Marc Roberts
I have been teaching English as a Second Language for over a decade, and in that time I have had the chance to work with students from over forty countries. Before entering the field of ESL I received a B.A. in English and an M.A. in American Literature, a background that has made me somewhat unique among my ESL colleagues.
Along with teaching standard ESL courses in grammar, reading, writing, speaking, listening, TOEFL preparation, and conversation, I have also designed and taught courses outside this traditional mold. These courses combine my background in literature with my experience working with second-language students, and they have met with a lot of success.
Children’s Literature, Southern American Women’s Literature, and Poetry Writing are just a few of the courses I have taught that aim to help ESL students engage in the English language on cultural, intellectual, and even emotional terms, which moves beyond the ritual approach of trying to deposit quantifiable “tools” of communication.
In addition to dedicating myself to providing the best possible classroom learning experiences for my students, I have also made a point of keeping abreast of the current events in my field by working as an ESL textbook reviewer.
Outside of my work in the area of English as a Second Language, I am also a creative writer. I have published poetry in several international small press magazines, and I try my hand at writing short stories and plays as well.
When I am not teaching or writing, I spend time with my family and my beautiful ten-year old beagle.
Latest Articles
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ESL Students Need More Vocabulary
Everyone who has ever studied a second language knows the challenge involved in trying to increase "word power," but there are some basic strategies that can really help.
May 7, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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Music Really Plays in ESL Classes
If English as a Second Language instructors want to stimulate active student learning of pronunciation, grammar, or even culture, music is a fine way to reach those aims.
May 4, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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Build an ESL Teaching Portfolio
Whether you are applying for a teaching program at home or abroad, it is essential that you be able to "show" convincing evidence of your language teaching ability.
Apr 20, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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ESL Listening and Speaking
Why reinvent the wheel? Take advantage of research that others have done and look at some of these websites for ideas on possible listening and speaking materials.
Apr 8, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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ESL Students Study Sentence Types
Unlike many abstract approaches for teaching ESL grammar, a review of simple, compound and complex sentence types offers students the option of independent self-study.
Mar 17, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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Practice Pages for ESL Students
With so many websites competing to offer ESL teachers and students practical supplements for both in-class work and self-study, it can be hard to choose the best options.
Mar 13, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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A Guide to ESL Book Publishers
The first in a series of articles aimed to help novice and practicing ESL professionals find the best materials in the ESL textbook publishing market.
Mar 1, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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Journey Through the TESOL Journal
The TESOL Journal aims to bring together in quarterly volumes analyses of significant movements and perspectives in ESL theory and practice.
Feb 26, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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Reviews of ESL Books and Materials
Browse recently published ESL books and ESL materials, and learn more about ESL journals and ESL publishers to keep informed on many topics in the ESL field.
Feb 17, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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Teach in ESL Schools and Programs
It isn't easy to get a full-time ESL teaching position at the college or university of choice, but opportunities abound to jump start your ESL career and gain experience.
Feb 10, 2007
- Marc Roberts
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