Hello and welcome to TESOL Pop: the mini podcast for busy English Language teachers just like you. Grab a coffee and hang out with us we chat with fellow educators around the world about teaching, careers, and trends. Whether you are looking for some fresh ideas for your classes, considering your next career move, or simply want to hear about the latest hot topic in TESOL, then you're in the right place. Think of us as your virtual teaching staff room, in podcast form.
Listen to the latest episode of your favourite podcast player, watch with closed captions on our YouTube channel, or get the best of both options by visiting our website, tesolpop.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello and welcome to TESOL Pop: the mini podcast for busy English Language teachers just like you. Grab a coffee and hang out with us we chat with fellow educators around the world about teaching, careers, and trends. Whether you are looking for some fresh ideas for your classes, considering your next career move, or simply want to hear about the latest hot topic in TESOL, then you're in the right place. Think of us as your virtual teaching staff room, in podcast form.
Listen to the latest episode of your favourite podcast player, watch with closed captions on our YouTube channel, or get the best of both options by visiting our website, tesolpop.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Watch with closed captions.
KEY 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.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
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CREDITS
Producer: Laura Wilkes
Editor: Jess Li Thorkildsen
Special thanks to our guest, Dr. Joel Floyd
Production by Communicating for Impact
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
Production by Communicating for Impact
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
KEY 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 make a revolution in how we create and share educational content. Amazy.uk, recognized 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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CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Kate Bodrova.
Production by Communicating for Impact
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
KEY 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 & RESOURCES
Africa ELTA (Mentoring programmes)
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CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Amira Salama
Production by Communicating for Impact
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
KEY 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.
Learn more about Jade:
REFERENCES
MORE FROM TESOL Pop
Try these speaking game ideas with your adult and teen students.
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CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Jade Arthur
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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, executive functions' role in learning, and how going back to basics can foster focus and resilience in our classrooms.
Watch the episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Digital Overload:
André highlights how delegating human interaction to devices has contributed to declining IQ levels for the first time in recorded history. He explains why educators must rethink the role of technology in teaching to align with how the brain processes information.
Executive Functions:
André explains the importance of training the brain's "operational control centre'‘ through situations that challenge students' impulse control, emotional regulation, and focus. He emphasises how avoiding frustration deprives learners of opportunities to develop these critical skills.
The Dopamine Dilemma:
André dives into the neuroscience behind dopamine and how easily accessible digital rewards disrupt the brain's balance. He advocates for finding healthier ways to engage students without relying on instant gratification.
Back to Basics:
From play-based learning to fostering genuine human connections, André urges educators to revisit traditional methods that prioritise interaction, exploration, and meaningful experiences over digital dependence.
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.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
LISTEN TO MORE
TESOL Pop Season 5, Episode 7: The Know, Show and Grow Stages of Teaching and Learning with André Hedlund
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CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, André Hedlund
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Watch with closed captions here.
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.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Ruth Pringle.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Closed captions here.
What is translanguaging?
Josianne defines translanguaging as the natural blending of languages to communicate effectively. She shares real-world examples, such as using gestures, words from other languages we know, and cultural knowledge to convey meaning.
The role of translanguaging
Josianne explains how translanguaging reflects the interconnected nature of languages in our minds. Far from being a shortcut, it’s a powerful tool for building confidence and fostering curiosity among learners.
Classroom strategies
Josianne describes how she incorporates translanguaging by:
Safe learning spaces
Josianne emphasises the importance of establishing clear guidelines for using learners’ first languages. She shares how this approach helps students transition from relying on their native languages to gaining confidence in English.
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.
REFERENCES
Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Josianne Block.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
REFERENCES
Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Shélynn Riel.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Center 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.
FOLLOW
Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Katherine Reilly.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Martin Hajek.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Inspiration Behind the Book
Rachael shares how her experience with teens and young learners inspired her to write Activities for Developing Learning Strategies. She emphasises the importance of teaching students how to learn, which can significantly boost their performance and confidence.
