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. The My Classroom article highlights a teacher in an elementary school in Seattle, Washington, and gives readers insights into the concept of a dual language program; in this case, students spend half the day learning in English, and the other half learning in Vietnamese. Authors in this issue represent Myanmar, Bolivia, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Please spread the word about this new issue and about the ongoing 60th-anniversary activities. Thank you all for your support!
Our June theme on the American English at State Facebook page is Environmental Protection. On the American English for Educators Facebook page our June theme is Exploring and Expressing Culture through Project-Based Learning. Feel free to download our graphics and use them on your U.S. Government associated Facebook pages. They can be found in Box and Sharepoint.
The American English YouTube channel now has over 113,000 subscribers and 832 videos! Our new featured video is about Environmental Protection. How can you protect your environment? Have you “gone green”? If you want to know more about how to protect your environment while learning about present perfect tense, check this video out. We also have a playlist for English Teaching Forum on the channel. Watch Forum author interviews and presentations on the English Teaching Forum in celebration of English Teaching Forum’s 60th Anniversary.
The next American English LIVE Teacher Development Series takes place on July 6, 2022! The fifth webinar of the series is titled, “Mastering the Multilevel Classroom” by presenter Dieter Bruhn. Events take place every other Wednesday 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 at those times on the event dates.
Check out our latest set of materials and project, Sing Out Loud Word Play. Word Play is an exciting program between American English, American Music Abroad, and American Voices to bring music and lyrics into the English language classroom around the world. These materials include .mp3’s of original music by American Music Abroad musicians, lesson plans, activities, and a video series all of which are downloadable to use in the classroom. Be sure to check out these great resources on the American English Website.
The Office of English Language Programs is also celebrating the 60th Anniversary of English Teaching Forum (FORUM) in 2022. We have officially launched the celebration with a series of webinars, all presented by past authors of FORUM, regular social media posts highlighting and celebrating the 60th Anniversary, and much more. The social media toolkit can be found in SharePoint and Box. Please use to plan activities you may want to do to celebrate FORUM in 2022 and to amplify this celebration.
Online Professional English Network (OPEN) MOOCs: English for Tourism Professionals, English for Media Literacy, English for Career Development, English for Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM), Content Based Instruction, TESOL Methodology, English for Journalism, English for Business & Entrepreneurship, English for Media Literacy for Educators, are open for enrollment. More details about all MOOCs and links can be found below.
Be sure to check out our American English Materials. You can find copies of our materials at the following links. The Global Guide to English Language Programming in American Spaces can be found in Box and on the American English Website. The updated Picture U.S. edition 2021, is in Box and on the AE website. The Online Program Material Guides – Teacher’s Guide to Creating Lessons with MOOCs, MOOC Camp Guide for Facilitators, and Virtual Watch Party guide is in Box and on the AE website.
American English for Educators Facebook Page
Description: The American English for Educators Facebook Page is aimed toward engaging English language teachers around the world.
June’s Theme: Exploring and Expressing Culture through Project-Based Learning
Graphics that are in the Box and Sharepoint for you to cross-post/use:
- Our #MotivationMonday graphic shares a quote from Mahatma Gandhi.
- #MaterialsMonday: raising cultural awareness
- #TeachingTip: global music share
- #WordyWednesday features theme-related vocabulary; diaspora
- English for Tourism: refund, to recommend, forecast
- #ThoughtfulThursday: language and culture
- #ForumFriday: latest issue
- #Forum Features: Forum articles
- Our #SolveThisScenario series this week is about: cultural relevance
- #SELSunday: teachable moments
- Holidays: Social Media Day, International Joke Day
- We will continue sharing teaching tips from English Teaching Forum, classroom management techniques, and additional resources from americanenglish.state.gov.
- English Teaching Forum 60th Celebration Graphics: promotional graphics, thematic units
- American English LIVE Teacher Development Series 14: sixth session, “Mastering the Multilevel Classroom,” will take place on July 6th at 8 am and 1 pm ET.
American English for Educators Teachers’ Corner
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.
June Theme: Exploring and Expressing Culture through Project-Based Learning
June Forum Article: Exploring + Expressing Culture Through Project Based Learning
This Week’s Content:
- The final week of Exploring and Expressing Culture through Project-Based Learning will focus on Applying PBL in the Classroom.
