Description: The Teacher’s Corner section of the American English for Educators page will present and focus on themes from articles published in English Teaching Forum to celebrate FORUM’s 60th anniversary.

July Theme: Creating Comics and Cartoons in the English Language Classroom

July Forum Article: A Learner-Centered Approach to Comprehending Texts

This Week’s Content:

·         Week 3 of our July content will focus on Creating Cartoons and Comics. 

• We’ll share some free online tools for creating comics.

• We’ll explore how we can use reading passages to help language learners create cartoons.

• Our Experts will present an activity for creating comics based on a reading passage.

• We’ll consider ways learners can create cartoons and comics as a post-reading activity.

• We’ll reflect on how teachers can use learner-created cartoons and comics to assess learner reading progress.

       Link to page: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanEnglishforEducators

Series 14 events take place every other Wednesday from May 11th through July 20th at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Eastern Time from Washington, DC. To join these sessions, go to the American English for Educators Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AmericanEnglishforEducators) at those times on the event dates. Check the local broadcast times in your region here: bit.ly/ChecktheTime

Participants are also encouraged to view the AE Live – Webinar Resource Center, https://openenglishcommunity.org/page/american-english-webinar-series, to view related materials and find recordings.

Optional Certificate Language:

To learn about opportunities to connect with other participants and a chance to earn an e-certificate when you attend 4 out of 6 sessions, contact your Regional English Language Office or local U.S. Embassy: https://americanenglish.state.gov/support-near-you-regional-english-language-officer-relo

July 20, 2022 – 8 am and 1 pm ET

Presentation: Contextualizing English Instruction

to Focus on Environmental Issues

Presenter: Susan Huss-Lederman & Danielle Sclafani

All Current MOOC enrollment links can be found at: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC

Teaching English to Young Learners (Self-Paced)- OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) is an exciting Standalone Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed to introduce you to the theory and practice of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young learners 3-10 years old. Through engaging videos and practical readings, you will explore approaches for teaching English that are not only effective but also fun and engaging for children. You will learn techniques for teaching new vocabulary and grammar that encourage student participation. In addition, you will gain new ideas for teaching listening, speaking, reading and writing in a meaningful context. Through participation in this Standalone MOOC, you will have the opportunity to share ideas with peers and apply course content to your learning environment. Get ready to learn about TEYL and be part of an international learning community with teachers around the world!

English for Career Development (Self-Paced)- OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

English for Career Development a five-module, self-paced MOOC. This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in advancing their careers in the global marketplace. In this course, you will learn about the job search, application, and interview process in the United States, while comparing and contrasting the same process in your home country. This course will also give you the opportunity to explore your global career path while building your vocabulary and improving your language skills to achieve your professional goals. In this course, you will review the job application process, learn strategies for identifying jobs that match your skills and interests, develop skills to produce a professional-looking resume and cover letter, and improve your networking and interview skills.

English for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (Self-Paced)- OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their English skills in the sciences. In this course, you will explore some of the most innovative areas of scientific study while expanding your vocabulary and the language skills needed to share scientific information within your community. In Module 1, you will learn how to preview texts and practice some of the language used to make comparisons when talking about global warming and climate change. In Module 2, you will examine the chemistry of climate change and the language of cause and effect. In Module 3, you will learn about some of the impacts of Climate Change and the language used to describe these effects. In Module 4, you will learn reading strategies that can help you explore the science behind some new energy systems. In Module 5, you will investigate practical advances in nanotechnology that help slow down climate change, while developing your own research skills in English. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.

English for Journalism (Self-Paced)- OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

This course is designed for non-native English speakers interested in developing the skills needed for a career in modern journalism. In this course, you will explore print and digital media while expanding your vocabulary and increasing your ability to research and develop local and global news stories. Module One will provide an introduction to the history and principles of journalism. In Module Two, you will learn how to research, pitch, and interview. Module Three will focus on the language for writing newspaper and magazine articles. Module Four will cover the basics of broadcasting the news. Module Five will focus on the growth, impact, and challenges of the digital media age. This is a self-paced course, which will be open for 12 weeks. Participants can complete coursework at any time during these 12 weeks. The course has 5 modules; each module will require approximately 3-5 hours of work.

English for Business and Entrepreneurship (Self-Paced)- OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their language skills and knowledge of business and entrepreneurship at the same time. From identifying an opportunity to planning a persuasive pitch, this course will guide you step-by-step through the basic elements of starting up a new business. Through selected readings and video lectures, you will learn how to use market research to identify risks and opportunities. You will learn how to read and develop a business plan and how to find investors and financial support. Finally, you will learn strategies for making a pitch to present your business concept.

English for Media Literacy (Self-Paced)- OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their language skills and knowledge of the media at the same time. In this course, participants will investigate how media has changed over time. They will explore the world of advertising and identify targeted marketing strategies, analyze sources, detect bias, and examine how diversity representation in media influences individual identity and society. This course provides the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the role media plays in our lives while building the vocabulary and language skills needed to analyze what we read and watch.

English for Tourism Professionals (Facilitated)-  OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT-

English for Tourism Professionals is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed for tourism professionals or students in the tourism industry. This course is designed for high-beginner and low-intermediate English learners (Level A2). Learners will study the principles of the tourism profession, review key vocabulary and grammar, develop their listening skills, and build their confidence in communicating in English. Course materials and assignments include video lectures, vocabulary and grammar resource lists, readings, discussion boards, and comprehension quizzes.

Dates to remember

Enrollment Closes: August 1, 2022

Course End Date: August 8, 2022

Promo graphics for current MOOCs can be found here in Box:  https://app.box.com/s/f0ok6q078a6h7oe7ka761jddmc7tsx9l

 New Issue:

The most recent issue of the English Language Forum is now available on the American English website. The second 60th-anniversary issue of English Teaching Forum is now available on the American English website: Volume 60, Number 2

This issue features the second of four “reflections” articles—this time, our own Jamila Barton has examined 60 years’ worth of content and written a retrospective on the teaching trends that have appeared in Forum over the decades.

One of the main articles is on selecting and adapting open educational resources (OERs) for teaching purposes; the other offers tips for “building resilient practices” for teachers dealing with emergencies and student crises. Other topics in the issue are adapting student communication lines to virtual settings, facilitating peer feedback with the “Big Paper” technique, and using creative progress charts to inspire collaboration among young learners.

Please spread the word about this new issue and about the ongoing 60th-anniversary activities. Thank you all for your support!

Link: https://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/english-teaching-forum-volume-60-number-2

Shortened Link: https://bit.ly/3xJxSZc