This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on contexualization, which is the meaningful use of language for real communicative purposes. It helps students understand how language users construct language in a given context. Teachers can contextualize language instruction by organizing the content of the language curriculum according to themes or topics. These themes or topics work best when they are threaded throughout the course of study.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on the details of the language within the context of language input. The focus is more on function, or the use of language in given situations, than it is on form, the linguistic details of language. Research has shown that selectively focusing on aspects of language use within a given context can be an effective teaching and learning practice. Language awareness, then, is more than a focus on form. It also includes the use of that form in context, which is called the pragmatic use of language.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on the use of language skills together in social interaction. When we use language, we tend to use it as a whole, whether primarily listening, speaking, reading, or writing. All skills are needed in order to communicate effectively. Although there is a time to focus attention on just one skill at a time, the final goal is to use skills together for communication. For teaching effectiveness, the teacher who integrates language skills can make lessons interesting and motivating for students, creating a more active learning environment.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on pair and group work.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on formative feedback. Formative feedback is continuous, and it can encourage or discourage the learner. Teachers need to learn how to use techniques that encourage learners and that give them confidence and to avoid using techniques that discourage learners, that embarrass them, or make them feel “stupid.”

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on how to manage large classes and covers the following areas: pedagogical planning, classroom learning systems, and discipline management.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on language learning and communication strategies and metacognitive and cognitive strategies that aid students in learning a second language.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on guiding teachers on how to choose and use printed texts (books, newspapers), images (photographs, posters), and multimedia (audio, video, computer programs) as authentic materials.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on guiding teachers on how to bring critical and creative thinking into their classrooms.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on alternative assessment, which is a type of evaluation that directly evaluates learners’ language skills; examples include portfolios, journals, peer feedback, and interviews.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on how teachers can vary teaching approaches and techniques to help facilitate learning for a wide variety of students and student needs.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on using teaching techniques that are most effective with younger learners (ages 5-10 or from Kindergarten to Grade 5).

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on peer observation.

This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on reflective teaching, which is thinking about what happens in the classroom, both in terms of the teaching itself, and in terms of the learner response, and then, trying to improve it.