The Process of Adopting AI in Writing Instruction

Of the many TESOL 2024 sessions on AI, Kyle Butler of Ohio University offered the most unique approach that would likely resonate with those still wary of the new technology. With sensitivity and relatable humor, he tapped into our sense of vulnerability and fear of being expendable in this fast-changing landscape of language instruction. On…

Developing the Right Mindset for Using AI

TESOLers in Tampa had a myriad of sessions on AI to choose from. Presenters approached the subject from different angles and explained how they had been using ChatGPT and other AI tools in their classrooms over the past year or so. In the context of academic writing, the consensus is that both teachers and students…

Opening the Door to AI in Language Learning

As I continue to share TESOL 2024 highlights, the door will now open to ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools. More than one post will be needed to pass along my AI-related takeaway from the convention. Let’s just dip our toes in right now, okay? You might know that I began to experiment with ChatGPT in…

Mindfulness and Positivity in Our Teaching Practice

I hadn’t been to an in-person TESOL event since 2019, and my experience in Tampa was celebration of sorts. I could once again see old colleagues and meet new ones. I gave and received hugs and handshakes. Smiles, business cards, and stories were also exchanged. I was very grateful to immerse myself in the convention…

Pondering Translingualism

In 2009, I posed the question, “Is it all right for the teacher to use the student’s native language?” (See post.) In that post, I recalled a work experience early in my teaching career when I caved in to the school’s request that I hide my knowledge of Russian. I’d be surprised by this request…

The Benefits of Learning (and Teaching!) Grammar

Here’s a simple truth. Some people like grammar, and other’s don’t. Also, grammar can be learned directly or indirectly. So, should we teach it? Should students watch a grammar video or study a chart in a textbook? I’m all for learning a language through through conversation and authentic sources, including movies and books. They provide…

Getting and Staying on Track in the New Year

A couple of years ago, I went through a whole-house renovation, which meant I spent a lot of time with my contractor and his crew. In fact, we had many lunches together at the kitchen table, so we had dozens of conversations on a range of topics. (Incidentally, they also taught me a few phrases…

Finding Purpose and Motivation in a New Year

Happy New Year to one and all! May 2023 be kind to everyone near and far. The start of a new calendar year is an opportunity to step forward on a positive note despite anything that didn’t quite materialize in the past. How many times have we heard that the future is in our hands?…

Fighting Fossilization

By the time most students begin to study with me either privately or in group sessions, they’ve achieved a level of proficiency that allows them to handle nearly any situation. The key reason for formal language training is a desire for confidence and greater accuracy. Students may be able to read and respond to any…

Building a Framework for Explaining Things

Recommended steps and materials to help students deliver an oral explanation on topics of their choice. PDFs included.

Language Instruction: Like Candy or Like Medicine?

Back in 1964, Mary Poppins sang on screen, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in the most delightful way.” I’ve sometimes thought about this balance between the sweet and the bitter in language learning. Not every step in the process is a snap, nor do birds chirp merrily on the windowsill…

Plucking the Blooms of Poetry

Suggested activities based on Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Light exists in Spring” (PDFs and JPEGs included)