Vol. 5 Issue 32 – Book Review: ‘How to Teach English with Technology’ by Gavin Dudeney and Nicky Hockley

The book “How to teach English with technology” written by Gavin Dudeney and Nicky Hockley is utilizing technology in language teaching. Gavin Dudeney has worked in education for the past 24 years as a teacher, material developer, IT manager and Web/user interface designer. Nicky Hockley is director of pedagogy of the consultants and has worked in the field of face-to-face and distance education since 1987, as a teacher, teacher trainer and consultant. The book is useful for both novice and experienced teachers on how to use ICT tools in the classrooms. It has 12 chapters, each chapter containing introduction as well as theoretical background of each topic which is followed by introducing different software and hardware and further activities to be used in classrooms. Each chapter is ended up with a summary of the whole chapter. Furthermore, the book has an Audio CD_ROM which contains interviews with teachers around the world explaining their experiences of using technology in their teaching. There are also useful tutorials on topics such as how to set up a blog.

ELTWeekly Vol. 5 Issue 31

“Grammar is the sound, structure, and meaning system of language. All languages have grammar, and each language has its own grammar” (Beverly, 2007, p.1). People who speak the same language are able to communicate with each other because they all know the grammar system and structure of that language, that is, the meaningful rules of grammar. Students who are native speakers of English know English grammar, recognize the sounds of English words, the meaning of those words; and also can combine words to make meaningful sentences in different ways (Beverly, 2007).

Vol. 5 Issue 31 – Research Paper: ‘The Role of Grammar Teaching in Writing in Second Language Acquisition’ by Li-Li

“Grammar is the sound, structure, and meaning system of language. All languages have grammar, and each language has its own grammar” (Beverly, 2007, p.1). People who speak the same language are able to communicate with each other because they all know the grammar system and structure of that language, that is, the meaningful rules of grammar. Students who are native speakers of English know English grammar, recognize the sounds of English words, the meaning of those words; and also can combine words to make meaningful sentences in different ways (Beverly, 2007).

Vol. 5 Issue 31 – Research Paper: ‘The Relationship between Traditional English Grammar Teaching and Communicative Language Teaching’ by Zhong-guo & Min-yan

This paper reconsiders the functions of the traditional English grammar teaching and the communicative language teaching. Through analysis and practice, we think that they are not opposed to each other. In order to improve the students’ ability and gain better teaching results, the two kinds of teaching approaches should not be used respectively. On the contrary, we’d better combine them together and use them flexibly in our teaching work.

Vol. 5 Issue 31 – Video: Building Vocabulary for Teaching ELLs (ELL Conference 2012)

ELTWeekly Vol. 5 Issue#31 | August 26, 2013 | ISSN 0975-3036 Jennifer Hixson’s presentation will focus on why vocabulary development is the most important part of English as a Second Language development; what vocabulary development really means for ELL students; how teachers can help students learn vocabulary when it is needed for content instruction, how to… Continue reading Vol. 5 Issue 31 – Video: Building Vocabulary for Teaching ELLs (ELL Conference 2012)

Vol. 5 Issue 31 – Research Paper: ‘Putting the “G” Back in English: Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Teach Grammar’ by Hadjioannou & Hutchinson

This case study explores a collaborative attempt to respond to the grammar challenge in teacher education involving a block of literacy courses and a linguistics course.

Vol. 5 Issue 30 – Research Paper: Technology and Second Language Learning

Current technology provides new opportunities to increase the effectiveness of language learning and teaching. Incorporating well-organized and effective technology into second language learning and teaching for improving students’ language proficiency has been refined by researchers and educators for many decades. Based on the rapidly changing evolution of technology, it is important for language teachers to recognize how to effectively and efficiently integrate technology into their curriculum design for not only helping students acquire second language easily, but also enhancing their motivation successfully.

Vol. 5 Issue 30 – ERIC Digest: More Than Just the Internet: Technology for Language Teaching.

This digest highlights non-Internet technology for teaching and learning foreign languages. Specific sections discuss (1) software for language teaching and learning; (2) authoring aids; (3) language lab systems; (3) networked multimedia; and (4) distance learning via satellite. (Contains 7 references and a list of 17 resources for further information.) (JL)

Vol. 5 Issue 30 – Research Paper: An Effective Role of E-Learning Technology for English Language Teaching by Using Meta Communication Actors

Meta communication plays a key role in foreign language learning and teaching. Broadly speaking, meta communication is communication about communication. Meta communication is something that goes beyond communication and all language learners and teachers should be familiar with its existence. It should be stressed that meta communication which accompanies any message is very powerful. In face to face writing lessons, the student can make emphasis on any point by utilizing larger fonts, capital letters, or bold fonts in his essay.