Ever had a student say, “I’m not progressing” or “I feel stuck”? It’s disheartening for and for you too. But often, it isn’t true.
In this episode, we’ll explore why learners feel this way, how to help them see the progress they’re actually making, and practical classroom strategies to boost their confidence and motivation.
Because sometimes, progress is happening right under their noses — they just need help noticing it.
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Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
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This week I talk about a bugbear of mine: crap online resources that bear no resemblance to real-world language. Once I get that out of my system, I talk about how we teachers can do better. And it takes the same amount of time it takes to scroll through the Internet and search for ready-made supplementary tasks and lessons.
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Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
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This week, I’m opening the cupboard doors — literally.
I’ve been going through 10+ years of teaching materials: dusty files, endless flashcards, laminated tasks I’ll never use again… and asking myself: Why am I still holding onto this stuff?
In this episode, I share what this whole process taught me about growth, change, and the way we teach. Spoiler: it’s not really about the materials at all. It’s about how we see ourselves as teachers, and how far we’ve come.
Plus, to celebrate the launch of this new chapter, I’m giving away a free 45-minute mentor coffee chat with me. All you have to do is fill in a short survey (link below). It takes just a couple of minutes, and your answers will help shape the new community I’m building for teachers like you.
Win a free Mentor Coffee chat: https://forms.gle/naRXLH1cKq6yXDSbA
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Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
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Want to add a natural, fun and engaging twist to your lessons?
Let Jamie Keddie show you how with videotelling. Stories are a fundamental part of human connection and communication so why not use them more in class?
Connect with Jamie here: https://share.google/2wjYdedXtCTwvncwl
https://www.lessonstream.com/newsletters/lessonstream-blog
Sneezing Panda video; https://youtube.com/shorts/bkIkKTxBci4?si=fX2O0RarKTa8kCTz
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Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
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Why are brain breaks important?
Find out why in this short and sweet episode, I also bring reflection into the mix, because who doesn't love a bit of that?
Follow Andre Hedlund here: www.instagram/thelearningcosmos
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Connect with me:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
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Hello again!
After a summer break, I'm back with a fabulous guest, Nicola Harwood, who breaks down TBL (Task-Based Learning).
Have you thought about using it but not sure where to start?This episode is perfect.
She talks about deep and shallow-end TBL. Yes, there are two types: one for the brave and one for the teacher who needs a little more structure.
Don't teach in her context? Take that mantra of mine and Steal and Adapt!
Connect with Nicola:
www.lexicalship.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-w-harwood-%F0%9F%97%A3%EF%B8%8F-63b8b42/
Mentions:
https://www.animaker.com/
Camtasia (app)
Activities for TBL, Anderson and McCutcheon, DELTA Publishing
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Connect with me:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
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Just a quick one to tell you where I'm at.
I'll see you in September, when I'm back with some brilliant guest.
In the meantime, if there's something you'd like me to cover on the pod, let me know! Deets below.
Wishing you a safe and peaceful summer.
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Connect with me:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
Donate to the Kakuma Refugee Fund here: https://gofund.me/d77e9fe0
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This short, passionate episode is a bit of a rant — but it comes from a place of deep care for students and the craft of teaching.
If you're a teacher and you recognize yourself in any of the points raised, this isn't meant to offend — it's a call to reflect and rethink some habits that might be holding your learners back.
If you're short on time, under pressure, or stuck in a routine — you're not alone. But that’s exactly why it's worth taking a moment to question, adjust, and improve. Teaching isn't about perfection; it's about intention.
Join the waiting list for the No-Nonsense Lexical Toolkit Course, coming in June: http://subscribepage.io/qANdpX
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Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
Donate to the Kakuma Refugee Fund here: https://gofund.me/d77e9fe0
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Sometimes you don't have a lot of time or energy. Or maybe you've just returned from holiday and haven't got into planning mode.
This week I'm sharing with you my lesson plan for two 90-minute lessons using the Lexical Approach.
