On the CELTA YL course I did a story retelling task. The students had watched a Shaun the Sheep video, and I’d pre-taught some of the tough vocab. After the video I wanted them to retell the story, but they… Read More ›
teacher development
Post-it note votes
A quick post-task for poster work. We’ve been doing quite a bit of post-it note voting recently, students seem to like it. Display posters around the room. In this case, we were designing environmentally friendly parks. Tell students that we will… Read More ›
Distance learning for teachers – is it right for you?
It’s a pleasure to introduce this guest post from Phil Wade. He shares some useful advice for teachers thinking of undertaking distance study. I did my first TEFL course with i-to-i about 18 years ago and as a follow-up, I… Read More ›
Writing for ELT magazines
I’ve been published in a few industry magazines over the past year. Some of you might like to do the same. If so, here are a few tips. I’m no expert, but you might find them useful. What do you… Read More ›
Tips for managing young learners
We set up a ‘Quality Circle’ here at the British Council Bangkok last term. Ours is basically like a reflective practice group set up for teachers, by teachers. We meet twice a term. Every 5 weeks we choose a topic… Read More ›
EFL Classroom Management Techniques
I contacted Cambridge University Press last month. I said ‘If you send me a book, I’ll review it on my blog.’ To my surprise, a copy of Classroom Management Techniques by Jim Scrivener turned up in my pigeon hole at… Read More ›
Getting teens to talk
This post outlines my problem-solving techniques, and offers some tips for improving interaction in teen classes. It’s only a few weeks into term, but I’m revisiting familiar issues with my new teen classes: Why are they so timid? Why won’t… Read More ›
ELT Planning 