie Marcotte
Stephanie Marcotte
Stephanie Marcotte

With the physical and social distancing surrounding COVID-19, educators are tasked with moving their physical classes into an online space. This is an exciting adventure; however, it can be equally as stressful. This is especially true under the conditions surrounding COVID-19.

To provide some scaffolding throughout this transition, this blog provides information about choosing between synchronous and asynchronous online learning, selecting a learning management system, selecting resources for virtual call-in classes, utilizing free resources, and possible online activities to integrate into your online class. These are fundamental areas to think about as you transition into online teaching. Continue reading →

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Responding to COVID-19: Educator First Steps

Posted on 18 March 2020 by Stephanie Marcotte
Stephanie Marcotte
Stephanie Marcotte

The transition to social distancing and online teaching due to COVID-19 has required many educators to quickly and feverishly revamp their courses and teaching. Public schools and colleges, private language schools, and community programs are having to create a “Plan B” in order to keep students learning while also adapting to the changing pandemic paradigms. With all of this change, it is important to sit down, breathe, and create a plan. Continue reading →

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Coronavirus Resources for ELT

Posted on 13 March 2020 by Tomiko Breland
Tomiko Breland
Tomiko Breland

As the new coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves and spreads globally, closing down public venues, shuttering people in their homes, and suspending schooling, many teachers are left unsure what to do. English language learners and their families can find themselves in a particularly stressful place if they don’t have the language proficiency to fully understand the facts about the virus and discern truth from misinformation. Additionally, because the epicenter of the outbreak is located in China, some people identifying as Asian and Asian American have been the subject of racially charged bullying and aggression.

All of this means that it’s crucial to provide our students—English learners and proficient English speakers alike—and their families with accurate and updated information that they can comprehend, whether you’re still teaching face to face or all your classes have moved online. Here are some resources for teaching and learning to help you through this challenging time. Continue reading →

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