TESL Ontario’s Magazine for Language Teachers
Better AI prompts for essay grading: Enhancing educational practices
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Abstract
This article adapts a TechKnow presentation with the same title and by the same author from the 2024 TESL Ontario Conference. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational contexts, particularly essay grading, presents both opportunities and challenges. This article explores the limitations of traditional essay grading methods,…
Spotlight — Jagrati Chauhan
Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Jagrati! For those that don’t have the pleasure of knowing you, tell them a little about yourself.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Nicola.
I bring over 14 years of experience teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at York University English Language Institute, School…
Fostering a virtual community of practice through scaffolded peer review
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Introduction
This article illustrates how peer review-focused learning tasks and activities helped multilingual students in an online English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course develop a sense of community and take ownership of their learning while also enhancing their writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Informed by the pedagogical…
Considerations for fostering students’ sense of self in the foreign language
Abstract
It is a common concern among second-language (L2) learners to feel that their identity changes when speaking a foreign language compared to their mother tongue (L1). To some extent, this is a natural process and relates to the new possibilities of viewing the world offered by the new language; on the other hand, it…
Gamified ADDIE for LINC instruction
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Under ideal circumstances, every LINC instructor would be trained with the skills and know-how of an instructional designer. But as the pandemic taught us, instructors are often left to struggle on their own and do their utmost to engage their learners. But there is one simple rule that can be borrowed…
The language I love or my love language?
कोस-कोस पर बदले पानी, चार कोस पर वाणी (Kos-kos par badle paani, chaar kos par vaani). The English translation of this famous Hindi idiom is: In India, the taste of water changes after every mile & language after every four miles. This rhyming poetic aphorism reflects the diversity of languages and dialects in India (Narayan,…
A decade in the making: A review of LINC to Work programming at Conestoga LINC
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Background
In 2013, as part of the response to the ongoing emphasis on employability training for newcomers to Canada, Conestoga LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) created a LINC to Work class. For over a decade, Conestoga LINC faculty have been instructing student-focused LINC to Work lessons on…
Language without lessons: The promise of large language models
Many teachers I’ve been speaking with believe that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT should complement rather than replace traditional language instruction. Happily for society, though perhaps not for us, the reverse is true.
Unlike practising guitar or shooting hoops, most people don’t learn languages for enjoyment; they endure the process for the language. You…
Beyond the classroom: Real-life impact of task-based language teaching for newcomers
As a LINC instructor at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), teaching Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels 3 and 4, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of task-based language teaching (TBLT) on my students. Working with newcomers to Canada, many of whom are adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment, I have found…
Spotlight — Yaseen Ali
You’re currently working for the University of Toronto – tell us about your role as a Learning Strategist at the Centre for Learning Strategy Support (CLSS) and the workshops you have developed:
In my role, I support degree-seeking students in their academic performance and learning development through one-on-one-appointments. When I connect with these students,…
The role of making and correcting errors in second language learning
Understanding the role of errors in second language learning is crucial for developing effective teaching strategies. Despite their frequent occurrence, errors are often viewed negatively. However, they can provide invaluable insights into the learning process and serve as potent learning tools. This discussion aims to explore how making and correcting errors can enhance second language vocabulary…
An evaluation of the IELTS Academic Writing subtest: Practicality, reliability & validity
Jointly owned by the British Council, IDP ILETS Australia and Cambridge ESOL, the International English Language Testing System, more commonly known as the IELTS test, is among the most widely recognized English language proficiency tests in the world. Indeed, it is the most popular visa and citizenship test in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United…
