A short conversation can spark a big idea. But as busy English language teachers, it’s hard to find the time and space for those chats that shift how we teach or think about our careers. TESOL Pop brings those conversations to you. This mini podcast features quick, insightful interviews with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators from around the world. In under 15 minutes, you’ll hear ideas, teaching insights, and career stories that make you feel part of the wider ELT community, without adding to your workload.
🎧 Listen on your podcast app
📺 Watch with captions on YouTube
🌐 Or do a bit of both at tesolpop.com
Produced by our creative house, Communicating for Impact.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A short conversation can spark a big idea. But as busy English language teachers, it’s hard to find the time and space for those chats that shift how we teach or think about our careers. TESOL Pop brings those conversations to you. This mini podcast features quick, insightful interviews with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators from around the world. In under 15 minutes, you’ll hear ideas, teaching insights, and career stories that make you feel part of the wider ELT community, without adding to your workload.
🎧 Listen on your podcast app
📺 Watch with captions on YouTube
🌐 Or do a bit of both at tesolpop.com
Produced by our creative house, Communicating for Impact.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From one class pack to a million hours of environmental education. ELT author and creator of Picker Pals, Patrick Jackson, shares how a single idea grew into a movement that’s transformed classrooms and communities. From storytelling and sustainability to litter-picking with families, Patrick explains how Picker Pals empowers children to take action, while learning along the way.
ABOUT
Patrick Jackson is an ELT author known for publications such as Everybody Up and Shine On. From 1996 to 2008, he lived and taught in Japan, and has since travelled widely as a speaker, sharing practical, common-sense approaches to language education. Patrick is especially interested in how classrooms can connect meaningfully with the wider world — and believes they’re at their best when they become places of purpose.
Since 2018, he has been the Creative Director of Picker Pals, an award-winning programme that motivates and equips primary school children to lead their families on litter-picking adventures and build a positive environmental mindset. Picker Pals has now been adopted by 72% of Irish primary schools and is expanding internationally.
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Producer: Laura Wilkes
Editor: Haven Tsang
Special thanks to our guest, Patrick Jackson
Production by Communicating for Impact
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Business English gets a bad reputation — stiff, overly formal, and filled with irrelevant vocabulary lists. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Megan Nicholls, multilingual educator and founder of Mega Language Coach, invites us to reimagine how Business English can be taught. From high-stakes presentations to hallway small talk, Meg shares how she co-creates flexible, relevant lessons that reflect her students' real communication needs.
ABOUT
Meg is from Manchester, UK. Her 10 years of teaching experience inspired her to start Mega Language Coach, offering individual classes online. Her speciality is Business English for professionals, interview preparation and improving spoken fluency, thanks to her background in marketing. She has plenty of experience living abroad and working in multilingual international environments. Meg speaks German and French and is currently learning Spanish, whilst travelling in Mexico. She aims to bring joy to the learning process, focusing on active speaking in the classroom.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Special thanks to our guest, Megan Nicholls
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Lewis Jaquest joins Laura to explore how emergent language and learner agency can transform the language classroom. In this episode, Lewis shares how he developed the Student Emergent Language Framework (SELF), reflects on his transition to bottom-up teaching, and unpacks what truly makes language learning meaningful.
ABOUT
Lewis Jaquest is a passionate English language and communication trainer and materials writer from Swansea, South Wales. He has worked in ELT for nearly 20 years. He began teaching English in Hamburg, Germany in 2007 and went on to do a Diploma in Teaching in Barcelona in 2019. Lewis founded his language and communication business, Wordsmithery, in the same year and transitioned to online teaching in 2020. He’s particularly interested in helping Business English learners communicate authentically and creates tailor-made materials for his online lessons which focus on exploiting emergent learner language to make learning experiences that are interactive, engaging and fun. He writes the regular newsletters “Gimme 5 “ for learners and “Bright Sparks - the Creative Business English Teacher” for educators.
RESOURCES & REFERENCES
🔗 The SELFI framework for emergent language
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Special thanks to our guest, Lewis Jaquest
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University lecturer Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse joins Laura to share how she’s using academic debate to help STEM PhD students become more confident communicators. In this episode, Anila shares how debate boosts her students’ teamwork, critical thinking, and language skills. You’ll also hear how she integrates controversial topics, intercultural collaboration, and real-world research into her EAP classes.
Watch with closed captions.
