The research Winter, C. (2018). Disrupting colonial discourses in the geography curriculum during the introduction of British Values policy in schools. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 50(4), 456-475. Open access, click here. Summary The aim of the study was ‘to expose and disrupt… Read More ›
materials writing
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 ›
ELT materials writing – my year in review
It’s been quite a good year on the writing front. Balancing writing with full-time teaching is tough, but the rewards are great! It’s only three weeks until our xmas holidays so I’m calling this the end of my writing year…. 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 ›
Materials writing conversations #4: the artwork brief
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… [Researched photo: someone sunbathing] Comment (design): Can you be more specific? E.g…. Read More ›
Materials writing conversations #3: natural, authentic speech
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: So, do you have any suggestions for the pronunciation stage? We… Read More ›
Materials writing conversations #2: death, death, death
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: You’re coming up with some great material for the ‘Extremes’ unit…. Read More ›