Other New Titles

Corpus-based Grammar Resource

So new we had to take our own picture of it, Real Grammar, A Corpus-Based Approach to Grammar, is a unique effort to build corpus analysis directly into a 50-unit grammar workbook.

It's a great resource that shows how speakers and writers use grammar in the real world.

Cool features:

• the contrast of traditional grammar book 'correct' language and what is actually used
• the focus on how structure use changes depending on the medium and genre
• the "Be Careful!" sections, which emphasize typical errors
• the focus on guided discovery

Appearance-wise this book is not much to look at, but if you get past the cheapish paper and use of only one color, the content is is a very useful supplement to any coursebook.

Think of it as the Clark Kent of ESL grammar books!

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Cool Websites

Phil's ESL Support Site

Don't be put off by the description at the beginning of this website.

Although Phil Quirke claims his site is for folks studying toward their Master's and Diplomas (and it's last noted update was January 2007) there is excellent stuff here for us all.

On Phil's ESL Support Site, there are hundreds of articles and links on many areas, including:

• language
• teaching and learning
• management
• informed discussion boards.

Well worth the time for a good look around.

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Now this next one...get ready to be a bit overwhelmed (which is always better than being underwhelmed...)

EFL Classroom 2.0 is a world unto itself. If you can get over the initial 'overwhelmed-shopper-in-a-giant warehouse-sale' feeling, you'll see there is a veritable cornucopia of interesting content here.

You got your:

• forums
• classrooms
• blog
• lessons
• videos
• job board

and more!

Remember, you don't have to orient yourself to everything this site has to offer during your first visit.

So, click, register (free) and channel your teenage slow dances - a bit tacky, but exciting.

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Teaching Tips 101

Motivating the Unmotivated
Part II

One of the leading experts in research on motivation and language acquisition, Zoltan Dörnyei, looks at the psychology of motivation and has come up with some very interesting stuff.

Zoltan has identified what he calls 'the Motivational Self System' and he believes there are three primary sources of motivation, that all teachers should be aware of:

1. The learner's vision of oneself as an L2 speaker
2. The social pressure from the learner's environment
3. Positive learning experiences

The Ideal L2 Self is probably the newest idea, so to help you develop this very motivating aspect of learning in your students, try the following:

• raise learner's awareness of an L2 self
• help them develop a desired future self-image
• make this image elaborate and vivid
• ensure the image is plausible
• ensure the image is in harmony with family and peer expectations
• regularly activate this self-image in your classes
• help your learners develop a road-map with clear procedures toward their L2 self goals

...and finally (and a bit of  a revelation to us)

• Remind learners about the negative consequences of not achieving their goals

To read Zoltan's Ten Commandments for Motivating Language Learners click here.
(it's the second article from the top)

Personally, we just feel that anyone called "Zoltan" has got to be worth checking out.

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Educator's Quote

While many teachers may attend to the questions 'Do you like this language? Do you like this class?', perhaps the more fundamental question for a student is 'Do I like myself in this class?'
(quote taken from Alex Case / TEFLtastic /Deep quote of the day)