ABOUT
Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse teaches general and academic English to undergraduate and PhD STEM students at the University of Parma, Italy. With qualifications including a degree in foreign languages, the Cambridge DELTA, and the CertPT, she brings a strong background in language education, assessment, and teacher training.
Anila’s work explores teaching and assessing ESP/EAP, task-based learning, and the role of emotions in the classroom. She’s a regular conference presenter and has published widely on learner needs, teacher development, and academic communication. Above all, she’s passionate about helping learners and educators thrive through reflective practice and meaningful challenge.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Special thanks to our guest, Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse
Production by Communicating for Impact
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Scott Allis, experienced ESL teacher and travel creator, joins Laura to share hard-won lessons from a global teaching career that spans China, Iraq, Thailand and beyond. In this candid conversation, Scott unpacks five key things to check before signing a contract—and what to do when the job doesn’t match what was promised. Whether you're teaching abroad, considering your next move, or advising others on job offers, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories to help you make informed career decisions.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Scottie is an experienced ESL teacher with over ten years of teaching in places like Wuhan and Baghdad, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, he shares five essential lessons on finding the right contract as an ESL teacher—focusing on what works for your lifestyle, not just what looks best on paper. Alongside his teaching, Scottie creates mindful adventure travel content on Instagram and will soon launch YouTube content. Follow Scott on Instagram: @scottallis
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Steven Schmidt, professional development consultant and long-time adult educator, joins Laura to share his journey from enduring uninspiring training sessions to leading transformative ones. In this episode, Steve reflects on what makes professional development meaningful, how he overcame self-doubt, and why fear never fully disappears — but can be used as fuel for growth.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Steven Schmidt is a professional development consultant with decades of experience in adult education. After years working as a classroom teacher and programme administrator, Steve shifted into full-time PD, delivering training across the U.S. and sharing practical insights on confidence, connection, and lifelong learning. He currently supports educators through keynote talks, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Connect on LinkedIn or send Steve an email here.
References
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr Susan Jeffers
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Creators of TESOL Pop, Laura Wilkes and Technical Director Haven Tsang, report from IBC 2025 in Amsterdam with practical takeaways for educators using media. From live multilingual captioning and voice overdubs to richer, human-centred metadata and the storytelling craft behind Becoming Led Zeppelin, this episode unpacks the media tech shaping how we teach, learn, and share ideas.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Haven Tsang has 20+ years of experience in broadcast and post-production. He leads on workflow design, editing, colour and sound for client projects, and supports educators in bringing professional production standards to their videos and podcasts.
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Special thanks to IBC for the opportunity to be official content creators this year and for the incredible experience.
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Dr. Joel Floyd, educator and founder of Ignite Career Foundation, joins Laura to share how his team creates an inclusive, learner-centred environment for adult English language learners in the US. In this episode, Joel shares student success stories, explores how community and compassion are embedded into their programmes, and reminds us of the power of reflective teaching.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Joel Floyd, PhD, is the founder and current Executive Director of the Ignite Career Foundation, formerly known as English for a Lifetime Language Institute, located in Norcross, Georgia, USA. He has held this role since 2012. Dr. Floyd also serves as a State Advocate Fellow for the Coalition on Adult and Basic Education (COABE), representing Georgia in a one-year appointment. In this capacity, he is deeply involved in advocacy efforts for adult education at the local, state, and federal levels. Dr. Floyd's research interests include teacher professional development in adult ELL (English Language Learners) classrooms, critical andragogy among adult ELLs and adult learners in general, and educational leadership in postsecondary non-traditional school settings.
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Special thanks to our guest, Dr Joel Floyd
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Jacqueline Aguilera, adult educator and digital equity advocate, joins Laura to explore how teachers can embed digital literacy into their lessons without needing separate “computer classes.” In this episode, Jacqueline shares practical tips for building digital skills with limited tech, discusses the impact of the digital divide in Texas, and encourages teachers to focus on what learners already use in their daily lives.