And yes, it took me 5 minutes. Why was I so confident that it would work? Because I used my students' output, plus a bit of decoding for good measure.
Steve Cutts Mobile World Video: https://youtu.be/wUW1wjlKvmY?si=Qm4Zp56lxS2n8lqK
Join the waiting list for the No-Nonsense Lexical Toolkit Course, coming in June: http://subscribepage.io/qANdpX
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Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
Donate to the Kakuma Refugee Fund here: https://gofund.me/d77e9fe0
Subscribe to Everything EFL on any platform.
And don’t forget to tell your colleagues. Share the love.
If you’re feeling burnt out, stuck in overplanning mode, or just plain exhausted—you’re not alone.
In this episode, I’m sharing a bit of a pep talk from the heart about the mindset traps so many of us fall into: fear of not doing enough, decision fatigue, and the struggle to let go in the classroom.
I’ll walk you through how teaching can actually feel lighter—with more creativity, more impact, and less stress.
Join the waiting list for the No-Nonsense Lexical Toolkit Course, coming in June: http://subscribepage.io/qANdpX
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Connect with me:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
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There's a lot of controversy surrounding how science can help teachers and learning.
Some say it's overtaking and is too rigid. My guest today says differently.
We cover;
- attention span
- evidence-based learning
- motivation
-working memory and long-term memory
- decoding regarding listening and reading.
Enjoy!
And don't forget to join the waiting list for my No-Nonsense Lexical Toolkit course coming in June to avail of a special discount. This price will never be seen again! Join here: http://subscribepage.io/qANdpX
André Hedlund, MSc in Psychology of Education (University of Bristol and Chevening Alumnus), is an educational consultant, teacher trainer, guest lecturer, and author. He leads BRAZ-TESOL's Mind, Brain, and Education SIG, co-hosts the Chá Pedagógico podcast, founded Learning Cosmos, and collaborates with National Geographic Learning, ELi Publishing, and the British Council on professional development projects.
Connect with Andre: www.learningcosmos.com.brBlog: https://substack.com/@andrehedlundJoin my Breathe Easy, Teacher Newsletter community for teacher love and support: https://www.subscribepage.com/betterteachingnewsletter
Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
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So I've discovered decoding so that means you should too.
In this episode, I give you a basic rundown of what decoding for listening is and I share my semi-okay-but-not-great attempt at a decoding lesson. Because we all have to start somewhere.
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Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
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Get your Mindful Grammar Freebie here: www.subscribepage.io/4tlanY
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Self doubt: it creeps in and tells you you’re not doing a good job. Fear not! I give you now only my, but some lovely people from LinkedIn’s tips to dispel the doubt and celebrate your fabulousness. Enjoy!
Thanks to the following lovelies on LinkedIn: Elizabeth Mackie, Ellen Baker Dubois, Rasha Awad, Harry Waters, Silvina Mascitti, Ian Brownlee.
Theme music by @sean.cass (Instagram).
Contact me: erin@refreshyourteaching.com
LLike, share, DM me and follow me on Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher/ and on Facebook
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Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple.... and don’t forget to tell your colleagues. Share the love.
I'm on holiday!
I decided to give you a couple of episodes that aren't teachy but are very much from the mind of Erin.
This episode is my thoughts on the fabulous Rupaul Charles and his groundbreaking reality TV show, Rupaul's Drag Race. I tell you what I think drag is, how the show and Rupaul constantly inspires me and hopefully give you a dose of sequin-covered joy, positivity and inspiration.
Featuring extracts of:
Drag Race theme song and Born Naked, written by Rupaul Charles and produced by Lucian Piane.
Don’t forget to engage on Insta or Facebook after the episode.
Contact me: erin@refreshyourteaching.com
Theme music by @sean.cass (Instagram).
Like, share, DM me and follow me on Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher/ and on Facebook
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Connect with me on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple.... and don’t forget to tell your colleagues. Share the love.
