I had the pleasure of attending a conference on Integrated Learning and Assessment last week in Hue (Vietnam), hosted by Cambridge Assessment. Here’s a bit about the conference, and some take home points. Why was I there? I’ve been working… Read More ›

reflections
Going freelance
I’ve stepped out of the classroom for a year to do more writing. While this is only a temporary thing for me, it’s still pretty daunting – ditching the steady income and taking a leap of faith! Aaargh! I’m only… Read More ›
From EFL to EAL: Subject teachers and staging tasks
There’s plenty of content from my initial TEFL training (2006 – wow) that is still relevant to my everyday practice as an EAL teacher. Here’s one example. If you have undertaken initial teacher training in EFL (such as a CELTA… Read More ›
Planning an EAL INSET
Last term, I was asked to plan some in-service training for teachers on strategies to support our Secondary EAL learners. This was highlighted as an area for development across the secondary school, based on observations, self-reflections, informal chats, and so… Read More ›
Questions to ask at an EAL Teacher interview
When you get that ’is there anything you’d like to ask us about the role, the school, or…’ etc. Of course, a lot depends on context. Still, here are a few things that might be worth asking about a potential… Read More ›
Reflections on my EAL role
I’ve just finished a stint working in English as an Additional Language (EAL) at an international school. It’s been a really interesting experience, and one that has changed my direction in both teaching and writing. I know many teachers (especially… Read More ›
ELTea Time Chat: Digital Teaching Skills
Last week, I had a chat with Del and Super from Macmillan Asia about digital teaching skills. Among other things, we mentioned: How online teaching/learning went for us in our different contexts Challenges and lessons learnt from online teaching Tools… Read More ›
Research in brief: Communicative and task-based language teaching in East Asian classrooms
Author and year William Littlewood (2007) Link to the review here or Google Scholar it. Overview A review of reports into the implementation of Communicative and TBLT approaches in East Asia (Primary and Secondary levels). No primary research, a review… Read More ›
How can the British Council turn it around?
Note: I’m very fond of the British Council and I owe them a lot. This is not intended as a critique – I really want to see them rebuild their operations here in Thailand. This is just my idea. It… Read More ›
Year in review
It’s been a busy one! I still have writing projects to wrap up before the Xmas break, but I’m taking a moment off for some reflection. So, how’s everything been this year? Teaching I’ve learnt quite a bit from my… Read More ›