KEY TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Jacqueline Aguilera is an experienced educator and instructional leader based in Austin, Texas. She specialises in adult education and digital literacy, with a focus on serving refugee communities, second language learners, and students returning to education later in life. With a passion for equity and access, Jacqueline trains instructors across the US to creatively integrate technology into their classrooms and meet learners where they are.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
The Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy, Houston
Jacqueline Aguilera on LinkedIn
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CREDITS
Producer: Laura Wilkes
Editor: Jess Li Thorkildsen
Special thanks to our guest, Jacqueline Aguilera
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Kate Bodrova, co-founder and CEO of Amazy, explores how technology is positively impacting teaching. Kate shares insights on how Amazy helps educators create and share interactive, media-rich resources while streamlining workflows. In this episode, Laura and Kate also discuss current trends, including AI’s role in education, the rise of the teacherpreneur, and how educators can leverage technology to enhance—rather than replace—human connection in the classroom.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Kate Bodrova is the co-founder and CEO of Amazy.uk, a London-based edtech and creator economy startup transforming the way educators create and share interactive learning materials. With a background in ESL teaching and over a decade of experience in education and technology, Kate is the driving force behind Amazy.uk, on a mission to revolutionise how we create and share educational content. Amazy.uk, recognised as the Best Startup in Europe by EdTechX in 2024, also participated in the UCL EdTech Labs accelerator program. Kate is passionate about helping teachers become creators, enabling them to design and share their own materials.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
✨SPECIAL OFFER✨
Use code TESOLPOP30 for 30% off Amazy's annual subscription plan.
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Amira Salama shares insights on practitioner research and how everyday classroom experiences can contribute to meaningful research. She challenges traditional notions of research and highlights how teachers are already engaging in research without realising it.
TALKING POINTS
1. Research doesn’t have to be complex—any teacher reflecting on and improving their practice is engaging in research.
2. Sharing findings with colleagues, at conferences, or within schools is just as valuable as publishing in journals.
3. Teachers can use simple methods like student feedback, classroom observations, and collaborative discussions to gather insights.
4. Research helps educators take control of challenges like AI integration and curriculum development.
5. Contextualised, bottom-up approaches to teaching and research are more effective than applying generic ‘best practices.’
ABOUT
Amira Salama is the Chair of the TESOL International Research Professional Council (2024-2025) and the Past President of Africa ELTA. She has an MA TESOL from the American University in Cairo with a research focus on teacher leadership and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in inclusive education. Amira is the winner of the TESOL Outstanding Advocate Honor Award in 2024. She has given a number of plenary and featured talks at local and international conferences and developed teacher training programs in Egypt and Africa with a focus on association leadership in low-resource contexts, classroom research, and women leadership.
REFERENCES
Africa ELTA (Mentoring programmes)
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Thanks to our lovely guest, Amira Salama
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Jade Arthur explores the concept of gamification in teaching adult learners. In this episode, Laura and Jade dive into common misconceptions about gamification, discuss the importance of intrinsic motivation, and share actionable strategies for making learning fun, engaging, and effective for adults
Watch the episode with closed captions.
TALKING POINTS
What is Gamification?
Jade explains how gamification uses elements like points, challenges, and rewards to enhance learning. She highlights how it can create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences when applied thoughtfully.
Intrinsic Motivation:
Discover why gamification works best when it moves beyond external rewards and fosters a genuine love for learning.
Collaboration Over Competition:
Jade emphasises the importance of designing games that build community and cater to diverse learner needs rather than simply focusing on competition.
Gamification for Adults:
Practical tips for making gamified activities engaging yet appropriate for adult learners. From tone-setting to purposeful game design, Jade shares strategies for creating a low-pressure, high-impact learning environment.
ABOUT
Jade is based in Tennessee, US, where she teaches adult English learners pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills online. She has worked for TutorABC, Tutlo, English for IT, and Twenix, helping students from a variety of countries, including Taiwan, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain. Her goal is to encourage students to embrace the joy of learning through gamified education and inspire them to achieve creative and financial freedom. Visit Jade's website or follow her on LinkedIn.
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Founder of the Learning Cosmos André Hedlund explores the growing challenges of maintaining attention spans in the age of digital distractions. André dives into the impact of screen time, the role of executive functions in learning, and how going back to basics can foster focus and resilience in our classrooms.
Watch the episode with closed captions.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
André Hedlund is a Chevening (pronounced as evening) Alumnus, MSc Psychology of Education - University of Bristol, Educational Consultant, Speaker, Author, and Guest Lecturer on Bilingualism and Cognition in Postgraduate courses. He currently works as an e-moderator in British Council training programs. André is the leader of BRAZ-TESOL’s Mind, Brain, and Education SIG and the founder of the Learning Cosmos.
