Anectodes in the classroom

I think this article does bring a complete perspective of benefits of using anectodes in the classroom, although the activity is not new. In my opinion, what makes this article strong is the fact that the writer links the use of anectodes with many aspects in an EFL class, such as: making the class dynamic with topics of interest, involving students in genuine communication, as content course support, used for cultural examples as more realistic information than what books say. Moreover, what I find more interesting is the way she explains that anectodes told in a well-structured way can help with writing an essay effectively. Maybe this is not new, but the way she structures them is new to me. To sum up, I would say it has aplicability for me as an EFL teacher.

I use anectodes a lot in my classes; most of the time they are semi-planned or unplanned, and they work pretty well. I can not think of any technique I use regularly and that is mine. I remember something I used to do with children classes, level law intermediate and up: I had students keep a diary in English, and once a week we discussed about the happiest/unhappiest news of all, including the teacher. I had not seen any teacher of mine do this, neither do I think I invented the idea.

A friend of mine, an EFL teacher, uses a computer in her class to audio and video record students when they tell stories or when they act out a dialogue from the book. I think this is a good combination of storytelling and using technology in the classroom.