How To Practice English? Online?

[STCrowley]

Hello, hello!

I've been teaching for two years, now. (Teaching well for about a year, I'd guess.) And I've run into a problem: students who learn until they are happy with their English and then--beyond maybe watching a DVD in English--don't really know how to 'practice' their English, or 'keep it in shape.' Most of them are adults and need their English to speak to clients irregularly, and don't want to look stupid when they do.

So, how do you encourage students to practice?

My suggestions have included podcasts, English-language newspapers online, penpals. . . I've tried to think of something that would give them just a few minutes of practice everyday, but not become overwhelming.

I've been toying around with the idea of a website, but the ideas I've had so far are really more "teaching" than practicing. I've tried listening and writing activities, and I'm trying to learn a thing or two about flash quizzes (not my world!). So, what do you think is possible to do on the internet?

Thanks!
-Toby

[English-coach]

I have a good article that might help you with ideas. It is a four part article on how to learn English...it has activities and suggestions for people to learn an practice the four parts of English (listening, speaking, reading and writing). You can find it here on my website at How to Study English: Top 20 activities to do daily to learn English

There are many resources on the web for learning and practising English. I have a list that you can find under GOOD LINKS on my homepage.

I hope that gives you a bit of inspriation. :) Good luck.
Diana
LEARN ENGLISH BY USING IT: ANSWERS & MOTIVATION FOR ANY ENGLISH LEARNER

[STCrowley]

Thanks, Diana!

I appreciate the ideas! I'm going to spend some time with scrap paper (I think best when I doodle) and think about how I can build on the great ideas you offer. Have you ever used EduFire? I like the idea, but. . . I don't know.

-Toby

[rtyuirty]

Yes, there are many resources on the web for learning and practising English, You could try Panopreter, a good text-to-speech freeware, it reads text files and word documents, and reads the words you type, it also creates audio files such as mp3 format. Many students use it to help their language leaning.

[STCrowley]

Well, I've been experimenting with 'listening'/vocabulary lessons, as well as Flash quizzes. But I'm really trying for something that's interesting enough to make it fun--or at least engaging--practice. I worry that all I have now are 'lessons.'
About | Bite Sized English

You can have a look and tell me if I'm doing okay. Still, I'd like to make the 'lessons' shorter and more engaging. Any constructive criticism?