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Founder of Blue Noun, Ruth Pringle, discusses her innovative approach to immersive English learning. Ruth shares how combining outdoor exploration, artistic activities, and community engagement transforms English learners into confident English users.
TALKING POINTS
What is Blue Noun?
Ruth introduces Blue Noun, a language hub in Crieff, Scotland, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Perthshire. Unlike traditional classrooms, Blue Noun offers English learners real-life opportunities to practice language skills while immersing themselves in the local culture.
Learner to User: The Mindset Shift
Ruth highlights the distinction between English learners and English users. She shares how focusing on using "wonky" English in authentic settings can help individuals overcome self-doubt and build confidence in their abilities.
Tailored Experiences
Each experience at Blue Noun is unique. Ruth shares examples of activities, like visiting local artist studios, participating in mosaic workshops, and exploring the scenic outdoors. These activities help learners pick up workplace-relevant vocabulary and build meaningful connections.
Power of Playful Learning
Ruth explains how immersive and tactile experiences—like creating art or having informal conversations—allow learners to integrate English naturally into their identities, making language learning less about perfection and more about connection.
ABOUT
Ruth offers English language coaching holidays in Perthshire, Scotland. These are curated immersive experiences that explore Scotland's landscapes and cultures and give ‘1000s of micro moments of you being you, in English’. Her background is in the arts. She spent 10 years exhibiting as an installation artist around Europe, UK & the USA and began teaching English to support this – first in a corporate language school, then freelance for art and architecture schools. She began the Blue Noun Hub 5 years ago, to unite L1 & L2 English users through stories, projects and a love of natural Scotland.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Ruth Pringle.
Production by Communicating for Impact
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Senior Teaching Associate Josianne Block shares insights on how embracing learners’ linguistic resources can enhance communication, foster inclusivity, and create a more dynamic learning environment.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Josianne is based in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean. She has over ten years of teaching experience in English and currently works as a senior teaching associate at the University of Malta. Josianne holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL and is also qualified to teach Italian and Maltese as foreign languages. Having taught several integration programmes, she is particularly interested in language dynamics and linguistic diversity within multilingual contexts. She also actively participates in local and international ELT conferences and enjoys conducting research.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Josianne Block.
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Shélynn Riel explores what it means to be a teacherpreneur and shares insights on how teachers can transition to entrepreneurship and leverage their skills to build flexible, impactful careers
Watch the episode with closed captions here.
What is Teacherpreneurship?
Shé describes a teacherpreneur as an educator who leverages their teaching skills to start and run their own business. This can include freelancing, consulting, creating educational materials, and more.
Essential Skills for Teacherpreneurs
Teachers already possess numerous skills that are useful in business, such as communication, organisation, flexibility, and empathy. Shé shares how these skills can be applied to tasks like marketing, lesson planning, and managing a business.
Paths to Teacherpreneurship
Shé outlines common paths, such as:
ABOUT
Shélynn (Shé) Riel is Bridge's Expert Series Webinar Moderator and IDELTOnline instructor. She holds a Master of Education in TESOL and over fifteen years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Shé has held positions of leadership in curriculum development and program administration at universities and non-profits in the U.S., served as a facilitator for various digital exchanges for global English teachers, and delivered professional development to teachers on the ground in Argentina, Bangladesh, and China. Her interests include holistic teacher development, learner identity, and decolonial ethics in the language classroom. She is the co-creator of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, which focuses on reflective practices for teachers around the world.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Shélynn Riel
Production by Communicating for Impact
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Multilingual speaker Urmi Hossain joins us to share her experiences learning multiple languages and the personalised strategies she’s developed. Urmi’s learning journey highlights the importance of finding methods that resonate with personal goals, interests, and cultural backgrounds.
Watch the episode with closed captions here.
Learning with Purpose
Urmi discusses how each language she’s learned holds a different significance in her life, from family connections to career advancement. By setting clear goals, she maintains motivation and purpose in her studies.
Overcoming Dialect Differences
Living in Canada, Urmi encountered distinct French dialects that challenged her listening skills. She shares how she adapted to these variations, gaining confidence in her ability to comprehend diverse accents and expressions.
Staying Motivated
Urmi stays driven through vision boards, regular goal check-ins, and strategic reminders. She believes motivation plays a vital role in language learning success, especially when progressing independently.