Strap in: it's about to get deeply personal.
I've had a tough few weeks. I think it's important to share these feelings with you, as I know you feel them too.
Social media platforms can make it look like we're always happy and it's sunshine and roses but we all know reality isn't like that.
And you know what? That's okay.
Be a dear and fill out this survey on student listening skills – it would help me so much! https://forms.gle/u4EXyrJqcFtXPnkS7
Join my Breathe Easy, TeacherNewsletter community for teacher love and support: https://www.subscribepage.com/betterteachingnewsletter
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Connect with me:
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Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
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Phrasal verbs. Two words that conjure up fear in the bravest and most competent of English learners.
Join me as I discuss the ins and outs of these devilish chunks of language and my thoughts on how to make them more accessible and easier to learn.
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Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
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Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
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This week I talk to Charlie Cranmer, aka Charlie's Lessons.
We talk about.....well, what don't we talk about?
Here's a quick rundown of where our initial conversation about pressure and prioritizing went:
- students might not like us vs common ground
- box-ticking vs approaches that aren't grammar-oriented
-grammar vs function
- the security blanket of the course book
- perfection vs realistic lesson outcomes
- PPP
- input
- bad TTT vs quality TTT
- underprepping vs overprepping.
Join us as we put the world to rights.
Charlie Cranmer is a Cambridge CELTA and DELTA certified English teacher and has been teaching for over 15 years. He is currently the Director of Studies at CLIC International House and the creator of Charlie's Lessons YouTube channel, where he creates content on educational technology and practical tips for teachers.
Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Join my Breathe Easy, Teacher Newsletter community for teacher love and support: https://www.subscribepage.com/betterteachingnewsletter
Get your Mindful Grammar Freebie here: www.subscribepage.io/4tlanY
Connect with me:
www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Subscribe to Everything EFL on any platform.
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We've all rushed through tasks and given our students way too much information.
This is disastrous for our students' ability to process and retain anything.
As a natural follow-on from last week's episode (mini-tasks), this bite-sized approach could make a difference, especially if you consider todays' limited attention spans.....
Sign up for my FREE webinar:Beyond the Gap-Fill: Practical Tasks to Get Students Speaking here:http://subscribepage.io/Rb9Qf1. You will get a great discount on myHeart and Craft: The Methodology-Mindset Blueprint forLanguage Teachers if you sign up to the webinar. NO obligation to buy the course!
Join my Breathe Easy, Teacher Newsletter community for teacher love and support:https://www.subscribepage.com/betterteachingnewsletter
Get your Mindful Grammar Freebie here: www.subscribepage.io/4tlanY
Contact me if you would like me to help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Subscribe to Everything EFL on any platform.
And don’t forget to tell your colleagues. Share the love.
What are you students' attention spans like?
Just as I thought....
Not only that, language takes time to learn, so let's think about how you can stretch out the process for your students, rather than moving onto the next thing.
Join me as I talk about the benefits of making time for mini-tasks, how they can save you time prepping and give your students lots of bite-sized exposure to the language.
Sign up for my FREE webinar: Beyond the Gap-Fill: Practical Tasks to Get Students Speaking here: http://subscribepage.io/Rb9Qf1. You will get a great discount on my Heart and Craft: The Methodology-Mindset Blueprint for Language Teachers if you sign up to the webinar. NO obligation to buy the course!
Join my Breathe Easy, Teacher Newsletter community for teacher love and support: https://www.subscribepage.com/betterteachingnewsletter
Get your Mindful Grammar Freebie here: www.subscribepage.io/4tlanY
Contact me if you would like me to
help you or your school become better teachers: www.refreshyourteaching.com
Connect with me:
www.instagram.com/everythingeflteacher
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-o-byrne-90b58a55/
Youtube @Everything EFL for teaching tip videos and full podcast episodes with Closed Captions.
Subscribe to Everything EFL on any platform.
And don’t forget to tell your colleagues. Share the love.