This is a collection of all things ESL (English as a Second Language). The site contains oral and written reviews for students of the English language as well as many links for use with ESL students. The website provide information and examples of English grammar, idioms, American slang and common English mistakes.
Type of Material:
Resource collection
Recommended Uses:
Elements of this site could be used in ESL/BIL classes at the university level as well as by ESL/BIL teachers at the K-12 level. Teacher candidates could use this website to gain knowledge useful in assisting ESOL students in their practicum and student teaching classrooms. It's important to note that in some cases the language may not be appropriate for K-8 learners.
Technical Requirements:
No special requirements, other than the ability to use built-in speakers or headphones to hear audio sections
Identify Major Learning Goals:
1. To promote the acquisition of American idioms and usage among ESL learners
2. To provide practice in using the English language for English language learners.
3. To assist the English learner with grammar and interpreting American slang.
Target Student Population:
K-12, undergraduate and graduate English language learners as well as ESL teachers
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Audio capability
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
There is a wealth of material here. There are many different types of materials that could prove useful for ESL learners.
Concerns:
The site is visually busy. There are Google ads and Yahoo ads and it is difficult to judge what is from the site and which are advertisements. Some of the example pages contain mistakes, such as misspelled words.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The materials here could easily be adapted to a classroom situation on an individual basis. There are audio as well as text materials that could help ESL learners to practice the use of everyday English. As well, there are English language fables and folktales which could help non-English speakers to achieve a sense of understanding of morals and mores. The website demonstrates how difficult it is for a person learning the English language to know the meanings of idioms, slang words and phrases used in the US.
Concerns:
The site is confusing and this might take away from the ability to easily access the relevant material. Some examples may be difficult for English learners to understand.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The website has a basic format and is easy to navigate.
Concerns:
It is difficult to navigate because of the amount of advertising. It's hard to tell what is site specific and what is from Google ads.
Other Issues and Comments:
We like the ability to see what materials have recently been added.
Creative Commons:
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