Using Movies to Raise Cultural Awareness

Joe_McVeigh_author_photoJoe McVeigh

Using movies or films in class is a great way to help student both learn more about language and also about culture and cultural differences.  These days there are tons of films available that deal with interesting intercultural issues. Here are some thoughts on how to use film for language and cultural study. Continue reading

Constructivism: Increasing Student Engagement

susan_gaerSusan Gaer

Constructivism is an educational philosophy that became popular in the early 1990s. The basic framework of constructivism is that students create their own learning; that is, we can’t teach students to learn – they have to learn for themselves. Using this framework, teachers take on the role of facilitator, and each student learns what he or she needs to. This fits in well with the new Bloom’s taxonomy where creating becomes the most powerful rung on the taxonomy ladder. Constructivist learning also fits right in with multi-level instruction and flipped learning.

Constructivist theory posits that there is no learning unless learners have created it from experiences; therefore, when using the constructivist approach, you are also creating a more engaged classroom that is student centered. Here are a few techniques that I use to make my classroom more constructivist. Continue reading

Video-based Lessons Bring Workplace and Practical Skills to Life

Project Success is a new standards-based, media-rich hybrid course that integrates video, audio, and online tools for a seamless blend of classroom and independent learning. Each unit of Project Succefss follows a person through his or her day. At the center of each lesson are a series of 170 videos that model the situational language, employment, and educational skills students are learning.

Check out Project Success Level 1, Unit 8 – Fresh Foods

https://media.pearsoncmg.com/intl/elt/Project_Success/videos/proj1_vid_u08ls09_01.mp4

 

New Ways of Teaching Your Students

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MyEnglishLabs are online components designed to complement your favorite Pearson course or skills textbook. MyEnglishLabs optimize instruction through a blend of coursebook and online content. When students use MyEnglishLabs, they access interactive activities and assessment tools that help them take an active role in their learning. With instant access to a wide range of diagnostic tools, teachers can customize learning environments to meet the needs of every student.

Check out MyEnglishLab now!

Want to talk to our ELL Specialists about MyEnglishLab? It’s easy.
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