Nicky Hockly - Digital literacies

Nicky Hockly provides an introduction to 'Digital literacies' and gives some practical tips for the classroom.

According to Hockly, "Digital literacies refer to our ability to effectively make use of the technologies at our disposal. We are not just talking about a checklist of technical skills, but also about the social practices that surround the use of new media. So not just knowing how to upload photos to Flickr (a photo sharing site), but knowing whether to publish them under a Creative Commons license and what this implies in terms of digital rights and usage."

More about Digital Literacies (and why we should care.)

The Communicative Approach: A conversation between Jeremy Harmer and Scott Thornbury

The Communicative Approach is so well-established, it's more or less the default methodology for second language teaching. But where did it come from? How has it evolved? Where does it work? What are its strengths and its weaknesses?

Scott Thornbury and Jeremy Harmer address complex questions from the point of view of their own experience, convictions and doubts -- and they invite you to do the same!

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT): Jeremy Harmer and Scott Thornbury

Scott Thornbury is a prolific author of books and articles for teachers and students and a tireless presenter at international ELT conferences.

Jeremy Harmer is known throughout the ELT world for his books on teaching methodology, particularly the classic texts, How to Teach English and The Practice of English Language Teaching.

The Demise of Dictionaries?

In 'Who needs dictionaries?' Michael Rundell explores the future of dictionaries. In this seminar he discusses the idea that dictionaries are going the same way as encyclopedias. In just a few years most activity has moved from paper to electronic media and for pedagogical dictionaries, whose users are mostly young and therefore 'digital natives,' the switch from old to new media is even more advanced. Is there any future for dictionaries?

10 Shakespeare Quotes you can use in Modern English

English owes a lot to William Shakespeare. His influence is felt strongly in theatre with some fabulous plays that have stood the test of time, but did you know he also influenced the English language by creating phrases that are used in common, modern English usage?

Don't worry. I would never send you on a wild goose chase.

Read more: 10 Shakespeare Quotes you can use in Modern English

A Short History of ELT

A Short History of ELT by Dr. Richard Smith provides an informative overview of ELT history which counteracts some common myths and raises issues for critical reflection. The following questions are considered:

• How can ELT be defined?  
• When did it begin?
• What predated it?
• What people, institutions, ideas and practices have made up ELT?
• What has changed, and what has not changed in ELT methodology?

Dr. Richard Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick. He is a leading authority on the 19th-20th century history of language teaching. Richard also has particular interests in learner/teacher autonomy; teaching in ‘difficult circumstances’; and engaging and supporting teachers in/with ELT research.

ELT acronyms R Us

Welcome!

The Twist ELT blog was created to share links and professional development opportunities for teachers of English as a foreign or second language.

English language teachers are particularly fond of acronyms. From ELT to ESL and EAP to ESP (yes, these are all real acronyms…see below,) it is no wonder that people get rather confused.

Here are some of the more common acronyms currently used in the world of ELT:

BE – Business English.
EAP – English for academic purposes.
EFL – English as a foreign language.
ELF – English as a lingua franca.
ELT – English language teaching.
ESL – English as a second language.
ESOL – English for speakers of other languages.
ESP – English for specific purposes (Medical English, Scientific English, Aviation English, etc.)
TEFL – Teaching English as a foreign language.
TESL – Teaching English as a second language.
TESOL – Teaching English to speakers of other languages.
YLs  –  Young Learners

Yes, there are many more…to say nothing of all the different English proficiency tests, including:

KET - Key English Test
PET  – Preliminary English Test
FCE – Cambridge English: First (First Certificate in English)
CAE – Cambridge English: Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English)
CPE  – Cambridge English: Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
TOEIC – Test of English for International Communication
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

This blog is all about the wonderful world of ELT and I hope you enjoy it!