Direct and Indirect Learning Strategies
Rachael outlines the two main types of strategies covered in the book: direct strategies (like vocabulary memorisation) and indirect strategies (such as goal setting and motivation). Both play a critical role in enhancing learning and can be applied across different subjects.
Goal Setting and Quick Wins
One of the most effective techniques Rachael uses is goal setting, where students break down large goals into manageable tasks. The “quick wins” strategy helps maintain motivation by encouraging students to complete small, easy tasks when they feel stuck or demotivated.
Scientific Basis for Learning Strategies
Rachael’s activities are grounded in research, particularly a meta-analysis that shows the most effective learning techniques. She encourages her students to focus on proven methods like spaced practice and self-testing, instead of relying on less effective techniques like re-reading and highlighting.
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 IATEFL Inclusive Practices & SEN special interest group. Her latest book Activities for Developing Learning Strategies is a collection of tried tested strategies, designed to help learners succeed in the language classroom and beyond.
REFERENCES
FOLLOW
Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our wonderful guest, Rachael Harris.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kirsten Holt, founder of Creativity Sown, talks about experiential learning in teacher development. In this episode, Kirsten shares practical tips for getting started and highlights the value of building a community to exchange ideas and support growth.
Watch this episode with closed captions here.
KEY TALKING POINTS
What is experiential learning?
Kirsten explains that experiential learning involves applying knowledge in a practical setting (e.g., a classroom), followed by reflection and adjustment. This process helps teachers improve their teaching methods by learning from both successes and mistakes.
Iterative Process of Learning
Teachers are encouraged to try new activities, reflect on their outcomes, and make adjustments. This cycle of testing, analysing, and repeating leads to deeper learning and continuous professional development.
Collaborative and Reflective Practice
Experiential learning thrives in a collaborative environment where teachers share ideas, reflect on their experiences, and help each other improve. It helps foster a positive, engaging staff room culture or even an online community for solo practitioners.
Practical Applications and Resources:
Kirsten highlights how experiential learning can be applied to new technologies, such as AI, by experimenting with different teaching tools and approaches. She also gives the example of Creativity Sown, where teachers can exchange ideas and receive feedback.
ABOUT
Kirsten is based in Brighton, UK where she runs Creativity Sown, a company providing editorial, writing, training and education consultancy services. This encapsulates her 30 years’ experience in education, first in teaching, teacher training and school management, then in publishing, with her passion in training and mentoring. She has written course material for kindergarten learners through to adults, blog content and classroom resources for teachers and teacher trainers; designed and run face-to-face conferences, events online and training programmes, and edited hundreds of books! She is also an international conference speaker, a British Council ELTons judge and has served on the IATEFL MaWSIG and PronSIG Committees.
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Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Kirsten Holt.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
English language trainer Leo Wu shares insights into tasks he uses in his classes to support his Business English learners in developing essential soft skills for the workplace. In this episode, Leo explains why communication, rather than just language proficiency, is key to success in the business world.
Watch this episode with closed captions here.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Misconceptions in Business English Education
Leo discusses how many students, especially in Taiwan, see Business English as grammar and vocabulary-focused, rather than as a tool for effective communication in the workplace. Leo goes on to highlight the importance of building soft skills like confidence, teamwork, and interpersonal communication to succeed in real-world business environments.
Classroom Activities
Leo walks through tasks and activities he uses in classes, such as mock business meetings, writing appreciation emails, and icebreaker activities, that foster teamwork and improve students' ability to communicate effectively.
Test Preparation versus Communication Skills
Leo touches on the need to balance test-focused learning with practical language use to help students excel both academically and professionally.
ABOUT
Leo Wu, also known as Wuber on social media, is an ESL English teacher and trainer based in Taiwan. Over the past thirteen years, Leo has worked with learners of all ages in various online and offline settings. Currently, he is focused on teaching business-related content to professionals. He teaches at ILI Language Center(文化大學語言中心), and AMC English school, and also provides my private personalised English training lessons through his social media channels. He believes that everyone is capable of speaking languages beautifully and confidently - something that shines through in all the work he does.
