This was a context builder for a sequence of lessons on viral videos, viral ad campaigns, viral marketing, etc. It’s similar to the idea I shared for introducing recipes. Anyway, used this with B1+ teens, worked well. Task 1 Find… Read More ›
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Lesson idea: the ideal classroom
My secondary class (age 14+, B1) are exploring education in our latest module. We are building up to a ‘design your ideal school’ task. The first step was to consider what makes a good classroom/learning environment. Step 1: General discussion… Read More ›
How to annoy commissioning editors (and find work)
Another ‘how to become a materials writer’ article has popped up – Kirsten Holt’s article for ETPro offers some more good advice for budding writers. Every time I read one of these posts I’m itching to chip in. I really… Read More ›
Learning to read the world through other eyes
I’ve just come across this booklet as part of the reading on the PGCEi at the University of Nottingham. It’s a brilliant open access resource for exploring global citizenship. It offers a series of cross-cultural exercises, which help learners to…… Read More ›
What are good working conditions in ELT?
I’ve read a lot about poor pay and working conditions in ELT recently. Keith Copley’s recent article in ETPro touched upon some of the many issues that influence working conditions in the industry – institutional power, neoliberal-romantic rhetoric that promotes… Read More ›
Lesson idea: Great British Bake Off
It’s the penultimate week of term. State schools are on holiday, so the students have already requested something ‘fun’ and ‘light’ for lessons this week. The current topic is food. It’s lacked a creative task so far, and I don’t… Read More ›
More on developing meaning-building skills in reading
This post follows on from Rachael Roberts’ great article on developing meaning-building skills in reading. As Rachael says, comprehension questions have their place but they also have their limitations. Tasks that develop meaning-building skills, which you could use alongside/instead of… Read More ›
Trends in the ELT materials market (?)
I don’t know what the trends are. No facts here. Just my opinion. I’m interested – do you agree/disagree/take offence/think these are pointlessly general statements/etc? Please comment! Key markets for most publishers seem to be China, Mexico, Turkey and Brazil…. Read More ›
Materials writing conversations #5: the recording
This is a completely imaginary conversation. No characters in the convo are based on real people – I’m just bored and imagining conversations I might have with editors… Editor: We need to get all the listening texts finalised by early… Read More ›
Materials writing news and views, September 2019
September already? It’ll soon be Xmas… New releases Deborah Hobbs (author) mentioned the release of ‘Open World’ (CUP). This is from the Cambridge English website: Open World is an exciting new course from Cambridge which takes you further. Embark on… Read More ›
ELT Planning 