#52, Article: Google and the lexical approach
By Tarun Patel
Google is special among search engines in that it has become a starting point for enquiries and data searches of all forms. As most of this data is linguistic, it deserves special attention from language teachers, but until now, search has been largely ignored by most course writers.
In this article I give several practical examples of how you can use Gffoogle, combined with a lexical approach to teaching, to enrich your class material with authentic examples, as well as building learner autonomy.
Google and lexis
Lexis, as most of you will know, is simply another term for ‘vocabulary’. The Lexical Approach treats language as a series of prefabricated lexical chunks. Its methodology puts grammar in second place to vocabulary.The approach I will outline here is based on inputting ‘lexical chunks’ (strings of vocabulary or phrases) into Google’s various search functions to find samples of real world text. These are split into different types.
How Google treats language
This is a little complicated. What you need to know is that…
Read the complete article at http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk
March 5th, 2010
#52, News: Sleep learning: Learn a language a week – you must be dreaming!
By Tarun Patel
Suppose it were possible to learn a new language, keep fit or stop smoking by sleeping on it? Literally.
The theory of sleep learning or “hypnopaedia” was kick-started by novels like Brave New World. Here, having been played a George Bernard Shaw broadcast while asleep, a Polish-speaking boy is able to repeat it verbatim (and, presumably, with an Irish lilt) following morning.
Thus inspired, companies started marketing sleep learning courses, usually endorsed by “leading psychologists”. In one advertisement, a woman claims that, by playing Spanish tapes during sleep, at the end of just one week, she was in negotiations with a Venezuelan ambassador.
Read the complete news article at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health
#52, Video: Cambridge IGCSE English: An Experiment in eAssessment
By Tarun Patel
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) explores new technology to assess speaking and listening abilities for Cambridge IGCSE.
#52, Dialogue dictations as communicative activities: A four skills task
By Tarun Patel
Dialogue dictations as communicative activities: A four skills task
By David Ockert
Quick Guide
Key words: group work, large group, dialogue, dictation, four-skills
Learner English level: All
Learner maturity level: All
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Activity time: Depends on number of students and materials
Materials: Print of a reading text or passage
Introduction
This activity works great with large groups because it requires the use of all four language skills in an exciting, interactive, and low-pressure competition. Furthermore, this activity works great with managing large groups of false-beginners (Norris, 1993). Research shows that Japanese learners of English like to work in groups (Ockert, 2005), but may have feelings toward the efficacy of the task that may differ from the teacher’s (Burden, 2005). However, recent research shows that male students of specific majors prefer moving about the classroom while completing tasks (Ockert, 2006). This task works best in a classroom where tables and chairs can be moved.
#52, Research Paper: ‘Application of Web Resources for English Language & Literature Teaching’ by Dr.R.Gandhi Subramanian
By Tarun Patel
Application of Web Resources for English Language & Literature Teaching
Dr.R.Gandhi Subramanian, Reader (Retired), Postgraduate & Research Department of English, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore-641018.
This paper intends to present a discussion on ways to apply web resources for effective teaching of English Language and Literature; how far the multimedia resources are used in our colleges and universities; suggestions to improve teaching of English Language and Literature by using multimedia as an innovative tool and also some of the problems encountered while introducing multimedia as a tool for imparting education.
Multimedia uses combinations of text, graphics, sound, video and animation controlled, coordinated, and delivered on the computer screen. Multimedia encourages inter-activity involving the user to get actively engaged in the presentation of information but not to remain a passive observer.
Issue#52 postponed + Webinar Update
By Tarun Patel
Dear friends,
We celebrated Holi festival this weekend and could not come out with the next issue.
We are going to take in 50 people for the webinar we are hosting. Around 42 people have already registered themselves for it. If you wish to attend the webinar, please register right now at http://spreadsheets.google.com
Have a good week ahead,
Tarun
ELTWeekly Issue#51 Contents
By Tarun Patel
- ELTWeekly Webinar
- Video: The London School of English
- eBook: Action Plan for Teachers
- News: Teaching a Foreign Language? Best Teach in the Accent of the Listener
- Free Guide: SAEL Guide: Practical guide to designing , running and improving support websites for language teachers
- Article: ‘Homework’ by TE Editor
- Research Paper: With What Frequency Are Teachers Employing Evidenced-Based Procedures in Their Writing Classrooms?
- Article: ‘Task Oriented Meta-cognitive Approach In English Language Teaching And Learning’ by Mansa R. Maity
- GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS
- Feedback.
#51, Video: The London School of English
By Tarun Patel
The London School of English is the world’s oldest accredited English language school providing Business and Professional courses at our Holland Park Gardens Centre and General and Examinations courses at Westcroft Square.
#51, ELTWeekly Webinar
By Tarun Patel
We received 100+ emails for attending the webinar we are planning in the month of March (probably the 3rd week of March, 2010).
Well, the webinar will be conducted by Dr. Ranganayaki Srinivas, an ESL specialist, who has been working online after VRS. She started with a teaching English site. She has been involved in projects with many online marketers. Webinars and web conferences appeal to her idea of distance learning and continuing education.
Dr. Ranganayaki will share information on latest ICT tools for English Language Teaching. She will demonstrate the use of some of the Web 2.0 tools to make the webinar higly interactive.
Regarding the certificate postage charge: We are going to charge Rs. 100 for printing and posting the certificates. Please mind well, Dr. Ranganayaki is not going to charge a single rupee for this webinar. She normally charges $10 per person for her webinars.
Now, if you wish to be a part of this webinar training, please fill up this online form http://spreadsheets.google.com. Registration for the webinar will close on February 28. So please fill up this form on or before February 28.
Once you fill up this online form, we will write back to intimate your registration and the ways you can pay Rs. 100.
If you have any query, please feel free to ask 
Tarun
#51, eBook: Action Plan for Teachers
By Tarun Patel
‘Action Plan for Teachers’ is a 44-page illustrated book on the subject of English Language Teaching. The book covers the topics of planning and preparing lessons, teaching methodology and classroom practice, using technology in the classroom, and also has ideas for and examples of practical activities for different stages of the lesson.
Download ‘Action Plan for Teachers’ eBook by visiting http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/try/resources