ABOUT
Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she is currently residing. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, polyglot, and mentor. She is the holder of the CFA charter as well as the CAIA charter. Her first book is: Discovering your identity, a rebirth from interracial struggle. She is an advocate of women's empowerment and very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the organisation called Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead where she spreads the message of gender equality and more women in leadership positions. She enjoys being a promoter of self-investing and personal development. Fun fact: she speaks 4.5 languages - Italian, Bengali, English, French and Spanish being the .5
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CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Urmi Hossain.
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Author and Teacher Trainer Katherine Rilley explores the role of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in English language teaching and materials. Katherine explains how CDA can help educators identify hidden meanings, assumptions, and power dynamics within their teaching materials so we can make changes that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Watch with closed captions here.
Understanding Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
CDA is an approach that examines how language and imagery in teaching materials can shape social realities, reinforce stereotypes, and influence ideologies. Katherine emphasises the importance of ensuring materials reflect diverse voices, backgrounds, and experiences.
Gender and Stereotypes in Textbooks
Katherine shares examples of how textbooks can reinforce outdated gender roles, such as referring to professionals as "policemen" or "firemen" instead of using gender-neutral terms. She discusses how such representations can limit students' perceptions of their future potential.
Adapting Materials for Inclusivity
Katherine stresses that no single textbook can fully meet the needs of all learners. Teachers should adapt materials to reflect different cultures, abilities, and perspectives. She encourages educators to use inclusive visuals, update resources, and incorporate diverse voices.
Actionable Steps for Teachers
Katherine’s top tips for educators:
ABOUT
Katherine Reilly is an ELT Teacher Trainer and Author of numerous publications in children’s literature, teaching materials and ICT. She has taught Language Methodology and Materials Development at the University of Athens, previously at the Technological University of Cyprus and finally, at the Oxford TEFL Training Centre for the Innovate ELT Conference. Her expertise includes training school faculties in inclusive teaching methodology, diverse educational materials adaptation, and the application of Critical Discourse Analysis to examine socio-cultural dimensions.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Katherine Reilly
Production by Communicating for Impact
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Author Martin Hajek talks about the importance of role models and access to information to make informed decisions about our careers in the English Language Teaching industry. Martin shares three stories from his latest book More Than A Gap Year Adventure that demonstrate the wide range of career paths that are possible.
Watch with closed captions here.
Inspiration Behind the Book
Martin shares how his training as a journalist inspired him to start researching and compiling various essays from educators around the world for More Than A Gap Year Adventure.
Challenging Negative Narratives
Part of the inspiration for the title of the book was to challenge the perception that work in the industry is temporary and lacking in professional training and roles. He goes on to talk about the role click-through TEFL certificate course providers have to play in perpetuating this misconception.
Three Different Stories
Martin shares three very different essays featured in More Than A Gap Year Adventure that sheds light on work in assessment and material design as just a few examples of what is possible in the ELT field.
ABOUT
Martin Hajek is a freelance ELT professional based in Colombia. Originally a journalist, he decided to sign up for a CELTA course at the age of 30. Martin immediately fell in love with teaching English and started looking for a way to move beyond entry-level jobs, which led him to complete a DELTA. Martin focuses on career development, language assessment, phonology, and teaching listening skills. In February 2024, he self-published More Than a Gap Year Adventure, a collaborative book aimed at those who wish to have a long-term career in the ELT profession.
REFERENCES
Hajek, M. (2024) More Than a Gap Year Adventure: How to Make a Long-Term Career out of TEFL. Independent
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Martin Hajek
Production by Communicating for Impact
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Author Rachael Harris discusses her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, and how her experience teaching teens and young learners inspired her to focus on inclusive practices and the importance of strategies to boost students' performance. The conversation explores examples from Rachael's book, emphasising direct and indirect learning strategies that can be applied in the classroom and beyond.
Watch with closed captions here.
TALKING POINTS
ABOUT
Rachael Harris has taught ELT, literature & current affairs in primary & secondary schools in Geneva for over 15 years. Up until recently, she was the joint coordinator for the IATEFL Inclusive Practices & SEN special interest group. Her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, is a collection of tried-and-tested strategies, designed to help learners succeed in the language classroom and beyond. Check out Rachael's blog, Fab English Ideas and follow her on LinkedIn.
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Editor: Haven Tsang
Thanks to our wonderful guest, Rachael Harris
Production by Communicating for Impact
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