- Our Expert Ramin will present an activity for exploring cultural stereotypes, and a lesson based on the resource American Teens Talk!
- We’ll announce our June contest winner!
- We’ll launch our June topic, Creating Cartoons + Comics and introduce our June Experts, Kathleen Malu and DR. Kelly McNeal.
- We’ll start the month by exploring the ways in which comics and cartoons are similar and different.
Link to page: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanEnglishforEducators
American English Live Teacher Development Series 14
American English Live: Teacher Development Series 14 begins on May 11, 2022! The six online webinars of the series will cover a variety of topics intended for teachers of English or future teachers of English around the world. Topics include Social-Emotional Learning, Multi-Level Classrooms, and English for Specific Purposes: Teaching about Climate Change in the EFL classroom.
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
Presentation Dates and Titles:
May 11, 2022 – 8 am and 1 pm ET
Presentation: Social-Emotional Learning for Multilingual Learners: Fostering Growth
Presenter: Luis Javier Pentón Herrera & Gilda Martínez-Alba
May 25, 2022 – 8 am and 1 pm ET
Presentation: Understanding Culturally Responsive Social and Emotional Learning in Language Classrooms
Presenter: Erika Saito
June 8, 2022 8 am and 1 pm ET
Presentation: Engage ELLs with Social Emotional Learning through Group Work Activities
Presenters: April Minerich
June 22, 2022 – 8 am and 1 pm ET
Presentation: Planning for and Managing Small Group Instruction
Presenter: Adrienne Johnson
July 6, 2022 – 8 am and 1 pm ET
Presentation: Mastering the Multilevel Classroom
Presenter: Dieter Bruhn
July 20, 2022 – 8 am and 1 pm ET
Presentation: Contextualizing English Instruction
to Focus on Environmental Issues
Presenter: Susan Huss-Lederman & Danielle Sclafani
OPEN MOOCs: English for Tourism Professionals, English for Media Literacy for Educators, TESOL Methodology
All Current MOOC enrollment links can be found at: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
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
English for Media Literacy for Educators (Self-Paced)-
English for Media Literacy for Educators (EML-E) is an exciting MOOC designed to introduce you to the theory and practice of teaching about media literacy in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. Through informative videos and practical readings, you will explore approaches for teaching English for media literacy that are not only effective but engaging and enlightening. You will learn theory and strategies necessary for successful media literacy instruction for students of various ages and levels of English proficiency. In the media literacy education context, you will also gain new ideas for teaching students how to analyze, critique and communicate their thoughts in English. In addition, you will gain useful knowledge and resources that you can share with your education colleagues and others who are interested in this critical 21st century skill – media literacy. Through weekly participation in this MOOC, you will have the opportunity to share ideas with peers and apply course content to your teaching context. Get ready to learn about EML-E and be part of an international learning community with teachers around the world!
Dates to remember
Enrollment Closes: June 28, 2022
Course End Date: July 5, 2022
TESOL Methodology (Self-Paced)-
This course is designed to provide you with current methodologies for teaching English learners (ELs) of different ages in many learning contexts. You will discuss and practice a wide variety of strategies and techniques for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). While exploring best practices for teaching listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including grammar and vocabulary, you will learn how to create an effective and communicative language classroom for all learners. In addition, you will examine what best practices mean in the context of teaching English in the 21st century, where English is an international language, and the use of English incorporates modern technologies.
Dates to remember
Enrollment Closes: June 28, 2022
Course End Date: July 5, 2022
English for Career Development (Self-Paced)-
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.
Dates to remember
Course End Date: June 27, 2022
English for Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) (Self-Paced) –
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.
Dates to remember
Course End Date: June 27, 2022
English for Journalism (Self-Paced)-
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.
Dates to remember
Course End Date: June 27, 2022
English for Business and Entrepreneurship (Self-Paced)-
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.
Dates to remember
Course End Date: June 27, 2022
English for Media Literacy (Self-Paced)-
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.
Dates to remember
Course End Date: June 27, 2022
Promo graphics for current MOOCs can be found here in Box: https://app.box.com/s/f0ok6q078a6h7oe7ka761jddmc7tsx9l
