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Summary: The Bet, Yet Most Abused ESL/EFL Text on the Market Ever !
Review: I've taught with this text in three different countries... and have sworn by it and it.What I love about it is that it really gets down to the basics of speaking English and does so in a systematic manner. A lot of teachers abuse it by having their students read and write through it, then complain what a dry book it is. The same teachers also use it in such a haphazard manner that after a year the students are in book one, when really Volumes 1 2 and 3 (especially) are a jump start English course. This however is often the result of either inadequate training or not reading the teacher's manual, especially in Japan where teachers and students come and go by the bushel. Overall, while the book might lack the "cuteness" of other programs, trust me... the pedagogy is well thought out - - especially if you know how to expand from the book and have other activities to bring the language to life. The book is for adults for example, but using the Molinsky and Bliss WORD BY WORD flash cards I've actually created games for children based on the activities in the book. And if the students are too used to reading through the book (from former teachers) I actually copy the pictures from the book with the words whited out, cut them into flash cards, team them up for pair work, and then let them engage in the conversation activities from the book. This is an incredible book, and a new version has just come out... USE IT DON'T ABUSE IT and your students will make incredible progress. Check out the WORD BY WORD PICTURE DICTIONARY as a great supplement to expand the activities with additional (yet practical) vocabulary as well as EXPRESSWAYS (also by the same authors).
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Summary: It's Famous in Japan
Review: Side by Side is a staple in Japan for teaching English to the already inundated Japanese population. I say "already inundated" because the average Japanese citizen has studied 6 years of English in the school system, yet she or he needs to practice their conversation skills. Side by Side offers the Japanese student the opportunity to simply express in conversation what they already have studied. As an EFL instructor, I thank the authors for this fun, valuable tool.
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Summary: Side by Side Activity Workbooks 3
Review: The Side by Side Activity Workbook 3 is a great additional exercise tool to use in conjuction with the Student Book for ESL students. I am currently tutoring Japanese students in English, at various levels, and we find the Activity book is presented in an easy to follow and enjoyable format. The ten chapters are full of practice drills in intonation, stress and pronunciation. In addition, there are plenty of grammatical exercises, which are accompanied by skillful animated stetches to help you along. Many of the activity books, I have used in the past, do not have these helpful visual aide, which certainly communicate well in all languages. All levels of the Side by Side Activity Workbooks are working out very well for my students, so I really do recommend them to other instuctors and will continue to use them in my lessons.
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Summary: Good beginning ESL text
Review: This is one of four books in a series of beginning texts for ESL. It is clearly presented and easy for the students to understand and use. The emphasis is on grammar and vocabulary taught through conversation. There is not much in the way of reading, writing, or cultural studies. It is my understanding that this edition is no longer in print and has been replaced by a new and improved Side by Side.
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Summary: It is great
Review: When you use the right level book for the right level student it is great. There are many other books out there that gloss over all types of grammars, functions, vocab'and pronunciation. However, this does attempt to explore the more important parts of grammar. The grammar is graduated based upon increasing levels of student's ability, which is an important point. Also, I especially like it's drilling of the third person. It is a good book if you know what you are doing. A text + student does not equal an English lesson. There is more than just the text book in language learning.
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