FOLLOW LEO
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CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Leo Wu.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Roger Hubmann, founder of Happy Students, talks about the evolving role of online learning platforms in language education. Roger shares how modern platforms can create dynamic, engaging, and personalised learning paths for students. He discusses the shift towards using digital tools to support pre and post-class activity, ensuring deeper learning engagement outside the classroom.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Evolution of Online Learning
Roger explains how platforms have evolved from static libraries to tools that support personalised and interactive learning paths. Online learning platforms can act as a digital frame that fosters communication and collaboration between learners and teachers.
A Practical Case Study
Medicus Linguae is a great example of how mobile technology and learning platforms can interlink. In the case of Happy Students, the smartphone-compatible platform enables students to upload audio and video assignments, thus increasing their opportunities to develop their skills outside the live class hours.
A Time-Saving Solution
Online or blended learning experiences can save time so that teachers and learners can focus more on meaningful live interactions. Roger also points out how AI tools can assist in creating teaching materials to support teachers in moving to an online or blended teaching model.
ABOUT
Roger Hubmann, Founder of Happy Students, is passionate about creating engaging digital learning interactions and developing digital ecosystems with experts and their knowledge.
With a background in economics, he has extensive experience in digital engagement, product development, and startup developments in virtual worlds and eCommerce. He’s Zurich-based, has lived over a decade in Spain, Berlin, and the UK. Roger believes that the education sector is undergoing similar digital transformations as banking and commerce, where innovation through digital means is key to differentiation.
REFERENCES
Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our special guest, Roger Hubmann.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In our 100th episode, TESOL Pop's co-founders Laura Wilkes and Eve Conway dive into the evolving world of generative AI and its implications for education. The explores challenges and opportunities tools like ChatGPT present in learning, assessment, and plagiarism.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
What is Generative AI?
Eve breaks down the basics of generative AI and provides examples of what's currently available on the market, from text to art-generating tools. ChatGPT is highlighted as a tool that is having a growing influence on teaching and learning.
AI and Academic Integrity
The ease with which students can use AI to generate essays and assignments has raised concerns about plagiarism. Eve shares real examples of challenges teachers are facing now when it comes to coursework and assessment.
Future of Assessment
As AI continues to evolve, educators must rethink assessment methods. Eve and Laura discuss the shift towards externally assessed exams and question whether timed assessments are effective, especially for students needing extra support.
Classroom Strategies for AI Integration
Eve shares practical classroom strategies, such as comparing AI-generated texts with student work and using AI as a springboard for critical thinking. These strategies can help educators embrace AI while ensuring students develop their own ideas.
ABOUT
Eve Conway is a co-founder of TESOL Pop and has a wide range of experience in education. She taught internationally for over ten years during which time she specialised as a young learner-teacher trainer. In more recent years, Eve has moved into a career in educational publishing and assessment design, where she tries to use her experience in the classroom to design meaningful learning materials.
REFERENCES
Love what we do? Say thanks with coffee.
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to fellow co-founder and special guest, Eve Conway.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Basma Abd Elhamied (أبلة بسمة), founder of TEFLship, talks about the importance of having a personal brand, how teachers can start, and how video can help in the process. Basma also shares practical tips so you can start creating videos.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
What is Personal Branding?
Branding is like the story people know about you. Basma emphasises how teachers can enhance their visibility and access more opportunities by building their professional brand.
Role of Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for personal branding. It allows teachers to connect beyond their local network and gain wider recognition. Creating videos that you can post on social platforms can help create a strong professional image.
Starting with Video Creation
Begin with what you have; you don’t need expensive equipment. If videos seem intimidating initially, write articles or blog posts and transition to video content as confidence grows.
Practical Tips for Video Creation
Simplify the process to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Basma recommends using familiar tools and collaborating with others to ease the workload. Embracing mistakes is part of the learning journey.
