{SO, LET'S TESOL}

TESOL

international association is an online community designed for individuals teaching or learning English as a Second Language (ESL).  Throughout becoming a member of TESOL I have taken the chance to see what exactly is offered to young ESL teachers.

Bulletin Board:

TESOL has an English language news bulletin of articles that concern English learners or teachers.  I found all these articles very interesting and most of them I would implement into the classroom.  One in particular that covers the effects of technology on this generation of students seemed appropriate for this blog, so feel free to read all about it. 

TESOL Journal:

The journal is mostly accessible to those who have memberships with TESOL.  Members of the community who have become part of the Board of Directors take turns writing entries about their experiences, thoughts, etc. on ESL teaching.  

I 

LOVE 

these journals because they are written in a more relaxed tone than the articles, but still offer professional advice to aid in your career.  One article that talks about what happens when ESL learners are asked to write poetry is available to non-members and was one of my favorites to read!

Forum:

My favorite part of the online community is the active forum that members are welcomed to join in on.  In a forum you can chat back and forth with other members about current topics.

EVEN BETTER: Each forum is separated into different "interest sections" so you can talk to others who have the same interest as you do.  A lot of professionals are active in the forums, but there are also a few students who have become members that are ESL learners.  Being a student myself, but coming from the perspective of "teacher," I was interested in what TESOL offered for a fellow student who had become a member for the purpose of learning English.  An exchange student from Columbia was online at one point.  He had come to America to study language because that was his passion but he was not surrounded by people who felt the same way.  Throughout joining TESOL he found that. =) 

Another forum that was locked, but I read out of curiosity was from a first year elementary  ESL teacher. 

"WHAT DO I DO FOR A WRITING ASSIGNMENT?!?!" he asked.  He had been doing well for his first year, but he was stuck in the English Writing segment of his curriculum because some students were advancing more quickly than others.  What to do?? TESOL members from experienced teachers to other ESL learners quickly replied with encouraging suggestions, ideas, and websites for the teacher.  I was happy to see such support from the fellow TESOL members.

If you would like to become a member of TESOL

 or just check out the great website, check it out here!