Here’s my recent article for English Teaching Professional, March 2019. Why is LinkedIn so good for teachers, and particularly budding materials writers? Have a read…
professional development
Tech tips for new materials writers
These tips may sound simple to some, but useful to others! As a new writer I reckon you’ll have to do some of the things below, so this primer could help you hit the ground running…
IATEFL 2017: Does feedback work?
A summary of Loraine Kennedy’s main points from the talk ‘In one ear and out the other: does feedback work?’ You can access the session here (again, won’t embed). Orientation This talk was specifically about in-service feedback for teachers, not… Read More ›
DipTESOL Phonology Interview
There are some useful resources online the DipTESOL phonology interview. You can find two great overviews about it from Gemma Lunn and Dave Dodgson. Both mention the example videos by Oxford TEFL, which I think are done by the tutors… Read More ›
Evaluating course books – checklists
I’m currently studying a module in Materials Development through NILE online. It’s a really worthwhile course so far! Unit two talked about evaluating materials, specifically course books. We were introduced to a range of checklists that could be used for… Read More ›
Teaching for Success online conference
Oh look, Se at TalkTEFL has been taking the Mickey out of our ‘Quality Circle’… Sarah Smith and I will be chatting about our teacher-led development group (‘The Quircle’) at the British Council Teaching for Success online conference. We’re on the… Read More ›
Perceptions of the DipTESOL
If you’re about to finish the Trinity DipTESOL, prepare yourself. You’ll soon have one of the most poorly understood qualifications in ELT. I finished mine in late 2014. Since then, I’ve had 3 different DELTA-qualified teachers suggest that my next… Read More ›
Negative attitudes to professional development
In the 6 years I’ve been teaching I’ve encountered a lot of negative attitudes towards professional development. Sure, at times I’ve been negative or cynical too – no-one’s perfect! It’s just that over the last few years I’ve really come… Read More ›
15 ways I’ve developed as a teacher this year
I’ve had a really busy year. I’ve taught in four different countries since January. They’ve included a quick winter camp in Spain (which was great fun), a short stint back in England, an amazing summer in Vietnam and now Christmas… Read More ›
ELT Planning 