ABOUT
Basma Abd Elhamied (أبلة بسمة) is a Teacher Trainer, Education Consultant, Team Leader and English Instructor. She has been teaching since 2011 and has worked at the American University in Cairo, among other universities and organisations.
Basma founded TEFLship, the first community for English teachers in Egypt and the Middle East. TEFLship is a startup aiming at social impact and helping qualify thousands of teachers. TEFLship over a hundred online courses reached more than 1.7 Million views and over 40,000 watching hours from different countries in the Arab world and the world.
REFERENCES
Say thanks
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our inspiring guest, Basma Abd Elhamied.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gemma Archer shares insights from her latest book: Teaching English Pronunciation for a Global World co-authored with Robin Walker. In this episode, Gemma talks about prioritising intelligibility over native-likeness in language learning, setting realistic learning goals, as well as shares techniques we can use to develop learners’ pronunciation.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Prioritising Intelligibility
Gemma stresses the importance of focusing on students' intelligibility rather than aiming for native-like pronunciation, ensuring they can be understood in international contexts.
Needs Analysis and Student Goals
Teachers can conduct a needs analysis by observing students' speech or collecting speech samples to identify specific pronunciation issues. Understanding students' goals and requirements is crucial.
Challenging Prestige Models
The dominance of marketed native-speaker accents, particularly from Southeast England and general American English, in teaching materials, media, and marketing shapes students' perceptions. Teachers should address and challenge these notions, emphasising the value of diverse English accents.
Techniques for Teaching Pronunciation
Simple, low-preparation techniques are recommended. Visual aids, gestures, and using students' language examples are effective. Emphasising sound differences and durations, such as using elastic bands to show vowel length, helps students grasp pronunciation better.
ABOUT
Gemma is an EAP teacher and programme co-ordinator in the ELT unit at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. She is also a pronunciation specialist, teacher trainer, and is joint-coordinator of IATEFL Pronunciation special interest group (PronSIG) and former editor of the SIG’s biannual journal Speak Out! (2017-2023). She is co-author of Teaching English Pronunciation for a Global World (OUP, 2024) and her research interests lie in the field of pronunciation pedagogy and accent, and the issues which can arise when students and teachers of English are confronted with diverse regional and global varieties of English.
REFERENCES
Say thanks
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our fab guest, Gemma Archer.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Emily Bryson shares how visual templates can enhance learning by providing a creative way for students to brainstorm and plan projects, such as podcasts. This episode includes practical demonstrations and tips on incorporating visual templates and graphic facilitation into classrooms.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Visual Templates versus Graphic Organisers
Emily explains how visual templates differ from graphic organisers which tend to centre on tables and diagrams that students fill in or label. Visual templates often incorporate a backstory or metaphor, making them more engaging and story-driven.
Playfulness in Visual Learning
Visual templates add a playful, creative element to learning, inspiring students to think outside the box by using doodles, words and phrases to populate the template. Emily emphasises how doodling can make the planning process less intimidating and more accessible.
Practical Application in Classrooms
Emily suggests how teachers can use visual templates for brainstorming and project planning. Suggestions for interactive classroom activities, such as pitching podcast ideas and using them to scaffold speaking activities.
ABOUT
Emily Bryson is an ELT professional with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. She has written various print and digital materials, including National Geographic Learning’s Voices series, 50 Ways to Teach Life Skills and the A-Z of ESOL. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and uses visual tools and graphic facilitation strategies to make learning more engaging, accessible and fun. She is a resident blogger for Ellii Learning and frequently delivers teacher development sessions for various ELT organisations. Her teacher development courses with a visual twist have been described as ‘the nicest corner of the internet’, and her sketch notes are extremely popular on socials.
Visit Emily’s website here to learn more.
REFERENCES
Use the visual templates featured in this episode. Download The Fun Podcast Planner here.
Say thanks
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our creative guest, Emily Bryson.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
