Lida Baker is an educator at the American Language Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. She also writes textbooks for English learners.
21st Century Communication is a four-level series that uses powerful ideas from TED Talks to teach learners to think critically and communicate effectively. Through authentic models of effective communication, students build fluency in the listening and speaking skills needed to achieve academic and personal success.
Features Experience authentic language features such as hesitation, interruption, and interjection. Vocabulary exercises prepare students to discuss specific topics. Listening strategies give students tools for personal and academic success. Note-taking and outlining practice prepare students for university and college-level listening. *Speaking activities such as role plays, presentations, and debates reinforce the use of authentic English. All these features address the new emphasis on listening and speaking skills in current standardized tests.